KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — State and local leaders joined staff from InterFaith Health Center on Monday to unveil upcoming improvements to an office facility, turning it into a clinic and providing integrated care for patients.
"The good work of InterFaith is helping the Department of Health to achieve our mission: improving the lives of Tennesseans, and also exemplifying what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 25, when he said, 'What you do unto the least of these, you do unto me,'" said Ralph Alvarado, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health.
InterFaith Health Center plans to renovate an office space on Middlebrook Pike into the new clinic, providing integrated care. It's a model of healthcare that emphasizes communication between providers, resulting in a single and comprehensive plan for patients.
Leaders said the new approach to healthcare could serve as a model for counties across the state.
The health center said renovations will cost around $10 million, and it's raised around $8 million to cover the bill.
"I would say it's a miracle, but it's not because the Knoxville community is such a giving community and we've called on people and there's been very little hesitancy," said Mintha Roach, an InterFaith board member.
Most of that money comes from private donors. Melissa Knight, the executive director of InterFaith Health Center, said she is confident the nonprofit's mission will continue to sell itself and help it reach its goal.
"When you're able to paint a picture of someone's neighbor, the waitress that waits on you when you go to lunch, when you're able to paint that picture — it makes it easier for people to understand why they need to give," she said.