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
Maximize your commute with these reader and editor picks of Winston-Salem, NC podcasts for business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Pull out those planners for some egg-citing events to celebrate Easter around the Twin City.
Here’s the deal — the swap meet and vintage shopping scene is stellar in the Twin City.
Explore the best local craft shops in the Twin City, where you can browse crafting supplies and sign up for hands-on workshops.
Learn about creeks, birds, and how to help our natural habitats thrive within Forsyth County.
From composting to planting seeds, these workshops will teach you best practices for growing your garden.
Chantae Reynolds turned an idea into a grassroots effort to gather locals and help small businesses thrive in the city through a Cash Mob initiative.
Sponsored
Discover how the drive-thru coffee spot became a hub for artists and coffee lovers in Winston-Salem.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Winston-Salem’s many beautiful patios.