Navigating the healthcare system is difficult. Many people miss out on vital services simply because they don’t know where to look. Aetna Better Health of Virginia is now changing that. The organization has launched its first Community Resource Center (CRC) in Roanoke, offering free, in-person support to anyone in the community.
What Is the Aetna Community Resource Center?
A New Hub for Health and Social Support
Aetna Better Health of Virginia held the grand opening of its Community Resource Center at the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s EnVision Center on Saturday. The center sits at 2607 Salem Turnpike N.W., making it accessible to residents across the Roanoke Valley. Aetna designed the space to bridge the gap between people and the resources they need. Moreover, the center operates as a welcoming space for the entire public — not just Aetna members.
“It’s really hard to navigate the healthcare system,” said a center representative. “We want to be here for everyone — not just Aetna members — but anyone who can benefit from having someone in person to get their questions answered.”
What Services Does the Center Offer?
Support Across Health and Social Needs
The Community Resource Center covers a wide range of services. Trained Aetna community engagement professionals staff the center. They help visitors in several key areas, including maternal health, chronic condition management, and social care needs. Additionally, the center connects people to local resources and helps them manage their overall health.
Furthermore, the center helps individuals and families navigate health coverage and benefits. For many Medicaid recipients, understanding what their plan covers can feel overwhelming. The CRC simplifies that process. Staff members guide visitors step by step through their options. As a result, more people can access the care they are already entitled to.
Technology Tools for Better Access
The center includes computers equipped with teleconferencing capabilities. These tools allow visitors to connect virtually with providers or specialists from the center itself. Additionally, private areas are available for sensitive medical conversations. This setup ensures dignity and confidentiality for every visitor.
Who Can Access the New Center?
Open to All — Completely Free
All services at the Community Resource Center are free of charge. Importantly, the center welcomes everyone in the community. Aetna members, Medicaid recipients, uninsured individuals, and general public visitors can all use the space. There are no eligibility requirements to walk in and seek help.
This open-access approach reflects Aetna’s broader commitment to health equity. Therefore, residents across the Roanoke Valley now have a dedicated, no-cost destination for health guidance and social support.
Location and Facilities
Inside the EnVision Center
The CRC operates within the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s EnVision Center. The EnVision Center already serves the community through programs focused on education, economic development, leadership, and health. Consequently, placing the CRC inside this space creates a powerful hub of resources under one roof. Residents can access multiple forms of support in a single visit.
Aetna Wellness on Wheels at the Grand Opening
Free Health Screenings for Attendees
To celebrate the launch, Aetna brought its Wellness on Wheels mobile unit to the EnVision Center’s annual spring cookout. The mobile unit provided free health screenings to attendees. This addition extended the reach of the grand opening event beyond the center’s walls. Thus, community members who attended the cookout also gained direct access to preventive health services.
Why This Center Matters for Virginia
Closing the Gap in Healthcare Access
Aetna Better Health of Virginia operates as a suite of Medicaid managed-care plans under the CVS Health umbrella. The organization has served under-resourced populations across Virginia for over 30 years. Launching this Community Resource Center marks a meaningful step forward in that mission.
Many Virginians — particularly those on Medicaid — struggle to find in-person guidance on their benefits and care options. Social determinants of health, such as housing instability and food insecurity, further complicate access. The new CRC directly addresses these barriers. It brings professional support closer to the people who need it most.
Additionally, the center’s location within an existing community hub ensures it reaches residents who already rely on the EnVision Center for other services. This strategic placement maximizes impact. Above all, it signals Aetna’s intent to build trust and presence at the local level.
As Virginia continues to expand Medicaid access and health equity initiatives, community-facing infrastructure like the CRC becomes increasingly important. This center, therefore, represents not just a new location — but a new standard for how health plans engage with the communities they serve.
