Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc. (MCHS), doing business as Agape Health Services, has served Eastern North Carolina since 1998 — growing from one clinic to a regional healthcare leader.
Established in Washington, Beaufort County, NC as a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving all populations of Eastern North Carolina.
We operate on a sliding scale fee structure, making high-quality care accessible for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals based on federal poverty guidelines.
Federally Qualified Health Centers serve approximately 32.5 million individuals annually — a critical part of the social safety net for low-income people and children across the country.
Patients access medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, and public health services under one system — no multiple release of information forms required.
Revenue from insured patients helps cover those who are uninsured or underinsured and is reinvested back into the health center to expand services. We are not a free healthcare center.
In response to the closure of Martin General Hospital, Agape acquired Roanoke River Orthopedics to ensure continued high-quality orthopedic care for Martin County residents.
Celebrating 25 Years of Community Care and Growth
Agape Health Services began as a healthcare center established in Washington, North Carolina, in 1998 under the leadership of the late Rev. David L. Moore and was initially part of Metropolitan Housing Inc. In 1999, a separate Board of Directors was elected, and the organization rebranded as Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc., doing business as Agape Health Services.
In response to the growing demand for affordable healthcare, Agape expanded with a second location in Williamston in 2013, followed by a third site in Plymouth, now fully operational. In 2025, Agape will open a second site in Washington on Carolina Ave., offering expanded primary care and wellness services to meet the diverse needs of Eastern North Carolina’s communities.
Dr. Michael McDuffie joined Agape in 2014, when the organization had 16 employees. Under his leadership, Agape has continued to grow and strengthen its commitment to community health. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) and nonprofit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Agape provides a full range of primary and preventive medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. With three 340B pharmacies and a fourth planned for our new Aurora site, we’re enhancing access to affordable medications. Our weekly mobile integrated care clinic in Aurora and onsite school-based programs in Hyde and Washington counties bring care directly to underserved communities.
Through a partnership with the Washington Police Department, Agape directs individuals toward treatment rather than incarceration, allowing law enforcement to focus on other critical community needs. Our Mental Health First Aid training for Agape staff and school instructors further strengthens our capacity to respond compassionately to mental health needs.
Agape Health Services also supports job retention and economic revitalization in rural areas, employing nearly 200 people across Eastern North Carolina. As one of only seven FQHCs in North Carolina to implement the NC FIT program, we provide reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals and are leading efforts to establish a local reentry council in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC). These initiatives advance our commitment to building healthier, safer communities.
Affiliated with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations and proud to lend a helping hand, Agape Health Services is honored to be the provider, employer, and partner of choice. Join us in building healthier, safer communities and a brighter future for Eastern North Carolina.
“To provide high quality, comprehensive, coordinated primary healthcare and supportive services to the communities we serve and improve health through effective interventions, patient education and chronic disease management.”
Agape Health Services will continue to be the provider of choice, delivering reliable and efficient healthcare that strengthens our community and enhances our role as a trusted leader among North Carolina’s most respected medical homes. Provider of choice, employer of choice, partner of choice—building healthier, safer communities together.
