By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) is a group of non-profit Community Healthcare Centers with integrated medical and behavioral health services. Established in 1979 in Saltville, Va., to improve access to healthcare services by providing comprehensive primary health care across the Appalachian Highlands. They are accepting new patients across all sites, including Bristol, Va., Meadowview, Saltville and Tazewell. The Business Journal sat down with SVCHS COO Chad Brown and CEO Bryan Haynes — who began his role in 2011 — for a dual interview to learn more.
Business Journal: Tell us about the history of SVCHS and its overall mission.
Chad Brown and Bryan Haynes: Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) was founded with a clear purpose: to ensure that individuals and families have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare — regardless of their ability to pay.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), our roots are grounded in community need.
Since our early beginnings, SVCHS has grown into a comprehensive healthcare network serving multiple counties across the region. Our mission centers on improving the health of our communities by providing patient-centered, accessible, and integrated care. We focus not just on treating illness, but on prevention, education, and whole-person wellness. At our core, SVCHS exists to remove barriers to care and strengthen the health of rural Southwest Virginia.
BJ: It appears that you are expanding services. How is this possible in the current environment?
CB, BH: Healthcare is challenging everywhere right now — especially in rural areas — but our growth has been intentional and mission-driven.
SVCHS has been able to expand services by:
• Focusing on integrated, team-based care
• Maximizing federal and state grant opportunities
• Investing in workforce development and provider recruitment
• Leveraging data to identify community health gaps
• Building strong partnerships with local schools, hospitals, and community organizations
Our strength lies in adaptability. We carefully assess the needs of our region and expand in ways that are sustainable and responsive. By diversifying services — such as behavioral health, pharmacy services, school-based health and medication assistance programs — we’re creating a stronger, more resilient system of care.
BJ: There is concern among rural health care outlets regarding funding due to government policy. What obstacles are you overcoming?
CB, BH: Rural healthcare providers across the country face uncertainty related to funding models, reimbursement rates, workforce shortages and evolving regulations at both the state and federal levels.
SVCHS navigates these challenges by:
• Maintaining strong financial oversight and diversified funding streams
• Advocating at the state and federal levels for rural health funding
• Strengthening operational efficiency
• Focusing on value-based care models
- Prioritizing recruitment and retention strategies for providers and staff
Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest challenges in rural healthcare. We address this through partnerships with educational institutions, creating clinical training pathways, and offering competitive and mission-driven workplace environments. Our resilience comes from staying proactive rather than reactive.
BJ: Talk about your services, specialties and the overall population you serve.
CB, BH: SVCHS provides comprehensive primary and preventive care across Southwest Virginia, serving patients of all ages — from newborns to seniors.
Our services include Family Medicine, Pediatrics
• Behavioral Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Dental Services
• School-Based Health Services
• Pharmacy Services
• Medication Assistance Programs (MAP)
• Chronic Disease Management
• Preventive Screenings and Wellness Visits
As an FQHC, we proudly serve insured, uninsured and underinsured individuals. We operate on a sliding fee scale to ensure affordability and access. Our patients represent the heart of rural Appalachia — hardworking families, children, seniors, veterans and individuals who might otherwise face significant barriers to care due to geography or financial limitations.
BJ: What’s next on the horizon for SVCHS?
CB, BH: Looking ahead, SVCHS is focused on continued strategic growth that strengthens access and sustainability.
Key priorities include:
• Expanding integrated behavioral health services
• Enhancing telehealth capabilities
• Strengthening school-based health programs
• Growing workforce recruitment and development initiatives
• Continuing community outreach and prevention efforts
Our long-term vision is to build a healthcare model that not only responds to illness but improves overall community wellness — addressing social determinants of health and ensuring that rural Southwest Virginia continues to have strong, accessible healthcare close to home. At SVCHS, we’re not just providing care; we’re investing in the future health of our region.
