Southside Community Health Services

Southside Community Health Services (SCHS) is a well-established and vital non-profit organization located at 4243 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409, with an additional location for medical and behavioral health at 324 East 35th Street. Founded in 1971 by three volunteers in partnership with Southside Ministries and Abbott Northwestern Hospital, SCHS has dedicated over five decades to providing compassionate, high-quality primary care to underserved individuals and families in the South Minneapolis community. It operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), signifying its commitment to serving all people, regardless of their ability to pay, through a sliding fee discount program and acceptance of various insurance plans. SCHS offers a comprehensive range of integrated healthcare services, including primary medical care (acute care, well-women care, immunizations, chronic disease management, prenatal and newborn care, cancer screenings, and more), dental services (preventive, restorative, emergency care), vision care (full-service eye clinic with frames and lenses on-site), and behavioral health services (psychiatry, therapy, screening, family support, substance use disorder treatment, and medication management). They also provide enabling services like MNSure enrollment assistance, insurance help, and care coordination. Their mission is to "improve the health of our patients and communities by delivering exceptional care, removing barriers and promoting healthy lifestyles." Southside is committed to a holistic approach to care, addressing not only medical conditions but also the social determinants of health such as poverty, education, and access to resources. They prioritize cultural responsiveness, inclusion, and patient-centered care. SCHS has a significant impact on the community, serving over 11,000 low-income patients annually with approximately 55,000 total patient visits across their services. They are expanding their reach with the "One Southside" project, a new 30,950 sq. ft. community health and wellness center that will consolidate operations and introduce diagnostic laboratory, radiology, and mammography capabilities, making them the only FQHC in Minnesota to offer mammography. This expansion is projected to serve 25,000 patients annually and create new healthcare jobs. Southside also engages in community outreach, health education programs, and partnerships with other organizations to address health-related social needs.