As a partnership under Kingsport Tomorrow, CHIP is working to advance our community's shared vision (Vision 2017)and strive to ensure world-class, affordable wellness and health care in the region. CHIP was established in 1992 as a task force of Kingsport Tomorrow. Orginally called KAHIP-Kingsport Area Health Improvement Project, CHIP evolved from a group of business leaders and health care professionals who had worked to improve the quality of health care services. In 2000, KAHIP reorganized to serve a more regional community with the new name CHIP-Community Health Improvement Partnership. CHIP, still operating under the umbrella of Kingsport Tomorrow, represents a unique group of leaders from the health care sector, business and industry, and community organizations, all dedicated to improving the quality of health in our region through collaborative efforts.

Our Mission and Vision

The mission of CHIP is to facilitate and develop cooperative processes that improves the health status of people in our community and region. CHIP's vision is for the community to be a benchmark for health status and health care for... Residents/Patients: Health care is available to all residents. Residents are made aware of lifestyle factors affecting their health and are taking responsibility for leading healthier lifestyles. Business: Superior value of health care (high quality outcomes at optimal cost) helps attract and retain businesses, and assists them in maintaining their competitive positions. Employees are made aware of factors affecting their health and are taking responsibility for leading healthier lifestyles. Providers: A community data system provides facts and data to serve as a resource for improving health care in the region. Quality, costs, and scope of services attract patients to the region

Major Accomplishments 1990-2006

Since KAHIP/CHIP's inception in 1992, members have initiated community projects to improve the health of citizens in the community, as follows: Friends in Need Health Center, a non-profit organization working to provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to people working but uninsured. Drive SMART/TN Association of Highway Safety Leaders, established to provide equipment,training and advocacy to improve driver's instruction and highway safety, expanding from Kingsport to regional to statewide partnership through TN Governor's Highway Safety Office. Care Data Exchange, now called CareSpark began in 2003 and is leading the way as a Regional Health Information Organizaion (RHIO). CareSpark spun-off as its own seperate entity in October, 2005. Developing Healthy Communities, now called Regional Education and Action Coalition for Health (REACH), began in 2005. This Initiatives' main focus is childhood obesity and the factors there of, such as poor nutrition and lack of activity. The kickoff for this project started with a Forum on March 2nd, 2006.

Current Initiatives