Community Health Services, Inc.
History

Founded in 1970 through the efforts of the Clay Hill Improvement Association, the Junior League, the Hartford County Medical Association, the Connecticut Regional Medical Program and other community and city and business agencies, and leaders in the medical North End communities, Community Health Services, Inc. is Hartford’s largest and oldest independent health center.  Through the vision, perseverance, courage and commitment of these early professional and community leaders, CHS grew and prospered. 

The health center has its roots in the medical practice of one of our founders, Dr. Evans Daniels, who was later appointed CHS’ first Executive Director and Medical Director.  First located at 1023 Albany Avenue, center operations soon moved to a partially empty Stop & Shop building, ravaged by the recurrent civil disturbances and located at 520 Albany Avenue, on the corner of Albany Avenue and Garden Street. 

Following renovations, we were able to more properly manage the high demand for services from our patients. As time passed on, that demand came from residents throughout the Greater Hartford region. In 1997, we moved to our current three-story facility at 500 Albany Avenue. This state of the art medical facility allows us to provide services in a dignified and confidential setting. All the services are located in one building, making it easier for patients to access multiple services at one time.

Today, CHS is a major provider of critically needed medical and dental services to a large segment of the Greater Hartford community.  In the last three decades, the demand for our services has more than quadrupled.  The services we now offer have also grown exponentially.  In addition to the direct services we provide, CHS is a community leader, actively engaging in ensuring access to healthcare for the uninsured and medically underserved through advocacy  - championing legislation and affecting policy to help shape a new direction for CHCs within the State of Connecticut – and strategic partnerships such as its community development collaboration with the Greater Hartford YMCA and The Urban League of Greater Hartford to help increase opportunities and services in multiple arenas for North End residents.