Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the upcoming opening of a state-of-the-art, 144-bed hospital. The event marks a historic milestone in expanding access to high-quality, compassionate behavioral health services in eastern North Carolina.
Located at 2820 MacGregor Downs Road in Greenville, less than a mile from ECU Health Medical Center, the new hospital represents a major investment in behavioral health infrastructure for the region. The hospital will offer comprehensive inpatient and intensive outpatient programs for adults, seniors, children, and adolescents facing acute mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring substance use disorders. The hospital was built through a joint venture partnership between ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare. It is set to open its doors to patients starting in Fall 2025 and will build up capacity over the ensuing months.
“This ribbon-cutting symbolizes much more than the opening of a hospital – it’s a continuation of ECU Health’s commitment to meeting the most pressing needs of our communities,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, Chief Executive Officer of ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine. “By partnering with Acadia Healthcare and offering specialized, patient-centered behavioral health care that will also serve as a training ground for future clinicians, this hospital will support patients throughout eastern North Carolina and directly advances our mission to improve the health and well-being of the region.”
The hospital will also serve as a training site for students and residents through partnerships with ECU’s Brody School of Medicine. This academic integration will help address the shortage of behavioral health professionals in the region.
“This partnership between Acadia Healthcare and ECU Health is built on shared values and a shared vision: to expand access to world-class behavioral health services close to home,” said Chris Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Acadia Healthcare. “We are proud to stand beside ECU Health in this important work and look forward to the positive impact this hospital will have on the lives of patients and families in this region.”
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that reflects the needs of each community we serve,” said Tyler Davis, Chief Executive Officer of ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital. “This new hospital is a vital step forward in that mission. By bringing care, education, and innovation together under one roof, we are creating a model that other regions can look to for inspiration.”
Thomas Construction Group led the construction of the hospital with architectural design by Stengel Hill Architecture.
To learn more about ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, visit www.ecuhealthbehavioral.com.
This summer, two local teens from Pitt and Greene Counties, Madelyn Sutter and Kade McLawhorn, traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent North Carolina at the Children’s Congress, a national advocacy event hosted by Breakthrough T1D. Both ECU Health patients living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) since early childhood, Sutter and McLawhorn joined over 170 youth delegates from across the country to speak directly with lawmakers about the importance of renewing the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which funds critical research and technology for T1D.
Sutter, 17, is a rising senior and intern at ECU Health Medical Center’s pediatric pharmacy through ECU Health and Pitt County Schools Health Sciences Academy, a high school curriculum program designed to expose and prepare students who wish to pursue health care-related careers upon graduation. Diagnosed at age three, Sutter has spent the last 14 years navigating life with T1D and now serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
McLawhorn, 15, is entering 10th grade and is a three-sport athlete who loves the outdoors. He was diagnosed at age four and has been active in the diabetes community ever since. He also serves as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D.
Both teens are passionate about advocacy and were thrilled to be selected for the Children’s Congress. They were two of the five delegates from North Carolina.
“It was a really cool experience to help advocate for things that matter and apply to my life personally,” said McLawhorn. “Not a lot of people get in, so it felt special to be part of something so important.”
During their time in D.C., Sutter and McLawhorn met with staffers from Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd’s offices and visited Representative Greg Murphy’s and Rep. Don Davis’s offices. Their goal was to urge lawmakers to support the renewal of the SDP, which is set to expire in September.
“We were the faces of the program,” Sutter said. “Everyone wants to hear kids’ stories, and we were that personal connection to show how this funding directly helps us.”
Sutter shared with lawmakers how her life has changed thanks to SDP-funded advancements.
“I used to give myself shots constantly,” said Sutter. “Now I use an automated insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. It’s still a 24/7 job, but these tools make being a teenager with diabetes a lot easier.”
One of the highlights for both teens was meeting celebrities who also live with T1D. Delegates attended a meet-and-greet with actors, athletes and influencers who have turned their diagnosis into a source of strength.
“It was so cool to meet people you see on TV and realize they deal with the same stuff we do,” McLawhorn said.
Sutter and McLawhorn’s bond goes beyond Congress. They have known each other for years through Camp Needles in the Pines, a camp for kids with T1D hosted by the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and ECU Health. Sutter’s mom, who is also McLawhorn’s endocrinologist, serves as the camp’s medical director.
“We’ve grown up together,” Sutter said. “He’s like my diabetes little brother.”
McLawhorn echoed the sentiment.
“We’ve gone to camp together for a long time and have just been good friends since then,” said McLawhorn. “It’s great having someone like Maddie who understands what it’s like.”
At camp, the kids enjoy swimming, archery, kayaking and arts and crafts, all while being supported by medical professionals who understand T1D.
“It’s comforting for parents and empowering for kids,” Sutter added. “You may be the only person in your school with diabetes, but camp reminds you that you’re never alone.”
Both Sutter and McLawhorn are determined to continue advocating for T1D awareness and support.
“I love public speaking,” Sutter said. “This was my chance to share my story and be a voice for others.”
East Carolina University (ECU) Baseball player Parker Byrd has stepped up to the plate to lead Homers That Help, a charity initiative supporting families at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Taking over from former player Carter Cunningham, Byrd has embraced the opportunity to expand the program’s impact and continue its mission of giving back.
The idea for Homers That Help was born after Cunningham participated in a career shadowing experience at ECU Health Medical Center in November 2023. Walking through Maynard Children’s Hospital, he felt a deep calling to do something meaningful for the young patients and their families.
He started small, asking his ECU Baseball teammates for donations to bring holiday cheer to the hospital. The players raised $500, which they used to buy gifts and spend time playing with the children. The visit left a lasting impression on both the players and the families.
After reflecting over winter break, Cunningham launched Homers That Help, an initiative where sponsors pledged donations for each ECU home baseball game and contributed additional funds for every home run hit. The program exceeded expectations, raising $50,000 in its first season. In addition to the donations, the baseball team would make regular visits to pediatric patients.
“I felt that it was so important to serve others, and even if you can’t give money, time is so important,” Cunningham said. “Whether that’s your time, your talent or your treasure, really being generous goes a long way.”
As Cunningham graduated and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, he wanted the initiative to continue. Cunningham felt Byrd was the perfect fit to lead the program forward after seeing Byrd connect with patients during hospital visits.
“It was like a God-given talent and ability when he was in a patient’s room,” Cunningham said. “He just knew how to connect with the kids a lot better than I ever could – and anyone for that matter.”
According to Tara Tadlock, a child life specialist at Maynard Children’s Hospital, these visits bring much-needed joy.
“The kids get so excited to see the players,” Tadlock said. “It lifts their spirits more than people realize. Whether playing games, coloring or simply talking baseball, the experience means the world to them.”
Byrd said having been a patient in the hospital for a long time previously helped him understand how it feels to be one of the kids.
“Carter told me about his plans early on, and I saw firsthand the impact it was having,” Byrd said. “When he asked if I could take over, it was an honor.”
Byrd’s leadership has ensured Homers That Help continues to grow and flourish. Cunningham remains involved, offering guidance and staying connected to the program’s growth, including the sale of shirts where $10 from each purchase is donated directly to the Children’s Hospital.
“He could have just handed it off and moved on,” Byrd said. “But he still contributes, checks in and continues to bring new ideas.”
Building on Cunningham’s foundation, Byrd introduced Ks for Kids, allowing pitchers to participate by raising money with strikeouts.
“It’s awesome to get the pitchers involved,” Byrd said. “Last year, hitters had competition for the most home runs, and now pitchers have their own way to contribute and have some healthy competition.”
ECU pitcher Ethan Norby demonstrated the program’s potential with a standout performance, recording 19 strikeouts in one game, directly benefiting families in need.
“During the game, I was actually thinking it was awesome for the kids because he was racking up a lot of strikeouts and support for the families here at the hospital,” Byrd said.
Managed by ECU Health Foundation, the funds raised through Homers That Help have had a direct impact on families, covering essential costs like gas and food gift cards to ease their hospital stays. Funds also will be going to other needs of Maynard Children’s Hospital to improve care and the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families.
“Being a college student and student athlete is very time consuming, but then they still make time out of their weeks to come and visit these kids and during every single game, raise money for Maynard Children’s Hospital,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “This fundraiser is just amazing and shows what great humans they are and just their love of wanting to give back. ECU Health and our patients and their families are so grateful to them.”
Byrd expressed his gratitude to Cunningham, his teammates and the entire ECU community for their unwavering support. As the 2024-2025 season comes to an end, Byrd is grateful for all of the community support and excited for the future of Homers That Help.
“The community has been tremendous,” Byrd said. “Seeing everyone rally behind this cause makes it all worth it.”
To date, Homers That Help has raised over $75,000. To learn more about Homers That Help or to give, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org
Each summer, Camp Hope and Camp Rainbow offer a sanctuary for children in eastern North Carolina living with cancer, sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other chronic bleeding disorders. More than just a change of scenery, these camps provide a place where kids can just be kids.
“This is a week for them to come to camp and just be a kid and have fun and meet other kids that may have the same type of condition that they have,” says Tamika Mackey, child life specialist at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic at ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of Camp Hope and Camp Rainbow. “My favorite part is seeing smiles on their faces, getting hugs from the kids and seeing them meet new people.”
Camp Rainbow is for children with cancer, hemophilia and children who have lost a sibling to one of these diseases, and Camp Hope is for children with sickle cell disease.
ECU Health and Brody School of Medicine team members develop camping programs to provide pediatric patients an opportunity to learn more about themselves and their illness, participate in fun activities like swimming, canoeing, archery, crafts, music and drama, all while making life-long friendships with other children with similar conditions and experiences. While at camp, located at The Refuge in Ayden, children receive 24-hour medical care and close medical monitoring by their ECU Health care teams including physicians, nurses, child life and social workers.
“The goal is for kids to meet other children that may share the same medical condition that they have and to build lifelong relationships,” Mackey said.
For kids navigating life with chronic illnesses, especially in rural communities where connection can be even harder, Camp Hope and Camp Rainbow are more than just a week of fun. According to Mackey, they’re a lifeline, a reminder that they are seen, supported and deeply loved.
“They’ve been enjoying camp,” said Mackey. “I can tell by the hugs and smiles I get daily. Just to see them having fun and not in a medical environment, that’s everything.”
The connections the kids make extend beyond the week.
“They don’t all live in the same area, but they stay in touch with group chats and even checking on each other during hospital stay,” said Mackey. “That kind of support is invaluable.”
Lawsen Ziemba, a twelve-year-old camper, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just two years old. Ziemba spent his first week at camp this year and said he was able to connect with kids and adults who had gone through some of the same medical experiences he had.
“You can get a perspective from other people that have gone through the same thing you had and have a relationship with them about what you have gone through,” said Ziemba.
One of the camp’s examples of the impact camp has is Heaven Glaspie, a former camper turned counselor. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease, Heaven began attending Camp Rainbow at 8 years old. Now 23, he returns to give back the joy he once received.
“Whenever I was growing up, we had mentors and volunteers that were coming to camp and taking time out of their week to make sure that we had a very great time,” said Glaspie. “For me to be able to do that whenever I aged out of camp and come back and be able to help other people have a good time, that’s one of the best feelings in the world to me. The smile on their face that they give you whenever they’re having the best time of their life at camp, it’s very heartwarming.”
His firsthand experience gives him a unique perspective.
“Not a lot of people can relate to what these kids go through, but I’ve walked in their shoes,” said Glaspie. “I can let them know they’re not alone.”
For both campers and counselors, camp is about more than just memories.
“Camp becomes a family,” Heaven said. “Everybody’s so used to seeing each other in the summer, and even when we go home, we keep talking.”
Mackey said seeing campers grow up and come back as volunteers is inspiring.
“It shows younger kids that they, too, can grow up, go to college, give back,” said Mackey. “It’s powerful for them to see someone living with sickle cell disease or a similar condition to them who’s thriving.”
ECU Health, in partnership with STEM East and NC East Alliance, welcomed K-12 educators from across eastern North Carolina to the third annual Health Sciences Industry in Schools experience, an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the ECU Health’s system of care designed to inspire the next generation of health care professionals.
This initiative aims to educate K-12 teachers in eastern North Carolina about the different health care careers available, from doctors and nurses to child life specialists and lab technicians to build a sustainable workforce pipeline to support the growing needs of the region.
By engaging teachers as ambassadors, the event equips them with firsthand knowledge about the wide range of opportunities in health care from clinical roles to critical support services so they can guide and help students learn about future careers.
“The core mission of STEM East is to empower our regional teachers as workforce developers,” said Dr. Ethan Lenker, director of Industry Engagement and Support, STEM East Network. “The most effective way to inform students about local career opportunities is to first equip our schools and educators with that same knowledge. By partnering with ECU Health and other industries, we ensure our teachers gain firsthand experience they can bring back to the classroom—making career exploration more practical, relevant, and connected to our region’s workforce needs.”
The goal is for educators to leave the training with real-world insights to bring back to their classrooms.
“We’re really highlighting health sciences industries for educators throughout the eastern part of North Carolina,” said Nancy Turner, workforce development consultant, ECU Health. “Our hope is to create a spark in students early on so that one day, they’ll be the ones providing care in our communities.”
This year’s featured experience centered on a simulated pediatric shark bite emergency. Educators toured the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and ECU Health Medical Center, watching live-action demonstrations led by experienced medical teams. From tourniquet application to patient transport and emergency department protocols, teachers witnessed the real-time collaboration it takes to save a life. Participants also visited and heard from team members in respiratory, radiology, blood bank, surgery, pharmacy, rehab and PICU and dietitians.
“We’re not just showcasing health sciences careers,” Turner said. “We talk about our values and the important character qualities it takes to be a health care provider like confidence, empathy and compassion. These are qualities that can be nurtured in every classroom and in every grade.”
By giving educators a deeper understanding of the skills a health care career demands, ECU Health is helping grow meaningful careers right here at home from a young age. That investment in local talent is key to addressing the long-term workforce challenges facing rural areas.
“Even starting as early as kindergarten, teachers can shape students’ character and spark their curiosity,” said Turner. “It’s not only about content knowledge, but about who they are becoming as future professionals.”
Greenville, N.C. – The 2025 ECU Health Board Quality Leadership Award winners were recognized at the ECU Health Board of Directors meeting held on Tuesday, June 24. These winning teams exemplify ECU Health’s system-wide commitment to achieving zero harm, delivering exceptional experiences and advancing patient outcomes through high-quality, compassionate care.
“Having served on the Board Quality Leadership Awards selection committee for several years, I continue to be inspired by the caliber of work presented,” said Robert Greczyn, chair, ECU Health Board of Directors. “Choosing a single winner is never easy—every project reflects remarkable dedication, innovation and impact. It’s a testament to the incredible talent and passion driving our mission forward.”
Two teams earned recognition this year, chosen from a competitive pool of nominations and thoughtfully reviewed by the selection committee, and the winning teams are as follows:
The first winner, from ECU Health Medical Center, submitted “Mechanical Thrombectomy Treatment Option for Pulmonary Embolism.”
To address the urgent need for better treatment of pulmonary embolism, ECU Health Medical Center began offering a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which removes blood clots, for patients at moderate risk. Over three years, the team used this approach to treat 108 patients. In total, they evaluated 1,361 pulmonary embolism cases. This team-based effort has greatly improved access to critical care for patients in eastern North Carolina.
The Project Leaders were Umer Tariq, MD – Interventional Cardiologist, ECU, CVS Cardiology, Jessica Decker, MBA, BSN, RN – Director, Patient Care Services, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Veeranna Maddipati, MD – Pulmonary Critical Care. The team members were Crystal Beaman, Cardiovascular Technologist, Ryan Schroeder, Cardiovascular Technologist, Delicia Reddick, Cardiovascular Technologist, Meredith McConnell, RN, Staff Nurse III, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Josh Patton, RN – Staff Nurse IV, Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
The second winner, from ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, submitted their project “Promoting a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Safeguarding Care for our Patients and Team Members.” The team prioritized enhancing workplace safety by addressing the national rise in workplace aggression incidents. With a specific aim to improve team member safety by increasing reported WPA events by 50%, the initiative focused on early recognition of escalating behaviors, improved communication between staff and administration and strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement and the Office of Experience. As a result, the team helped achieve significant progress toward a safer work environment.
The Project Leaders were Kim Langston, Manager, Emergency Department, Captain Jim Bullins, ECU Health Police and Renee Mayo, Vice President, Patient Care Service. The team members were JoAnna Keeter, Quality Director, Jason Berry, Executive Director, Operations, Bobby Davis, Manager, Facility Services, Heather Smith, Staff Nurse, Emergency Department, April Joyner, ANM, Emergency Department and Jamie Woodcock, Quality Nurse Specialist.
To receive this honor, team members submitted projects that demonstrated at least two of the following requirements:
- Quantifiable improvement in an organizational quality priority with sustained excellence over time
- Demonstration of empathy and compassion in patient care
- Implementation of innovative solution to patient care problem
- Community outreach that addresses the social determinants of health in a meaningful way
These projects and the dedicated teams behind them highlight ECU Health’s ongoing commitment to providing the best care possible to the communities we serve. ECU Health congratulates the 2025 award recipients and thanks all nominees for helping meet our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.
Since its inception in March 2022, the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) initiative has worked to mitigate the effects of food insecurity, housing instability, interpersonal violence/toxic stress and lack of access to transportation.
Spanning multiple counties, including Pitt, Beaufort, Chowan, Edgecombe, Hertford, Martin, Halifax, Northampton and Bertie, the Access East HOP consists of a network of community-based organizations, called Human Service Organizations (HSOs), which provide essential services. By leveraging resources and expanding local economies, HOP ensures that critical support reaches those in need.
HSOs play a vital role in bridging the health care gap. By working alongside Medicaid, they offer non-medical services that directly impact health outcomes.
Programs target individuals with chronic conditions, addressing socioeconomic needs for all age groups. Access East acts as the HOP lead for eastern North Carolina, building the HSO network and coordinating insurance claims.
“Eligible Medicaid Managed Care enrollees receive these services to help manage non-medical factors that improve health outcomes,” said Tina Dixon, vice president of Healthy Opportunities at Access East. “For example, if someone does not have food security, they aren’t able to consistently eat healthy meals with fresh fruits and vegetables that play a large role in preventing conditions like diabetes and hypertension.”
One HSO, Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County serves about 1,200 families per month in Bertie County, ensuring anyone in need has access to food. Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County provides large-scale food distributions to residents in Bertie County, including delivering about 150 food boxes per week through the HOP program. Deborah Freeman, executive director of Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County, uses fresh produce from local farms, which not only generates steady revenue for local businesses like the farm but also provides employment opportunities, contributing to economic stability.
In 2022, Good Shepherd was among the first agencies to join the Access East HOP Program, a decision that has allowed them to hire eight new employees, many of whom are seniors, to help with food delivery, with additional staff packing food boxes and supporting operations through a senior employment program. These positions provide not only financial stability for older adults but also an opportunity for them to give back to their communities. Ninety percent of their drivers are over 70 years old, with additional staff packing food boxes and supporting operations through a senior employment program.
HOP has also helped fund their backpack program, an initiative that provides children with two breakfasts, two lunches, milk, juice, and fresh fruit to ensure children have access to nutritious food. They delivered 9,600 backpack meals to elementary and middle school students in Bertie County during the past school year. Reimbursements from HOP food boxes deliveries provided over $70,000 to fund the backpack program.
“There are so many babies who go to school hungry,” said Freeman. “Teachers know which children are struggling when they come back on Monday. We allow schools to identify those in need, provide a count, and we ensure that backpacks are delivered every Thursday.”
Freeman says her team has witnessed firsthand how HOP has transformed the lives of many people in her county.
“There are just so many stories that come back from my drivers,” said Freeman. “When they go to certain homes, they really get to know the families over months, even a year sometimes, because they keep getting recertified. At first, you have to face the reality of the conditions people are living in, but then you witness the transformation. We provide food, but then other HSOs step in to repair homes and offer more support. One of my drivers shared that, at the beginning, you could see the ground through one person’s house, but by the end of six months, the house had been repaired, food boxes were coming in, and HOP was really helping improve lives.”
While Good Shepherd Food Pantry’s work has helped address food insecurity at the local level, the broader impact of HOP extends beyond individual communities. By supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and providing essential services, HOP helps improve the health and well-being of recipients while adding to local economies.
“HOP not only offers these services to improve the lives of Medicaid patients, HOP also greatly benefits local economies,” said Dixon. “Local businesses are growing and flourishing because of the funds from HOP. It provides a steady income for these businesses, and they’re able to provide services for those in need and even expand their services outside of HOP recipients.”
Since its inception, Access East’s HOP has enrolled 12,190 clients and served 10,396 individuals, ensuring access to essential services. With a total of more than 220,000 contracted services provided, the initiative has had a significant impact on the community. The value of services delivered amounts to $44,454,724, with 223,283 invoices submitted for payment. Access East HOP’s invoicing specialists carefully review each invoice, ensuring accurate payments are made to the HSOs. These funds have been instrumental in supporting both local residents and the HSOs dedicated to serving them, improving access to critical resources.
As part of our commitment to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, the Office of Community Health at ECU Health is once again partnering with Food Lion Feeds, Sodexo and the ECU Health Foundation to provide free meals to children, teens and people with disabilities throughout the summer.
ECU Health has offered the Summer Meal Program since 2021, providing thousands of meals to those in need.
This year, the program is being offered in four eastern North Carolina communities – Greenville, Tarboro, Ahoskie and Bethel.
The program dates and locations include:
- Greenville – At York Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church from June 11-Aug. 21; meals provided Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (while meals last)
- Tarboro – At Braswell Community Center from June 9-Aug. 21; meals provided Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (while meals last)
- Ahoskie – At The Gathering Place from June 9-Aug. 21; meals provided Monday-Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (while meals last)
- Bethel – At the Bethel Youth Activity Center from June 16-July 24 (closed June 30-July 4); meals provided Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (while meals last)
In 2024, 71 ECU Health team members volunteered with the Summer Meal Program, serving more than 4,000 meals to people in need.
For more information about the ECU Health Summer Meal Program, please email [email protected].
Ahoskie, NC – ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Perioperative Services Department, in collaboration with the American College of Surgeons, is proud to announce that Tomekia Perry, sterile processing technician with ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Kankuben Baxiram Gelot Scholarship.
This distinguished scholarship was established by Raguvir B. Gelot, MD, FACS, to honor his mother’s legacy while supporting professional development among health care colleagues at the hospital where he dedicated 35 years of service.
Ms. Perry’s selection recognizes her commitment to advancing her expertise in perioperative care. The scholarship award includes a $2,000 stipend to assist with registration and related costs for an approved educational or professional development program.
She has been officially approved by the Perioperative Services Department Manager and the American College of Surgeons to complete the Certified Sterile Processing Technician program, further strengthening her skills in the health care field.
“We are incredibly proud of Tomekia’s achievement and dedication to professional growth,” said Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. “Her selection for this scholarship underscores our commitment to supporting individuals who strive for excellence in patient care and surgical services.”
ECU Health has long been dedicated to improving health care access and outcomes in eastern North Carolina, and its latest initiative aims to build a sustainable health care solution for Martin County. At a public hearing in front of a standing-room only crowd at the Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 4, ECU Health CEO and Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Dean Dr. Michael Waldrum outlined the vision to re-establish essential health care services for Martin County and the surrounding communities.
ECU Health’s proposal would create the state’s first Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) in Martin County, initially located in the existing medical facility. The proposal outlines the organization’s commitment to advocating for a $70 million investment from the State of North Carolina to build a new Rural Care Center in Martin County that would serve as the future home of the REH with the potential to expand outpatient services including preventative care.
REH is a new Medicare designation designed to sustain essential health care services in communities that may otherwise be unable to support a traditional hospital. REHs offer emergency room care, observation services, and other outpatient health services. These services are limited to short-term care, with patients staying an average of less than 24 hours.
Importantly, because REHs cannot provide inpatient services except in very limited situations, ECU Health is also advocating for $150 million to expand inpatient capacity at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, a campus of ECU Health Medical Center. ECU Health Beaufort Hospital is a Hill-Burton Act hospital built in 1958, highlighting the importance of investing in modernizing the facility to support the regional system of care.
“Solving the rural health challenge means pursuing transformative solutions that create sustainable heath care access,” said Dr. Waldrum. “ECU Health’s expertise is rural health care, and our proposal reflects our unwavering commitment to our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. In my conversations with State leaders, it is clear there is a shared desire to support rural communities like Martin County. The State investments we’re seeking are critical to support the development of a regional system of care which is central to creating sustainability in and around Martin County.”
Like many rural regions, eastern North Carolina faces high rates of chronic illnesses and socioeconomic disparities. Martin County is one of North Carolina’s least healthy counties, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. With high rates of obesity, smoking and premature deaths, the county’s health challenges underscore the need for local access to high-quality care.
Multiple Martin County residents provided public comments during the meeting with many thanking ECU Health and Martin County leaders for their commitment to supporting the community.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners will consider ECU Health’s proposal and public input before determining next steps.