Enlarge Jen Algire, executive director of Community Health Services.

Posted: November 29th, 2009 Ayofemi Kirby

Throughout November, the Crossroads Charlotte Correspondents will spotlight individuals who deserve thanks for what they do to improve the city's social capital.

While health care legislation slowly makes its way through Congress, the staff at Community Health Services (CHS) doesn’t wait to provide free health care services to those who need them the most.

Lead by Executive Director Jen Algire, the team of 25 at CHS provides preventative health care services to the under-insured and the uninsured. With 2,000 volunteers, and millions in local donations, the organization has grown from serving primarily seniors to supporting and teaching all community members on how to advocate for themselves in a doctor's office and beyond.

“Its great to help people get health care,” Algire said. “But we really want people to see what we have to change in the system to see real change.”

One example: "Ask Me Three," a series of questions patients can ask doctors to better understand preventative care and diagnosis.

Why she does what she does?

“People are hurting, but nobody’s talking about people,” Algire said. “We talk about insurers, consumers and providers, but what about people? Me? You? Your next-door neighbor? It’s people who need help, it's people who are hurting."

What's next?

Check out the video for Algire's hopes for Charlotte.

Know someone who is a connector for a community?

Nominate that person to be profiled by a Crossroads Charlotte Correspondent. Email his or her name, phone number and email address and a brief description of what they do to Crossroads Charlotte. If your nominee is selected, you will be contacted by a correspondent.

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