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About CHI Memorial

CHI Memorial is a faith-based health care organization committed to improving lives in communities across Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. 

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ministry of healing

A ministry of healing

CHI Memorial cares for people in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. We offer a full range of services, from preventive and primary care to advanced treatments for cancer, heart and stroke – all delivered with a focus on quality and patient safety. With 4,700 employees and 650 physicians, we draw on a legacy of excellence and innovation to support your health needs. 

A member of CommonSpirit

Our history

1952

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

CHI Memorial's legacy of gentle caring was established by an exceptional group of women. Their successful ministry to the sick and suffering began in 1812. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth prayerfully accepted the challenge to operate Memorial Hospital, and their vision of compassionate healing has been at the heart of CHI Memorial sinces its beginning.

1997

Catholic Health Initiatives

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth acted with courage when they introduced faith-based health care to the Chattanooga area. They again acted courageously to strengthen that foundation of faith in 1997 when they joined Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI).

2019

CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health was created in February 2019 by aligning Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S., with more than 1,000 care sites in 21 states coast to coast. It serves 20 million patients in big cities and small towns across America.

Supporting our communities

Marilyn Helms, DBA, Chair

Michael Webb, MBA, Vice Chair

Sr. Judity Raley, SCN, Secretary

Jill M. Aplin, Immediate Past Chair

Sr. Jacqueline Aceto, SCN

Mark D. Anderson, MD

Allen E. Atchley, MD

Davey B. Daniel, MD

Steven H. Dowlen, MD

Candy Johnson

T. Douglas Lawson, PhD, President, South Region, CommonSpirit Health

MaryStewart Lewis

Rev. Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr.

Elizabeth F. McCright

Hany A. Naggar, MD, PhD

Marco S. Perez

Janelle G. Reilly, Market President

Tracy L. Wood

James Zellner, MD

Sloan Youngblood, MD, President, CHI Memorial Medical Staff (member of CHI Memorial Board only)

James Wahl, DO, President, CHI Memorial Hospital Georgia Medical Staff (member of Georgia Board only)

Clinical pastoral education (CPE) is practical, theological education and training designed to improve the quality of spiritual care provided by spiritual-leaders of all faiths and experience levels. Its foundation rests on the adult learning method that require students to own and direct their learning process. The action-reflection-action method integrates the elements of pastoral practice, case studies of the students' visits, theological reflection, group work with peers and supervisors, and evaluations. Each unit of CPE consists of 400 total hours with a minimum of 100 hours of group work spread over 10-26 weeks. 

Ideal Candidates for CPE 

  • Clergy and ministry professionals interested in enhancing their call and competencies for their current ministry.
  • Those who want to define and enhance their call to professional chaplaincy in marketplace, industrial, and other institutions.
  • Clergy members seeking certification through professional chaplaincy organizations.
  • Seminary students seeking opportunities to form their pastoral identity and pastoral experiences and skills that are complementary to their academic studies.

CHI Memorial integrates its healing ministry with medical excellence to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care. This unique environment fosters a spirit of welcome and provides CPE students with invaluable opportunities to learn, work, and grow as essential members of our healthcare team.

CHI Memorial Hospital CPE is accredited by ACPE. 

For more information about CHI Memorial Clinical Pastoral Education, call (423) 495-5737. To apply, email the completed applicaton to Bill Hawkins, certified educator, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. 

At CHI Memorial, our mission is to care for everyone in our community. We dedicate significant resources to programs and services that improve access to health care for underserved populations, including those who are uninsured. Our goal is to enhance the overall health and well-being of our community.

One of our most vital initiatives is providing mobile breast and lung cancer screenings for individuals who may find it challenging to visit a traditional health care facility. Each year, CHI Memorial’s mobile health coaches travel thousands of miles across 28 counties in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, bringing these lifesaving cancer screenings directly to the people who need them most.

With numerous convenient dates and locations, you can join us at an upcoming screening near you. Alternatively, you can arrange for the mobile health coach to visit your church, workplace or community organization, making it even easier to prioritize your health.

Learn more

CHI Memorial is excited to support local nonprofit organizations that make a difference in our community. We are accepting funding requests for fiscal year 2025 which began July 1, 2024. 

We're committed to partnering with organizations that share our passion for improving lives. We'll review applications throughout the year and contact applicants with updates.

Learn more about our funding guidelines and how to apply.

We welcome your feedback regarding your visit or services received at CHI Memorial. You may submit comments by mail to: 

CHI Memorial
Attn: Patient Safety Management
2525 de Sales Avenue
Chattanooga, TN. 37404

For immediate assistance, please speak with the manager of the area where you received care. You may also call Patient Safety Management at 423-495-2772 to leave comments 24/7.

As CHI Memorial has grown to meet the needs of our community, so has our volunteer team. The team now has over 300 dedicated men and women, including auxilliary members, students and independent volunteers. Each volunteer offers the invaluable gift of their time and compassion. 

As a volunteer, you'll be part of CHI Memorial's mission to carry on the Church's healing ministry and make a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at CHI Memorial, contact Volunteer Services at 423-495-8610.

Apply to be a volunteer

Join the conversation

Stay connected with CHI Memorial by following us on social media. Discover health tips, inspiring patient stories, updates on new services and community events—all in your feed. Our social channels are a space to celebrate wellness, share important health care news and connect with you directly. Whether you're looking for expert advice, wellness challenges or a behind-the-scenes look at our care team in action, we’ve got something for everyone. Join our online community and be part of the journey to better health.