CHARLOTTE, NC, August 14, 2026 - The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc. (CWWCHC) hosted its 12th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 8th to mark the end of National Health Center Week (NHCW) 2026, with the theme “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most." Held at the health center’s main campus on Wilkinson Boulevard, the event was part of a national campaign to recognize the 1,512 Community Health Centers (CHCs) that form the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. CHCs like CWWCHC provide affordable, comprehensive, primary care and wraparound services based on priority community needs, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for over 52 million people across the United States, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Over 1,500 community members attended the health fair, which brought families together for a day focused on health, wellness, education, and back-to-school readiness. Attendees received free bookbags and school supplies, back-to-school immunizations and physicals, health screenings, free food, and access to valuable community resources, while enjoying music, games, prizes, and family-friendly activities. More than 50 local organizations participated as vendors, providing educational information, connecting directly with residents, and distributing complimentary resources and giveaways.
The event also welcomed an distinguished group of federal, state, county, and local leaders, including U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Alma Adams; North Carolina State Senator Joyce Waddell; North Carolina House of Representatives members Becky Carney, Mary Belk, and Julia Greenfield; Mecklenburg County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell; Charlotte City Council Members Joi Mayo, Dimple Ajmera, Victoria Wattlington, and LaWana Mayfield; and NC District Court Judge Arethra Blake. The health fair was made possible in part through the generous support of its Platinum Sponsors: Cigna Healthcare, Alliance Health, and PSA Airlines, whose commitment played an important role in the success of this annual community health and wellness event.
“At The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of their circumstances,” said Debra Weeks, CEO of CWWCHC. “This health fair demonstrates what is possible when healthcare providers, community organizations, businesses, elected officials, and volunteers come together with a shared purpose. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and community partners whose support helped bring essential health services, resources, and back-to-school assistance directly to the families who need them most,” Weeks continued.
CWWCHC is part of a nationwide network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that are on the front lines on national public health challenges working to reduce health disparities. The organization addresses not only physical and mental health needs, but also the root causes of many health issues, including access to food, affordable housing, transportation, and other factors that affect health and wellness.
