ECU Health nurses gather together for a group photo during the annual ECU Health Nursing Summit.

ECU Health nurses from across the system gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville for the 11th Annual ECU Health Nursing Summit where they engaged with esteemed speakers and discussed the future of nursing across eastern North Carolina and beyond.

The summit aimed to address the transformative period nursing is experiencing amid complex challenges. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions on integrating leading-edge technology and innovative practices. Chief Nursing Executive Trish Baise shared that the nursing summit was one way to connect with and empower nursing team members to be a part of designing ECU Health’s future.

“The nursing summit provided a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of our ECU Health nurses from across the region to come together,” said Baise. “We were able to create a national-caliber conference in our own backyard tailored to the mission of our rural health care team. The energy of our nursing team was palpable.”

ECU Health nurses gather together for a group photo during the annual ECU Health Nursing Summit.

Keynote speakers included Rich G. Kenny, who explored the future of Generative AI for nurse leaders, and Sen. Gale Adcock, who discussed health care policy and advocacy. Brian Floyd, ECU Health’s chief operating officer, reminded nurses of their mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, highlighting the organization’s unique care for the rural region.

The summit also included breakout sessions that covered topics like well-being, AI in health care, six dimensions for influencing team culture and nursing policy advocacy. Additionally, a panel discussion explored emerging trends in health care.

Keynote speaker, Olivia Lemberger, innovation scientist from the American Nurses Association, highlighted the future of nursing innovation and praised the camaraderie among nurses at the event.

“There is a deep sense of community among the colleagues at ECU Health,” said Lemberger. “There was a positive energy that was palpable. This is something I wish every nurse had.”

Mandi Civils, ICU and Central Staffing Office manager at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, reflected on the summit’s impact.

“At the heart of health care transformation for ECU Health was the great nursing summit, where dedication met innovation, and passion will fuel progress going forward,” Civils said. “It was my honor to be part of an event that inspired me to believe I can be anything I want to be when I grow up.”

Community | Health News | Nursing | Team Members

Melissa and Jimmy Worrell

For Melissa and Jimmy Worrell, their love story started with a horse. Melissa, a horse trainer and riding instructor at the time, met Jimmy when he brought his horse to the barn where she worked. That chance encounter led to marriage in 1988, a move from New Jersey to North Carolina and a life filled with love, adventure and raising their quadruplets.

But in recent years, their journey took an unexpected turn. Jimmy was diagnosed with kidney disease and placed on the transplant waiting list. For nearly eight years, he waited, knowing that each passing day brought him closer to dialysis—a life-sustaining but time-consuming treatment that filters waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so.

“Dialysis is a lifeline for many patients, but machines just cannot do the work of an organ that works automatically, 24/7,” said Dr. David Leeser, professor and chief of transplantation at ECU Health Medical Center. “We know that when a patient is transplanted, they gain a tremendous boost to their quality of life, and they will live longer as well. Transplantation is by far the best available renal replacement therapy available to patients with kidney failure.”

Throughout the process, doctors frequently asked if he had identified a potential donor. Jimmy never asked Melissa to consider donating, but she made the decision on her own.

“I knew I was O-negative, so I figured I’d at least get tested,” Melissa said. “I thought, well, I had to at least try.”

Melissa and Jimmy Worrell

The couple was shocked to learn she was a perfect match.

Throughout the process, Melissa was supported by a donor advocate at ECU Health—someone who had been through the experience and could provide firsthand insight. She believes this kind of support is crucial for potential donors.

“When you’re thinking about doing this, it’s good to talk to someone who has been there,” Melissa said. “It’s reassuring to know that life goes on and that we’ll both live normal, healthy lives.”

Their transplant surgery was successfully completed Nov. 12, 2024. Melissa, now a recreational therapist and volunteer with Team River Runner in Wilmington, which provides veterans and active-duty military with healing opportunities on the water, specifically outrigger canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing, took time off to recover. Jimmy returned to work earlier than expected, eager to get back to normal life. More importantly, the transplant has given them back their active lifestyle.

“Before, if I asked him to go for a walk, he’d say, ‘I can’t do that,’” Melissa said. “Now, we can do things together again. It’s a big change.”

The couple enjoys boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, dining out, going for walks and simply spending time together. Beyond her personal experience, Melissa hopes to raise awareness about living kidney donation.

“It’s amazing how something so small can make such a big difference in someone’s life,” she said. “People are often surprised when they hear what I did, like I was risking my own health. But the doctors wouldn’t have allowed it if I wasn’t okay. I think if more people heard these stories, they might consider donating. I especially want to thank the friendly and caring transplant team at ECU Health, who provided great pre and post care.”

For the Worrells, this journey has deepened their bond and given them a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of life. Now, with Jimmy’s health improved, they’re looking forward to many more years of adventure together.

Resources

ECU Health Transplant Services

Organ Donor Registration Portal

Community | Featured | Health News | Transplant

High school students from Health Sciences Academy in Duplin and Pitt counties recently had the opportunity to explore the medical field firsthand at the “Chat With a Doc” event. ECU Health physicians from various specialties engaged in candid conversations about their careers, educational paths and the realities of medical careers.

Students heard from specialties including pediatric, pathology, emergency medicine, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, palliative care, trauma and internal medicine. The event not only highlighted the different specialties within medicine but also underscored the commitment and dedication required to pursue a career in health care. From years of education and training to the challenges of balancing patient care with personal life, the physicians provided an honest and engaging perspective for students considering the field.

Dr. Yaolin Zhou, a pathologist at ECU Health, spoke to students about the importance of having a passion for taking care of patients when going into the medical field.

chat with a doc

“Whatever you do within health care, you want to do what’s right for your patients, for the community, and make a difference and make your little corner of the world a better place,” said Dr. Zhou.

Dr. Zhou also described the critical role of pathology in diagnosing diseases, including cancer.

“Pathologists are trained physicians who specialize in diagnosing diseases,” Dr. Zhou said. “I examine samples from the human body to determine what’s going on.”

Dr. Nicole Toney, an emergency medicine physician, provided students with a glimpse into her field, emphasizing the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of emergency care.

“Emergency medicine is exciting because you never know what’s coming next,” Dr. Toney said. “You might see someone having a heart attack, a trauma patient, or something entirely unexpected. It’s all about problem-solving and acting quickly.”

Students in attendance found the event inspiring and informative. Kennedy Jones, a student from Duplin County, came to explore different medical career paths.

“I used to have a big interest in obstetrics, then that changed to pediatrics,” Jones said. “Hearing from a pediatrician today and learning about how they take care of the whole family when a kid gets sick was really interesting and gave me more insight into what’s ahead and helped me think more about my future.”

With the demand for health care professionals on the rise, events like “Chat With a Doc” play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of medical professionals and helping students navigate career paths in medicine.

Community | Health News

A woman eats a healthy vegan salad plate in her kitchen.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenging journey, but ECU Health has resources to help with a comprehensive range of weight loss and lifestyle medicine services tailored to individual needs. Whether someone is starting their weight loss journey or seeking support to maintain progress, ECU Health offers personalized, evidence-based solutions to help people succeed.

Dr. Hannah Florida, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine at the ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, emphasized the importance of addressing obesity holistically.

“Excess body weight is multifactorial, often influenced by unhealthy nutrition, lack of physical activity, poor sleep, unmanaged stress, a lack of support systems and substance dependence – whether that be caffeine, sugar or another substance,” Dr. Florida said. “Our approach is to meet patients where they are, assess what changes they are ready to make and guide them with the tools and accountability they need to succeed.”

ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine provides a multidisciplinary team of experts, including board-certified obesity physicians, registered dietitian nutritionists, lifestyle coaches and exercise physiologists. Together, they offer comprehensive care to address every aspect of weight management, ensuring patients receive the support they need at every step.

Dr. Florida

No two weight loss journeys are the same, which is why ECU Health offers customizable programs to fit a variety of needs:

  • Medically Supervised Weight Loss: Tailored treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications and medications, prescribed by board-certified obesity physicians.
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy: Personalized assessments and eating plans from licensed dietitians to support sustainable weight loss and address conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
  • Meal Replacement Programs: Supervised liquid meal replacement plans to jumpstart progress.
  • Culinary Medicine: Individual and group sessions teaching participants how to prepare plant-based meals that align with their goals.
  • Pre-Surgery Optimization: Dietitian-guided programs to optimize nutritional health before bariatric or orthopedic surgery for improved outcomes.

Dr. Florida uses anti-obesity medications when appropriate to jump start patients in making lifestyle changes. These healthy lifestyle changes are the key factors to achieve sustainable long term weight loss, according to Dr. Florida.

“Medications, for example, can temporarily suppress appetite, but lasting results require adopting healthier habits,” she said.

Lifestyle coaches at ECU Health help patients set and achieve specific goals, such as improving sleep, managing stress, or incorporating regular exercise.

“For instance, if someone struggles with getting enough sleep, the coach might help them set small, actionable goals like limiting screen time before bed,” Dr. Florida said.

Exercise physiologists at ECU Health further support patients by creating personalized exercise plans. These programs often begin with one-on-one guidance and transition patients to sustainable fitness routines, whether through gym memberships or at-home activities.

Addressing obesity not only improves physical well-being but can also alleviate related chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic pain, and kidney disease.

“When we treat obesity, we often see significant improvements—or even reversal—in these chronic conditions,” said Dr. Florida.

ECU Health’s Lifestyle Medicine Clinic offers flexible options for individual appointments, group-based education, and cutting-edge culinary medicine.

“Our goal is to meet patients where they are and empower them to make sustainable changes,” says Dr. Florida.

For some individuals struggling with weight-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and sleep apnea, bariatric surgery may be the most effective solution.

ECU Health Medical Center offers advanced surgical options, including:

  • Gastric Bypass: Reduces the amount of food you can eat and the calories you absorb by creating a small stomach pouch that connects to the small intestine. This helps you feel full faster and absorb fewer calories.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes up to 85% of the stomach, creating a sleeve-like structure that holds less food and reduces hunger hormones.

Bariatric surgery often results in greater weight loss compared to medical treatments alone and can significantly improve chronic conditions linked to obesity. While surgery is highly effective, it is not without risks, including bleeding, infection and nutritional deficiencies. Speak with your primary care provider to learn if this option is right for you.

Ready to Begin Your Journey? Take the first step toward a healthier you with ECU Health. To learn more about ECU Health’s weight loss services at the ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine Clinic or to schedule an appointment, visit the ECUHealth.org/LifestyleMedicine or call 252-847-9908.

Community | Health News | Wellness

An ordinary day in Greenville, North Carolina, became unforgettable when a health care worker and a cardiac arrest survivor were brought together by a twist of fate. Years after Vicky Greco performed CPR on Tony Parker when he collapsed from cardiac arrest during a race, the two were finally reunited and reflected on that fateful day.

In 2021, Greco and her daughter found themselves at Town Common in Greenville, a location they did not typically visit. As her daughter played on the playground, a commotion near the finish line of a local 5K race caught her attention.

“We usually go to Peppermint Park,” Greco recalled. “But for some reason, we decided to go to Town Common that day.”

As Greco’s daughter played on the playground, she noticed a commotion.

Tony Parker, center, stands with his wife, Delia, left, and ECU Health team member Vicky Greco, right.

“She said, ‘I think someone needs help, Mom,’” Greco said.

That someone was Tony, who had collapsed suddenly in cardiac arrest. His wife, Delia Parker, a trained dental assistant with CPR certification, had already started chest compressions when Greco arrived.

Without hesitation, she stepped in to assist. As manager of the Pediatric Day Medical Unit at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center, Greco had experience performing CPR. Together, they worked tirelessly until emergency responders arrived.

“It was a miracle to be there, to have the training and to have the outcome we did,” Greco said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”

A previous ECU Health News story shared Tony’s inspiring story and his recovery experience with ECU Health Heart and Vascular Care. At the time, Tony and Delia did not know who the person was that stepped in to perform chest compressions. They called the unidentified person their “angel.” After seeing the story, Greco reached out to identify herself.

Over three years later, Tony and Greco were finally able to meet under much happier circumstances. The reunion was deeply emotional, with Tony expressing heartfelt gratitude for Greco.

“Today, God revealed our angel,” said Tony. “If it weren’t for Vicky and Delia, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s amazing how everything aligned.”

For Greco, the encounter affirmed her faith in being at the right place at the right time.

“I’m thankful that God put me there that day,” she said. “The outcome was nothing short of amazing.”

Motivated by their experience, Tony and Delia Parker have since joined forces with organizations like Greenville Fire and Rescue and the Compress and Shock Foundation to promote bystander CPR training. Together, they visit local churches, community centers and underserved areas across eastern North Carolina to emphasize how simple actions can save lives.

“We teach people that you don’t need to be certified to make a difference,” Delia explained. “It’s about empowering others to act.”

The Parkers continue to share their story, inspiring communities to act in moments of crisis.

“Nearly 90 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims do not survive,” Tony said. “Even with help, survival is only about 30 percent, but without it, it’s almost zero. Every second counts, and timely intervention can significantly increase survival rates.”

According to the American Heart Association, if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Tony has also become an advocate for greater access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and the use of road identifications for athletes.

“I encourage everyone in my running and biking groups to wear one,” he said. “It can be a lifesaver.”

Following his recovery, Tony has embraced life with renewed purpose.

“Life is good,” he shared. “Even with a cardiac issue, you can still enjoy life. This experience taught me that every moment matters.”

Their story stands as a testament that heroes often emerge in unexpected moments, and that simple acts of courage and compassion can change lives forever. Their journey continues to inspire others to learn, act and save lives.

Children's | Community | Health News | Heart and Vascular

ECU Health COO Brian Floyd speaks during the 28th annual Community Unity Breakfast in Greenville

Community leaders, elected officials and eastern North Carolina residents came together on Jan. 20 for the 28th annual Community Unity Breakfast, hosted by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.

The event brings together the community to reflect upon the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while celebrating and expanding diversity initiatives in Greenville and Pitt County.

ECU Health sponsored the event along with other organizations in the area and had the opportunity to present a speaker. Brian Floyd, chief operating officer of ECU Health, represented the system and shared a few words.

Floyd said the word that stands out to him the most during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is love. He related harmony in a community to the harmony couples seek in relationships with others.

ECU Health COO Brian Floyd speaks during the 28th annual Community Unity Breakfast in Greenville
ECU Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Floyd speaks during the 28th annual Community Unity Breakfast in Greenville

“The hardest thing sometimes is to put ourselves aside in the interest of someone else,” Floyd said. “Yet, relationships and marriages are hard – and that’s when you choose to be with someone you share common values, beliefs and interests with. If we can see that, then certainly we must recognize that living in a community and being in harmony together requires a little bit of work and self-reflection.”

He said ECU Health is proud to see unity in nine hospitals and more than 225 clinics across the health system each day through the life-saving care team members provide. The 1.4 million people ECU Health serves and the 15,000-plus team members are all unique, but care and love is the same.

Floyd also said training students from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and nursing students from ECU and other local colleges is a privilege and opportunity to pass on the importance of love and care for patients.

“If you read behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you’ll note that love is at the core of the unifying work of bringing people together. We all want to come together and do this really important work to love and care for eastern North Carolina,” Floyd said. “If you ever see the life-saving moments, when our team of 15 or 20 excellent, well-trained people come together around a patient, it always fascinates me how different they all are. They look different, they sound different, they come from incredibly different places and backgrounds. Yet they work in really great harmony in those urgent crisis moments because the need of the patient is coming first.”

Portia Willis, Greenville City Council member, gave the keynote speech during the event. Willis is also the co-founder of Young Scholars and Leaders Institute. Chad Tucker, director of Volunteer Services at ECU Health Medical Center, serves as co-chair of the Community Unity Planning Committee and introduced Willis.

Willis spoke on a number of topics during the event but came back to the refrain that the answer to challenges we face are in the communal “us.” From issues we might face on a team, in business or as a community, it’s on us to come together and work toward solutions.

“This morning, we’re reminded not only of the words of Dr. King, but the example he set. Today is a call to action, a vision of equality and a commitment to the higher ideals of justice, peace and unity,” Willis said. “Dr. King once said, ‘Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?’ Today as we reflect on those words, we’re reminded that service is not only an affect, but it’s a way of life.”

Portia Willis, Greenville City Council member, gave the keynote speech during the event.
Portia Willis, Greenville City Council member, gave the keynote speech during the event. (Photo Courtesy of Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce)
Chad Tucker, director of Volunteer Services at ECU Health Medical Center, serves as co-chair of the Community Unity Planning Committee and introduced the keynote speaker.
Chad Tucker, director of Volunteer Services at ECU Health Medical Center, serves as co-chair of the Community Unity Planning Committee and introduced the keynote speaker. (Photo Courtesy of Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce)

Community

Dr. Michael Waldrum, ECU Health CEO and Dean of Brody, speaks during a one-year anniversary of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.

It’s been a year since the state of North Carolina passed Medicaid Expansion, bringing with it much-needed coverage and financial reprieve for the communities ECU Health serves.

North Carolina’s former governor, Roy Cooper says “One year of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, ECU Health CEO and Brody School of Medicine’s dean. “As we celebrate this moment. We’re proud to say we’re building the national model for rural health care right here in eastern North Carolina.”

That model depends on Medicaid Expansion and affordable access to care.

“It is a comprehensive health benefit where you can go see a primary care provider, have it covered,” said Kody Kinsley, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “Where you can have pharmacy, vision and dental and a copay that is never more than four dollars.”

Cost-effective health care is an important component, but it’s not the only one. ECU Health’s Dr. Karen Coward states “This is the power of Medicaid expansion. It’s not just about providing coverage, it’s about dignity.”

And peace of mind for the patients who need it most. Medicaid Expansion beneficiary and ECU Health patient, Darcy Guill spoke during the event.

“Sixteen years ago, I found myself unable to work and I lost my health insurance,” Guill said. “For the next 15 years, I was either uninsured or under insured.”

Her inconsistent coverage hit home in a different way following a car accident.

“I was hospitalized for two months right here at ECU Health,” Guill said. “I knew I was going to be uninsured again and I didn’t know what to do and I was terrified.”

That panic subsided when she realized share now had another option.

“It didn’t dawn on me at first that it was going to include me but it did,” she said. “Medicaid is literally saving my life. I am the person that benefitted from it and I am no different than all the other people that could benefit.”

Community | Featured | Health News

2024 Year in Review

Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health, the health system serving eastern North Carolina, marked a year of clinical advancements, record recruitment, expanded access to care, academic growth and national recognition in 2024. The health system’s progress demonstrates its unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes for the region’s rural communities.

“At ECU Health, 2024 was a successful year marked by groundbreaking innovations, impactful collaborations and significant achievements that solidify our position as a national model for rural health care,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, ECU Health CEO and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

2024 Year in Review

“From advancing academic excellence and clinical innovation to expanding access to care, these milestones reflect the unwavering dedication and hard work of our exceptional team members. As an exciting new year begins, we remain committed to building on this momentum to address the unique health care needs of our communities with a focus on meeting our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”

A few key highlights from 2024 include: celebrating the first graduating class of its Rural Family Medicine Residency Program and also expanding class sizes moving forward, investing in research with the Brody School of Medicine, introducing innovative technologies such as the BEAR® Implant, FARAPULSE™ and EluPro® BioEnvelope to enhance patient outcomes and offer state-of-the-art treatment options, and the system earning several prestigious recognitions, including becoming the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in eastern North Carolina and one of four in the state, Electrophysiology Lab accreditation and Magnet® designation for nursing excellence, and hosting the one year anniversary celebration of Medicaid expansion, highlighting the number of eastern North Carolinians who now have access to health insurance.

More 2024 highlights include:

  • ECU Health Medical Center received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for brain tumor care.
  • ECU Health strengthened its network with the opening of the Outer Banks Health Cancer Center, groundbreaking for Outer Banks Health Family Medicine in Manteo, the launch of the JOY Clinic and the ECU Health and Pitt County Health Department’s vaccine and health assessment clinic for local kids.
  • ECU Health achieved record recruitment of physicians and nurses committed to the ECU Health mission.
  • ECU Health expanded access to primary care access by adding 198 new primary care providers and opening more than 900 new primary care appointments per week.
  • ECU Health celebrated the first graduating class of its Rural Family Medicine Residency Program and expanded the class size.
  • ECU Health started fellowships in Electrophysiology and American Sign Language.
  • The Brody School of Medicine broke ground on its new Center for Medical Education, a step toward increasing its class size from 86 to over 120 students, addressing the growing need for physicians in the region.
  • ECU and ECU Health’s NC-STeP program received a national achievement award by the American Psychiatric Association.

To explore more milestones and highlights from 2024, visit ECUHealth.org/YearInReview2024.

Brody School of Medicine | Community | Health News | Press Releases

Nurses and Child Life staff from ECU Health brought the Teddy Bear Hospital to Northwest Elementary School in Pitt County on Tuesday, Dec. 17, as part of the Pitt County Health Sciences Academy. Nearly 130 kindergarten and first-grade students participated in the event, designed to introduce young children to health care professionals in a welcoming and interactive setting.

Dressed in scrubs and personal protective equipment (PPE), the students acted as caregivers for their favorite stuffed animals. They guided their “patients” through the health care process, starting with check-in and triage. ECU Health nurses examined the stuffed animals, provided a diagnosis, and directed the children to one of three stations: Sutures & Bandages, Operating Room, or Clinic. Afterward, the students and their stuffed animals visited the recovery area, where each received a certificate of bravery.

“This event offers a unique and playful way to familiarize children with health care professionals,” said Nancy Turner, workforce development consultant at ECU Health. “By engaging with the students in a hands-on setting, we’re helping to make health care less intimidating while sparking curiosity about health-related careers.”

Turner emphasized the impact of early exposure to health care.

Teddy Bear Hospital

“When kids see the process in a fun and supportive environment, it not only eases fears about doctor’s visits but also shows them that health care is approachable and full of possibilities,” said Turner.

For many students, the Teddy Bear Hospital is just the beginning of their exploration of health care. ECU Health team members, in collaboration with the Health Sciences Academy, host a variety of programs for middle and high school students, including job shadowing, career fairs and events like “Chat with a Doc.”

“The goal is to engage students at every stage of their education,” said Turner. “Starting in elementary school, we show them that health care careers are diverse and accessible. Whether their interests lie in nursing, technology, or another area, there’s a role for everyone in health care.”

These programs reflect ECU Health’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of health care professionals while building a strong, local pipeline of talent to serve eastern North Carolina.

The Pitt County Health Sciences Academy is a partnership between ECU Health, Pitt County Schools, Pitt Community College, East Carolina University, the Brody School of Medicine, Colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Engineering and Nursing at East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine at East Carolina University, the Eastern Area Health Education Center and the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.

Brody School of Medicine | Children's | Community | Health News

team members fall harvest beaufort

ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center, brought the community together to celebrate healthy living at its third annual Fall Harvest Event. Held at the Community Well-Being Zone next to the ECU Health Wellness Center in Washington, the event offered fresh produce, free health screenings and opportunities to learn about nutrition and wellness.

Attendees harvested sweet potatoes, leafy greens and fresh herbs, while enjoying the educational atmosphere. The space, designed to promote wellness and community engagement, includes 10 raised beds for vegetables, two large planters for herbs, a storage shed and areas for outdoor learning.

“This event is about more than just providing fresh vegetables,” said Dr. Tammy Thompson, ECU Health’s Director of Experience, Engagement, Education and Design. “We’re fostering wellness habits and creating a space where the community can connect, learn and thrive. Hosting this event by the Wellness Center also allows us to showcase the resources available to help community members live healthy lifestyles.”

In addition to the harvest, the event featured free health screenings on a mobile bus and tours of the ECU Health Wellness Center. Community members received guidance on growing food at home, nutrition tips and exercise information, further emphasizing the importance of holistic health. The event provided fresh vegetable soup for attendees, and warm apple cider as they toured the garden.

annual fall harvest

The event’s success was also supported by partnerships and volunteer efforts. The Conetoe Family Life Center contributed additional produce for attendees, while an East Carolina University Public Health intern welcomed guests and shared educational resources.
Volunteers like Cathy Karlovich, were thrilled to be part of the initiative.

“Healthy eating is very important to me,” Karlovich said. “I understand how eating well can impact your whole life, so doing something like this for the community and sharing valuable information is really special.”

Thompson encouraged the community to get involved, noting that volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in supporting the garden and its mission.

“My hope with events like this is to cultivate not just a garden, but a healthier, more connected community,” Thompson said.

The garden is open to community members from 9 a.m. to noon each Wednesday and Friday where any produce ready to be harvested will be distributed and other educational materials will be shared. For more information, please visit ECUHealth.org/WBZ

Community | Health News | Wellness