Community Health & Emergency Services, Inc.

Community Health & Emergency Services, Inc. (CHESI) is a well-established Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has been serving the Southern Illinois region for over 40 years. Its mission is to provide effective and responsive healthcare to its patients, with a vision to establish comprehensive primary health care systems at all its access points, including medical, dental, diagnostic, psychiatric, and urgent care services. CHESI offers a broad range of services, including primary medical care, dental services, behavioral healthcare, and various specialty services. They are committed to providing care to all individuals, regardless of their financial situation, and offer a discounted sliding fee program for uninsured or under-insured patients. This commitment aligns with their status as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, emphasizing comprehensive, coordinated, accessible, high-quality, and safe care. The organization operates across seven counties in Southern Illinois: Alexander, Hardin, Jackson, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, and White counties, with nine regional primary care access points. Dr. Scott M. Bietsch, DMD, mentioned in the source content, is affiliated with CHESI, practicing dentistry at locations like Harrisburg Community Health, which is a CHESI site. Dr. Bietsch is also noted for specializing in pediatric dentistry, treating children from newborn to age 14, and also adults with special needs. CHESI emphasizes walk-in appointments and provides telemedicine options to enhance accessibility. Their affiliations include various health organizations and governmental bodies, highlighting their integration within the broader healthcare network of Illinois. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CHESI is dedicated to community well-being and is a vital resource for healthcare in underserved areas of Southern Illinois.