Community Health of East TN opened its doors in 1980.  At that time, we were only a Black Lung Clinic Program, with 4 clinics strategically located throughout the state.  Our original name was TN Respiratory Clinics.  That was 43 years ago, and we are still going strong.

Over the years we have been greatly blessed, our name has changed a couple of times from TN Respiratory Clinics, to Regional Education and Community Health Services or REACHS, and now Community Health of East TN, better known as CHET.

With each name change we have grown.  We currently have over 80 employees, 7 direct programs, 2 domestic violence shelters, a free clothing thrift store, a behavior health clinic and a medical clinic with 13 providers.  Our clinics are charged on a sliding scale for those that do not have insurance or have inadequate insurance.  No one is ever turned away based on their ability to pay.

Every program we have, or have ever had, strives for perfection, whether it be audits, compliance or services.   All of our programs are monitored and audited by several different departments within the state and federal government and we always maintain a high ranking on all reports.

Here at CHET we stress quality over quantity. Community has always been at the heart of everything we do.   Our Mission Statement of “Answering the Need” sums our organization up pretty well.  Our goal is to offer the best possible services to our community and the people we serve. When a need arises, we strive to find resources to meet that need.

We always strive to be the source of meeting each community need and the people we serve daily. With the ongoing support of our Staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers, CHET is ready for the challenges and achievements ahead.