Our History - Charles Drew Health Center

History of Charles Drew Health Center

Our Lifelong Mission to Care

Driven by our mission to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare in a manner that acknowledges the dignity of the individual, the strength of the family and the supportive network of the community, the Charles Drew Health Center is committed to being the primary care provider of choice. We continue to enhance our efforts to provide targeted healthcare services that eliminate health disparities, improve health outcomes, and promote health literacy among the individuals and families that proudly call Charles Drew Health Center their medical home.

1960s & 70s

The availability of medical services in North Omaha began to decline. Read more about the history of healthcare in North Omaha.

1980s

A group of community activists came together to address healthcare access for families in in the north and northeast areas of Omaha.

Omaha Skyline © Melinda Simonsen

1983

We received a federal grant to become a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and chose the name Charles Drew Health Center, after Dr. Charles Drew, a pioneer in the field of blood research. Our first permanent location was a converted laundromat at 2201 North 30th Street. Former Senator J. Robert Kerrey and Congressman Peter Hoagland were instrumental in securing federal funding to renovate the building and convert it into a viable health center.

A group of young children gather round as the ribbon is cut.

Ribbon Cutting

Dr. Charles Drew

1983

That same year, Robert Patterson was named the Executive Director of CDHC.

Robert Patterson

1985

We began offering Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services.

WIC Logo

1988

We added homeless healthcare services.

Homeless Healthcare

1992

We broke ground on our location at 2915 Grant Street, completing construction in 1993.

A group of diverse individuals watch as two men holding shovels begin digging into the ground at a groundbreaking event.

Groundbreaking at 2915 Grant Street

1993

We established our pharmacy department.

1994

We added dental care to our growing list of services.

2000

We received accreditation from the Joint Commission

2001

Richard L. Brown, PhD, FACHE was named our Chief Executive Officer.

An African American man stands in a white shirt and tie in front of Charles Drew Health Center.

Richard L. Brown, PhD, FACHE Courtesy of Centris Federal Credit Union.

2003

We introduced Behavioral Health Services, and added our Fathers for a Lifetime program.

2004

We added Language Access and translation services.

2007

Expanding our Grant Street location, we added 13,500 square feet, doubling the number of exam rooms, creating space for Omaha Healthy Start, and expanding the pharmacy and laboratory areas.