Medical building in East Winston-Salem honors two Black Winstonian pioneers

The expanded facility will increase access to high-quality health care for the East community.

WStoday: Kennedy-Hopkins medical building sign unveiling in East Winston-Salem

The community gathered on Sunday, June 23 for the ribbon cutting of this monumental moment.

Photo courtesy of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

While the past may be gone, it is never forgotten.Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist — Winston East is now the Kennedy-Hopkins medical building. The facility at 2295 E. 14th St. was renamed to honor late Drs. Charlie Kennedy and Larry Hopkins.

Kennedy was the first — and for 20 years — the only Black pediatrician in Winston-Salem. He opened a practice that served the community in the east part of the city.

Kennedy also mentored Hopkins, who became the first Black Winstonian to graduate from Wake Forest University with a degree in chemistry. He co-led the Women’s Health Center, which focused on improving prenatal care and reducing infant mortality for Black women in Winston-Salem. Dr. Hopkins wasn’t just brains, the running back led the Demon Deacons football team to their first back-to-back conference championships.

WStoday: Kennedy-Hopkins plaque at the medical building in

The doctors’ names are not only on the exterior of the facility, a plaque inside honors their contributions.

Photo by Garrett Garms via Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

AHWFB will expand the existing pediatric and occupational medicine services to better serve the needs of the community, starting on Monday, July 1. The medical facility will offer internal medicine + women’s services, and has an on-site lab and a pharmacy.

New patients can make appointments by calling the practices directly or through the patient online portal. Patients who cannot afford health insurance or who don’t qualify for government assistance can receive free services during WFU School of Medicine’s DEAC (Delivering Equal Access to Care) clinic on Monday evenings at the East Winston location. Students and physicians will provide primary care along with other specialty services.

More from WStoday
Big changes are coming to the Twin City, and you won’t want to miss this.
Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts of holiday recycling in the Twin City.
Have friends or family in town this year? We’re here to help plan their visit.
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Hit the road and head to the Port City. We’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
Winter may be upon us, but that doesn’t stop from enjoying the outdoors.
Stay cozy all season long while keeping low energy costs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
What are the highs and lows when it comes to snow storms in The Twin City, and can you expect a white Christmas this year?