Cherry Health

What Cherry Health does

Cherry Health is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Michigan, operating more than 20 integrated health center locations across six counties (Barry, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Wayne) and serving approximately 55,000-66,757 patients annually with 544,028 total visits reported in 2021. The organization delivers a fully integrated care model spanning primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy, pediatrics, and women's health under a single FQHC structure, augmented by school-based health centers in 70+ schools across eight districts, an opioid treatment program, community reentry services in Detroit and Grand Rapids, and a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Cherry Health serves a predominantly low-income population (96% impoverished or at or below minimum wage) with 53% of patients dependent on Medicaid, and operates under a community board with 51%+ patient-majority representation as required by FQHC regulation.

The underlying technology stack includes pharmacy automation (robotic dispensing), Health Mart pharmacy online refill platform, Medfusion patient portal, Instamed online bill pay, Google Analytics, and telehealth services, with the organization recognized by HRSA in 2024 for Advancing Health Information Technology for Quality. Core proprietary features include the integrated FQHC delivery model, the 340B Pharmacy Program providing discounted medications, NCQA-designated Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) status across multiple sites, and 24/7 Narcan vending machines for opioid overdose intervention.

Cherry Health's business model is that of a nonprofit 501(c)(3) FQHC. Revenue is generated primarily through enhanced cost-based Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, supplemented by HRSA federal grants, 340B pharmacy program economics, commercial insurance reimbursement, sliding fee program revenue from uninsured/underinsured patients based on income and family size, and charitable donations through the affiliated Cherry Health Foundation (also known as Cherry Street Services Foundation). The organization holds FTCA medical malpractice coverage, AAAHC and CARF accreditations, and is led by President and CEO Tasha Blackmon (since 2018) alongside an executive team including CFO Cynthia Wagenhofer, COO Bill Joure, CPO Demetrius Pittman, CMO Dr. Jenny Bush, and CDO Dr. Bryan Wazbinski. Cherry Health Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm, raising funds through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events (Celebration, Prescription: Strength).

Name

Cherry Health

Legal name

Cherry Street Services, Inc.

Website

https://cherryhealth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Cherry Health is Michigan's largest Federally Qualified Health Center, operating 20+ integrated health center locations across six counties that deliver primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to approximately 55,000-66,000 low-income and Medicaid-dependent patients annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Health Services

NAICS

Ambulatory Health Care Services (621)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Health Centers (FQHCs & Look-Alikes) (HLAFAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

School-Based Health Centers (HLAFAGAG), Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI), Community & Public Health Dentistry Clinics (FQHC/School-Based/Nonprofit) (HLABAAAF)

Keywords

• Federally qualified health center
• Community health services
• Integrated primary care
• Behavioral health treatment
• Sliding fee healthcare

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices21 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Medicaid/Medicare Reimbursements: As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Cherry Health receives enhanced cost-based reimbursement from Medicaid and Medicare, which constitutes the primary revenue stream. The organization notes that 53% of patients depend on Medicaid.
2. Sliding Fee Program Revenue: Revenue from patients who pay on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. The program serves uninsured and underinsured patients at discounted rates.
3. 340B Pharmacy Program: The pharmacy offers a 340B discounted drug pricing program for qualifying patients, generating revenue through drug pricing arbitrage while providing affordable medications.
4. Commercial Insurance: Revenue from patients with commercial insurance plans. Cherry Health accepts most insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and many commercial plans.
5. Donations and Foundation Grants: Cherry Health Foundation (501(c)(3), Tax ID 38-3308516) raises funds through individual donations, corporate partnerships, events, planned giving, and grants to support the mission of providing healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Cherry Health is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing integrated primary care, dental, behavioral health, vision, pharmacy, pediatrics, and women's health services across 20+ Michigan locations. The organization delivers care to underserved populations regardless of insurance status or ability to pay through an income-based sliding fee program, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance plans. Services are provided in-person at health centers, via telehealth, through school-based health programs, and through specialty programs including medication-assisted treatment, community re-entry services, and neighborhood wellness screenings.

Product overview

Cherry Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operating as an integrated healthcare delivery system providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, vision, pharmacy, pediatrics, and women's health services across 20+ locations in Michigan. The organization functions as a unified platform offering comprehensive, coordinated care with specialized programs including school-based health services, maternal health support, substance abuse treatment (MAT), and community re-entry services. Patient-facing digital services include online bill payment through Instamed, a patient portal via Medfusion, pharmacy refill capabilities through Health Mart, and various community support programs. The Cherry Health Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm supporting the organization's mission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% patient satisfaction rate in 2021
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kent County Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at all Cherry Health locations, providing nutritional education and food assistance to pregnant women and young children.
• Kent County Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop testing protocols and community vaccination programs, providing over 32,000 vaccinations.
• Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCherry Health operates school-based health centers at Union High School, Innovation Central High School, and Ottawa Hills High School, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to students.
• Cedar Springs Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for school-based health center at Cedar Springs Middle School providing medical, dental, and counseling services to students.
• Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Spectrum Health and Michigan DHHS to administer school-based health centers, with Cherry Health operating the clinical services.
• Spectrum Health Betty Ford Breast Care ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide mobile mammography services at Heart of the City Health Center (Tuesdays) and Montcalm Area Health Center (every third Monday).
• HealthWestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for Muskegon Recovery Center opioid treatment program. HealthWest is the community mental health authority for Muskegon County.
• Network180coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for Southside Health Center substance use disorder and behavioral health services. Network180 is the community mental health authority for Kent County.
• Grand Rapids OphthalmologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 1988, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology has supported Cherry Health's vision services. Dr. Mark Sheldon initiated the vision program. Services have been supported by Grand Rapids Lions Club, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness.
• Consumers Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2022 Celebration fundraising event.
• Mercantile BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary Care sponsor of the 2022 Celebration fundraising event.
• Consumers Credit Union, Mercantile Bank, Black Impact Collaborative, PNC Bank, Western Michigan UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsors for the 2022 Celebration fundraising gala including primary care sponsors, guard sponsors, and health home sponsors.
• Michigan Department of CorrectionscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCherry Health provides reentry services for individuals transitioning from closed custody correctional facilities through its Community Treatment Center in Detroit and Community Alternatives Program in Grand Rapids.
• Cherry Health Foundation BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernance and fundraising arm of Cherry Health. Foundation board includes representatives from City of Grand Rapids, Grand Valley State University, Huntington Bank, PNC Bank, Beacon Hill at Eastgate, and community leaders.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Baldwin Family Health Care: Michigan FQHC operating multiple sites with integrated primary, dental, behavioral, and pharmacy services, serving rural and underserved communities. Comparable in FQHC structure, integrated delivery model, and mission-driven focus on access.
• Hackley Community Care: Federally Qualified Health Center based in Muskegon, Michigan, offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. Operates in an overlapping Michigan geography and serves comparable low-income populations under the FQHC model.
• InterCare Community Health Network: Michigan-based Federally Qualified Health Center providing integrated primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services across Southwest Michigan. Directly comparable as an FQHC of similar scale serving underserved populations with a similar service mix.
• Catherine's Health Center: Grand Rapids-based Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to underserved populations in West Michigan. Direct geographic and service-line overlap with Cherry Health's core market.
• Grace Health: Federally Qualified Health Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and vision services. Comparable as a Michigan FQHC offering integrated services to a similar patient demographic.
• Family Health Care: Michigan FQHC serving multiple West and Central Michigan counties with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy. Directly comparable in geography (overlap with Muskegon region), FQHC designation, and integrated service model.

Broad incumbents

• Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health): Largest Michigan-based health system with major presence in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Provides overlapping primary care, behavioral health, and pediatric services but as part of a much broader acute-care portfolio rather than the FQHC mission.
• Trinity Health Michigan: Large Catholic health system operating multiple hospitals and outpatient sites across Michigan including West Michigan. Comparable in regional footprint and integrated service offerings, but operates under a different funding and mission model than an FQHC.
• Henry Ford Health: Major Michigan-based integrated health system offering primary care, behavioral health, and community health programs across Southeast and Central Michigan. Overlaps with Cherry Health on Wayne County presence and the broader Michigan safety-net discussion.

Others

• Health Net of West Michigan: West Michigan community health collaborative and Cherry Health board member organization focused on connecting underserved populations to health resources. Comparable as a community-health ecosystem player rather than a direct service competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cherryhealthmi
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1e53OWku1dr7OesQaSaKpg/videos?shelf_id=0&view=0&sort=dd
• Facebookfacebook.com/CherryHealthMI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/9325390
• Instagraminstagram.com/cherryhealthmi

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cherry Health