When many people think about careers in health care, the roles of nurse or doctor often come to mind. Yet delivering exceptional care depends on a network of professionals whose work supports daily operations, enhances the patient experience, and helps advance ECU Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.
To help students explore those opportunities, ECU Health‘s Talent Acquisition team launched the new non-clinical internship program this past summer.
The pilot program provided college students with hands-on experience across a variety of departments while introducing them to career opportunities in health care that extend beyond direct patient care.
“This was really about building awareness that there are many career paths within a hospital beyond what most people traditionally think about,” said Tavis Richardson, who led the development of the program. “There are opportunities in business, human resources, food and nutrition and many other areas that support our Mission every day.”
The program ran from May through August and welcomed East Carolina University students pursuing non-clinical fields of study. Interns were placed in departments including Food and Nutrition Services, Graduate Medical Education, Onboarding, Patient Experience and Engagement, Community Health, and other support areas across the organization.
Throughout the summer, participants gained practical experience, completed impactful projects and built relationships with team members.
One of those students was Bridgette Dingee, who interned with Food and Nutrition Services. During her internship, she worked alongside patient services, culinary and retail teams while contributing to projects aimed at improving operations and the patient experience. Her work included supporting the Cambridge Menu Study, enhancing competency checklists, completing safety and departmental audits, participating in patient and nursing rounds and other projects.
Among the projects she completed, Dingee said she was most proud of helping develop the patient picture menu.
“It was rewarding to be part of a project that could improve the hospital experience for patients with literacy, language or communication barriers,” Dingee said.
The experience also helped shape Dingee’s career path. Following the internship, she joined ECU Health Food and Nutrition Services as a team member while continuing her studies in dietetics at ECU.
Building on the success of the pilot program, ECU Health plans to expand the initiative in 2027. Internship opportunities will be available at all nine hospitals across the health system, and applications will be promoted to colleges and universities across North Carolina.
On a hot July morning, Mark Brady woke up and went about his day as usual. He didn’t expect he’d be spending the next two months in the hospital.
“I walked around the block, took a shower, drank a large iced coffee and was preparing to golf with my friends when my body started to shake,” Brady said.
When he didn’t show up, Brady’s golfing buddies stopped by his house and found him on the floor in his bathroom; one of those friends had taken a first aid class and recognized Mark was having a stroke.
“He saw my drooped face and called 911 immediately. From there I went to ECU Health Duplin Hospital, they put me on a helicopter, and I ended up in Greenville,” Brady said. “I don’t remember much until a week later.”
A team effort
After Brady transitioned from the ICU to a step-down unit, he entered inpatient rehabilitation where he met a team of trained therapists who collaborated on his care.
“When Mark arrived here, he was completely flaccid in his left arm and leg – which means he had no movement,” said Mary Kathryn Hubbard, occupational therapist. “During his stay here, he’s put in such tremendous effort and he’s dedicated to his success. Now he can actively open and close his left hand and use his arm functionally.”
“Early in his stay, we had frank conversations with Mark about his progress,” Melissa DeCarlo, physical therapist, added. “We wanted him to go home safely, but he had a long road ahead of him. Due to his hard work, his family support and his therapy interventions, he started getting better and our conversation changed. I’ve updated his care plan four times because he’s made steady progress the whole time. Now he can walk with a walker and get around with supervision.”
Kelsey Hall, a speech language pathologist, noted that Brady’s cognitive status has also improved.
“His scores initially showed a moderate disorder, but now he’s doing activities of daily living like finances and medications without cues,” she said. “His recovery isn’t necessarily typical, but it shows his dedication to getting better.”
Brady attributes much of his success to the rehabilitation team’s collaborative and supportive spirit.
“Every therapist has done a great job. They pushed me to the point of success, and they are the best in North Carolina,” Brady said. “They all work together and they cheer you on when you accomplish things. It’s a close-knit group.”
“As a team, we look at a patient as the whole person. We wanted Mark to get out and stay active. We co-treat with each other and helped Mark do what was meaningful to him, and that plan evolved over time as he improved,” said Alex Kinney, recreational therapist.
One of those collaborations included an outing to the local Barnes & Noble bookstore. There, he practiced skills he developed during his rehabilitation stay. For Brady, the experience was about more than physical recovery. It was about rediscovering his independence and confidence.
“It was great to be back in the real world,” he said.
These community experiences help patients apply physical, cognitive and problem-solving skills outside the hospital setting for improved functioning at discharge. By combining evidence-based practices, advanced clinical expertise and individualized treatment plans, the rehabilitation center helps patients of all ages achieve their highest level of function and quality of life.
“We can guide the patient,” Kinney said, “But they’re the ones who have to do the work.”
The next step
Brady completed his inpatient therapy and went home with his girlfriend, Lynne, on Sept. 17. He will continue his therapy at ECU Health Duplin Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation clinic, and he has big plans for the future.
“When I was first admitted, they said I might not be able to walk again,” Brady said. “But I told them my goal was to walk independently by Christmas and play golf next year.”
According to Brady, it was the personal attention and genuine care provided by the therapy team that made a lasting impact.
“The therapists make you feel like you are the most important patient on the floor, even though they have many other patients that day,” he said.
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at ECU Health Medical Center offers expert care and personalized therapy from a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, recreational therapists, case managers and other specialists.
ECU Health brought together a community of patients, families, providers and advocates on Sept. 18, for the 2026 Tate Holbrook Annual Sickle Cell Disease Update, an educational conference hosted by the ECU Health Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
Named in honor of Dr. Tate Holbrook, the pediatric hematologist who founded East Carolina University’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program in 1979, the annual event provides an opportunity for the sickle cell community to learn about new treatments, discuss challenges facing patients and families, and strengthen partnerships between health care providers and those living with the disease.
“This conference is an opportunity to bring patients, families, providers and community partners together to learn from one another and continue advancing care for people with sickle cell disease,” said Charmaine Bond, social work practitioner with the ECU Health Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program.
“We hope participants leave feeling energized, supported and empowered to continue playing an active role in the sickle cell community.”
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The condition can lead to episodes of severe pain, organ damage and other serious complications. While often associated with the African American community, experts say the disease can affect people of any background.
“Sickle cell disease is highly variable, meaning every patient experiences it differently,” said Dr. Julie Kanter, president of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Centers and a featured speaker at the conference. “What’s most important is that patients receive individualized care from providers who understand the condition and recognize that each person’s experience is unique.”
Dr. Kanter said recent advancements in treatment continue to bring hope to patients and families. “There are exciting new therapies being developed for sickle cell disease,” Dr. Kanter said. “While gene therapy has received significant attention, it is only one of several promising treatment options that are expanding opportunities for patients and improving quality of life.”
For ECU Health, the annual conference reflects decades of commitment to improving care for people living with sickle cell disease across eastern North Carolina.
“ECU Health has been involved in sickle cell care and research since the beginning of our program in 1979,” said Dr. Beng Fuh, director of the ECU Health Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program and pediatric hematology and oncology, and professor at the Brody School of Medicine. “We provide comprehensive care that begins with newborn screening and continues through childhood and adulthood, supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists and other specialists.”
Dr. Fuh emphasized that treating sickle cell disease requires support from the entire community.
“It takes a village,” he said. “That village includes families, teachers, neighbors, health care providers, social workers and policymakers. Everyone has a role to play in supporting individuals with sickle cell disease and helping them achieve their full potential.”
Among those in attendance was Thor Forte, a young man living with sickle cell disease. Despite the challenges the condition has presented throughout his life, Forte said the experience has helped him appreciate the people around him and the importance of perseverance.
Forte and his family attended the conference to share their experience with the disease and connect with others who understand the journey of living with sickle cell disease.
“You have to work through the hard times,” Forte said. “It can be difficult, but you have to keep pushing forward.”
The conference featured sessions on healthy aging with sickle cell disease, mental health and trauma-informed care, emerging therapies and updates on sickle cell care in eastern North Carolina.
Organizers hope the event continues to grow in the years ahead while serving as a source of education, encouragement and connection for the region’s sickle cell community.
For patients and families navigating a sickle cell diagnosis, Dr. Fuh offered a simple message: seek care, ask questions and know that support is available.
“Knowledge is power,” he said. “We want every patient and family to know they are not alone and that there is a team here ready to help them every step of the way.”
Community partners offering resources to better behavioral health care in eastern North Carolina had a chance to connect with patients and one another during ECU Health’s 14th annual Behavioral Health Expo on Sept. 22.
The free event brought approximately 50 organizations to Eastern AHEC in Greenville, where community members could see what resources are available across the region. Stacey Greenway, service line executive director and event organizer at ECU Health, said education is invaluable to improve access to care for people who are affected by mental health.
“We work with our community partners year-round, and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring all of their various services together in one place to connect with patients across the region,” Greenway said. “
Attendance by the community and partner organizations continues to grow which is encouraging to see in rural areas where this kind of care is so important. Behavioral health is part of whole-body health, and we are glad resources are available to address it.”
The event featured three presentations on behavioral health, discussing topics such as autism, managing depression and more. Having experts from various fields under the same roof was helpful to let providers know where they can refer patients and collaborate to improve health across eastern North Carolina.
“It is very important to come together to see what resources we have available to help patients,” said Dr. Michael Lang, chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health. “No one group can provide for everything, so it is good to know where we can send patients who need specialized care or other resources specific to their unique situation and optimize outcomes for this population that we serve.”
To learn more about Behavioral Health at ECU Health, please visit ECUHealth.org/Behavioral.
ECU Health joined state and local partners on Monday for a free car seat check event aimed at helping families keep children safe on the road.
The event brought certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, Safe Kids Pitt County, Safe Kids North Carolina, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, local law enforcement and fire/rescue agencies together in Greenville to provide free car seat inspections, education and safety resources for parents and caregivers.
Safety experts said properly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, but many families are unknowingly placing children at risk because their car seats are not installed or used correctly.
“Unfortunately, we know that a large percentage of child safety seats have some type of installation or usage error,” said Ellen Walston, Safe Kids Pitt County coordinator and an injury prevention coordinator at ECU Health.
“Sometimes it’s a simple adjustment, but other times it can be a major issue that could impact a child’s safety during a crash. Our goal is to make sure every child leaves safer than when they arrived.”
The annual event serves as the official kickoff of National Child Passenger Safety Week, observed Sept. 21-27. Throughout the week, communities across the nation will host car seat inspections and educational outreach efforts designed to increase awareness about child passenger safety and proper vehicle restraint use.
Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, said child passenger safety remains a critical issue across the state.
“Last year in North Carolina, 231 children under the age of 14 were killed in motor vehicle crashes,” Ezzell said. “A significant portion of those children were either not properly restrained or were not restrained at all. Events like this help educate parents and caregivers and can make a real difference in preventing serious injuries and fatalities.”
Certified technicians at the event checked car seat installations, demonstrated proper restraint techniques and answered questions about selecting the right seat based on a child’s height, weight and age. Families without an appropriate seat also had access to replacement seats.
“Car seats don’t last forever,” Walston said. “Most seats expire after about six years, and factors like heat, storage conditions and everyday wear can affect their performance. We also discourage people from purchasing used seats from online marketplaces or yard sales because you don’t know the seat’s history.”
Allan Buchanan, director of Safe Kids North Carolina, encouraged parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat inspection services available year-round throughout the state.
“A lot of parents think they’ve installed their car seat correctly, but there can be small mistakes that make a big difference in a crash,” Buchanan said. “Why risk it? We have permanent checking stations across North Carolina where certified technicians can help ensure children are riding as safely as possible.”
The most common mistakes include loose fitting straps, incorrect seat angles and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) errors.
Safety experts also emphasized that choosing the right type of restraint is just as important as proper installation. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible, transition to forward-facing seats with harnesses when appropriate and use booster seats until a vehicle seat belt fits them correctly.
For Walston and her team, the mission goes beyond a single event. The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health has served families for more than 30 years and has checked more than 100,000 child safety seats since its inception. The program has also distributed more than 20,000 car seats to families in need.
“We’re proud of the work we’ve done over the years, but there’s still more to do,” Walston said. “Every ride matters, and every child deserves to be protected. If we can help one family avoid a tragedy, it’s worth it.”
Parents and caregivers interested in finding a permanent child passenger safety checking station can visit buckleupnc.org/locations or contact their local fire department or injury prevention program for more information.
Dr. Anthony Smith has had a front-row seat throughout ECU Health Medical Center’s evolution. When he began his medical career in 1998 through the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program at ECU Health Medical Center, he found a place he would call home for nearly 30 years.
“When I was finishing medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and applying for internal medicine residency programs, I wanted to find an academic program that was on the smaller side, one that felt like family. ECU Health fit that bill,” Dr. Smith said. “You will not find a hospital of this size in a community of this size anywhere else in the country.”
GME at ECU Health Medical Center began in 1976 with one residency program in family medicine. Over the past 50 years, the program has continued to grow and expand to develop the next generation of physicians across eastern North Carolina.
Today, the program features 38 residency and fellowship programs and trains approximately 460 residents per year. In 2025, the program saw 39 graduating resident physicians decide to continue practicing medicine in eastern North Carolina.
“We continue to see GME expand with new programs in electrophysiology, hospice and palliative care, neurology, ophthalmology and addiction medicine, specialties that we identified as needs now and moving forward that will train physicians to meet our community’s needs,” said Dr. Mary Catherine Turner, associate dean for GME at ECU Health Medical Center and the Brody School of Medicine. “Multiple factors are at play to support that kind of growth, but the most important guiding light is alignment with our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Dr. Smith has witnessed that growth over the years, in residency, as a GME educator and continuing in his career practicing medicine as a hospitalist at ECU Health.
“The growth of GME that I’ve witnessed over the last 28 years has been tremendous,” Dr. Smith said. “The program continues to add residencies and fellowships, which means as a health system we are better able to serve eastern North Carolina by growing the physicians in our footprint and bring more specialized care to the area.”
Dr. Smith grew up in rural Alabama and spent four years in Atlanta before medical school. He appreciated that Greenville was quiet, with less traffic and more opportunities to care for patients on a more personal level. In GME, he found the atmosphere of learning, and the relationships he made along the way instrumental to his decision to continue practicing medicine in eastern North Carolina. Over the years, he has served as the Chief of Staff at ECU Health Medical Center and local director for the hospitals program.
“I remember that our program director, Dr. Peter Lichstein, took care of us,” Dr. Smith said. “Leaders created a schedule and an environment that was conducive to learning, one that let us balance our life. Finding out how to balance working, learning and living is a challenge for GME programs that ECU Health Medical Center addresses by putting people first.”
Dr. Smith sees GME as more than a foundational program to teach physicians — the program also addresses essential health care needs across ECU Health’s 29-county service area by giving resident physicians and fellows hands-on experience treating patients in clinical environments across the ECU Health system.
“It’s rewarding and exciting to see the program continue to develop,” Dr. Smith said. “It really goes back to the sheer impact it has had on eastern North Carolina. We know there are rural areas in this country that don’t have these resources. Eastern North Carolina is fortunate to have an internal medicine program and all the other various programs right here, close to home. Residents and fellows actively training, as well as the physicians who decide to stay after they complete their residency, are extremely beneficial to this region.”
Moving forward, Dr. Smith sees GME’s growth alongside ECU Health Medical Center and the region as a necessary step toward progress. Alongside East Carolina University and the Brody School of Medicine, Dr. Smith said the health system’s growth is a clear indicator of GME’s role in fostering a positive working relationship and environment for physicians across the region.
“Right now, the opportunity is to live our mission and vision as a system and determine ‘How do we better serve the rural places in eastern North Carolina?’” Dr. Smith said. “As we continue to grow, we must continue to be committed to reaching those rural communities.”
ECU Health Medical Center is proud to welcome the 12th class of Project SEARCH students to work in the hospital environment. The year-long internship program will empower the six students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn real-world work experience, develop valuable job skills and build the confidence needed to successfully transition from school to the workforce.
The Project SEARCH Class of 2027 includes Jaden Chamberlain, Marquell Jones, Mattie Breault, Tyler Frazer, D’Mari Clemons and Michael Dunbar.
“We are delighted to welcome another class of Project SEARCH students to ECU Health Medical Center and continue investing in opportunities that help young people build confidence, independence and career-ready skills,” said Doris Hill, workforce development coordinator at ECU Health.
“Project SEARCH creates meaningful pathways to employment by giving students hands-on experience in a real-world health care setting while allowing them to discover their strengths and talents,” Hill continued. “The program not only transforms the lives of participating students but also enriches our workforce and strengthens our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
Project SEARCH is a partnership between ECU Health Medical Center, Pitt County Schools, McCloud & Associates, Inc. and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities.
During the program, students participate in internships across various departments at ECU Health Medical Center, including in hospitality, cafeterias, housekeeping and some clinical spaces. These experiences help students transition from classroom learning to professional environments, connecting their educational journeys to their next chapter in a workplace setting.
“Project SEARCH gives students the chance to learn and grow in ways that aren’t possible in a traditional classroom setting,” said Jay Cotton, Project SEARCH instructor. “Through internships and daily workplace experiences, students develop valuable job skills, gain confidence and learn how to navigate professional environments. I am excited to watch these students discover their potential and take important steps toward achieving their goals after graduation.”
The employment rate for youth with disabilities is about 60 to 70 percent less than youth without disabilities, according to the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy. Project SEARCH has proven results with a 65 percent employment and 90 percent retention rate nationally. Students who participate in the program are enrolled at various Pitt County high schools.
The Project SEARCH program at ECU Health Medical Center began in 2015 with the support of its founding partners: Pitt County Schools, RHA Health Services and the North Carolina Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. The program has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for participating students while also making significant contributions to the local community. Project SEARCH is instrumental in cultivating our ECU Health community into one that embraces diversity, inclusivity and shared success.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health has reached an agreement on a new multi-year contract with UnitedHealthcare, restoring in-network access to care for more than 100,000 UnitedHealthcare-covered patients and supporting rural health sustainability in eastern North Carolina effective Aug. 7, 2026.
The new contract covers patients with Commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid UnitedHealthcare plans, allowing patients to access care from the ECU Health providers, hospitals and clinics they know and trust.
Throughout negotiations, ECU Health’s priority was to protect and restore patients’ access to high-quality, affordable care close to home while ensuring the organization can continue providing essential services across the region.
After years without meaningful increases in reimbursements from UnitedHealthcare despite rising costs associated with delivering care, ECU Health successfully negotiated sustainable terms for the care we provide.
Importantly, this agreement supports:
- Full in-network access to all ECU Health providers, facilities and services for UnitedHealthcare members
- Reimbursement terms that better reflect the cost of care
- Reduced administrative burden
- Fewer barriers to care
- Preserves the relationships our providers have with patients covered by UnitedHealthcare
“Throughout this process, patients and families across eastern North Carolina have been our top priority,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO at ECU Health. “Meeting the mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina means ensuring the sustainability of the services we provide, particularly given the ongoing challenges rural healthcare will continue to face. This agreement ensures patients can access the care they trust at ECU Health, close to home, and allows us to move forward with UnitedHealthcare in a way that supports the long-term health of our communities.”
Patients with canceled or postponed appointments can reschedule with their provider on MyChart or call their provider’s office directly to resume care.
For additional questions or support, patients can visit ECUHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare.
For one week each summer, Camp Needles in the Pines transforms a traditional summer camp experience into something much more meaningful for children living with Type 1 diabetes. Located at Camp Boddie in Blounts Creek, campers spend their days kayaking, swimming, climbing, creating crafts and making lifelong friendships. Unlike most summer camps, however, every child at Camp Needles in the Pines shares a common bond: managing Type 1 diabetes.
Founded in 1985, Camp Needles in the Pines serves children ages 8 to 14, while older teens participate as counselors-in-training before eventually becoming counselors themselves. The camp is supported through a partnership between the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, ECU Health and ECU Health Foundation, with funding assistance from Children’s Miracle Network and community donors.
For Camp Director Mindy Saenz, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator with ECU Health Pediatric Specialty Care, the camp’s impact extends far beyond outdoor activities and summer fun.
For Camp Director Mindy Saenz, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator with ECU Health Pediatric Specialty Care, the camp’s impact extends far beyond outdoor activities and summer fun.
“A lot of the kids might be the only one in their whole school who has Type 1 diabetes,” Saenz said. “Here at camp, every single camper has Type 1 diabetes. Everybody counts carbs together, gets insulin together and understands exactly what everyone else is going through.”
This year, 51 campers from across North Carolina – and even one from Texas – attended camp. Throughout the week, they participated in activities including paddleboarding, archery, rifle and shotgun shooting, arts and crafts, STEM projects, ecology programs and a traditional camp talent show.
While camp looks like a typical summer camp on the surface, extensive planning ensures every camper can safely participate.
“The biggest thing is making sure we have enough medical staff,” Saenz said. “Each group has a medical staff person assigned to be with them at all times.”
Camp leaders also coordinate donated insulin, blood glucose testing supplies, glucose treatments and other medical necessities. Daily diabetes education and nutrition classes are woven into the schedule, helping campers build confidence in managing their condition.
Perhaps most importantly, campers are encouraged to celebrate milestones. Whether it is checking their blood sugar independently for the first time or changing an insulin pump site on their own, each achievement is recognized in front of fellow campers.
“We announce it and everybody cheers,” Saenz said. “It’s really about fostering independence and helping them realize they can do these things themselves.”
That sense of support and belonging is what keeps many campers coming back year after year.
Madelyn Sutter knows that feeling well. Now 18 and serving as a counselor-in-training, she has attended Camp Needles in the Pines since she was 8 years old.
“At home, my only experience was my sister also being Type 1,” Sutter said. “There was no one else in my school or sports. Being at camp, everyone is the same for once. Everyone has diabetes and everyone’s going through the same thing.”
Today, she enjoys helping younger campers navigate challenges she once faced herself.
“A lot of them have that same experience where there’s no one at home that’s going through the same thing as them,” she said. “I remember being their age, so I can help them get through whatever’s going on.”
Sutter said the community campers find at Camp Needles in the Pines is unlike anything else.
“It’s my favorite week of the year,” she said. “I count down the days.”
For 16-year-old counselor-in-training Kade McLawhorn, the relationships built at camp are the reason he returns every summer.
“It’s just the people,” McLawhorn said. “Year after year, having the same people you can hang out with and bond with. Sometimes we don’t get to see each other that much, but at least once a year we come together and make some great memories.”
In addition to supporting campers, Camp Needles in the Pines provides a unique learning environment for future health care providers. Dr. Caleb Oakley, a fourth-year Internal Medicine-Pediatrics resident at
ECU Health volunteered at camp this year while completing a pediatric endocrinology rotation.
“In the hospital, things are very black and white with protocols,” Dr. Oakley said. “When you come to camp, you get to see the art of medicine and how individualized diabetes care really is.”
Working alongside campers allowed Dr. Oakley to gain experience with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and the day-to-day realities of living with diabetes.
One of the moments that left the biggest impression on him was watching campers reach personal milestones.
“You can see how proud they are of themselves,” he said. “They’re away from home, outside their comfort zone, and taking big steps in managing their own care.”
Beyond the clinical experience, Dr. Oakley said camp also showed him the importance of community for children living with Type 1 diabetes.
“One thing I underappreciated before coming here was how different it can feel being a kid with Type 1 diabetes,” he said. “At camp, they’re not outsiders. This is the norm. They get to just be kids.”
For Saenz, that feeling of belonging remains at the heart of Camp Needles in the Pines nearly four decades after its founding.
“It’s really about being with other people who understand,” she said. “The friendships they build here last a lifetime.”
Children and seniors are at particularly high risk of heat-related injury if they are left in a hot car, even for a short time. ECU Health’s Center for Child and Family Wellness Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program, Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children and Safe Kids Pitt County gathered to demonstrate that parked vehicles and hot weather can be a deadly combination for people stuck inside.
“Children heat up three to five times faster than adults and cannot cool themselves down as quickly,” said Ellen Walston, injury prevention program coordinator and Safe Kids Pitt County coordinator at ECU Health. “Seniors’ body temperature also regulates slower. Cracking your windows or leaving them down does not help, despite popular opinion. That is why it’s so important that you never, ever leave a child or a senior in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute.”
Walston said that 50 North Carolina children have died in hot cars from 1998-2025. At the demonstration, pairs of children’s shoes were displayed on a table to illustrate that total.
Also on display was a police vehicle with a temperature gauge depicting the temperature inside and outside of the vehicle. On an unseasonably cool summer day in the mid-80s, even as the temperature outside dipped and rose the air inside the car continued a steady climb to eclipse 130 degrees. Walston said that on a hot day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle rise 20 degrees in a span of ten minutes and continue to rise.
Walston said nationwide more than 50 percent of child deaths in hot cars happen because kids are forgotten in vehicles. Leaving an item like a backpack, cellphone or something else you will remember can serve as a good reminder to check your backseat.
About 17 percent of deaths occur when children are intentionally left behind, Walston said. The remaining deaths come from children gaining access to, but being unable to escape from, a hot vehicle.
“No amount of time, whether it is a trip inside the store or the bank or whatever it may be, is a safe amount of time to leave a child unattended,” Walston said. “When you are at home, lock your vehicle so kids cannot play inside. Small steps can make a big difference when it comes to keeping our children safe.”