CHATTANOOGA, TN -- Last week, Chattanooga State Community College became the first community college in Tennessee to provide an on-campus Student Health Clinic. Funded in part by a $500,000 Tennessee Department of Health grant, the clinic offers no-cost healthcare to students aged 18 and older, regardless of insurance status.  

The clinic provides a wide range of services, including physicals, women’s wellness visits, and basic health screenings. Students can also receive testing and treatment for common illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. Additional services include pregnancy testing, referrals to local healthcare partners, and mental health care. The clinic also aims to offer vaccines in the future. 

Heather Montgomery, Director of Student Health Services and Wellness, said preventative care is a cornerstone of the clinic’s mission. 

“Everybody needs annual checkups,” she said. “A lot of people in the U.S. only go to a doctor when they’re sick, but there are a lot of things we can prevent. We want to make sure students have the resources to be their healthiest and best selves.” 

The Student Health Clinic represents Chattanooga State’s commitment to holistic student support. 

"Getting students back on track quickly, without worrying about how to pay for an urgent care visit, definitely takes away a major stressor," she said. “Our goal is to improve graduation rates by removing barriers.” 

Located in the Student Center, The Student Health Clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Students can make appointments by calling (423) 697-5522. International students are required to have insurance but may still use the clinic without charge.