Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health performed the first ever pacemaker implantation with Elutia’s EluPro® BioEnvelope on Sept. 5. EluPro, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device, is the first antibiotic-eluting device designed to prevent post-operative complications for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
“We are proud to be the first to perform a pacemaker implantation with the EluPro BioEnvelope, which is a testament to the work our cardiovascular teams do every day to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “Being the first to perform this groundbreaking procedure with the EluPro BioEnvelope underscores our commitment to bringing cutting-edge solutions directly to the communities we serve. Our patients can access the highest level of care without the need to travel long distances, ensuring that advanced cardiovascular treatments are available right here in eastern North Carolina.”
For high-risk patients, including those with underlying health conditions or advanced age, traditional pacemakers carry a risk of complications such as infection, migration and skin erosion, affecting five to seven percent of patients nationwide, according to the FDA. These issues arise when the body’s immune system treats the device as a foreign object, leading to inflammation, device movement, and, in some cases, serious infections. The EluPro BioEnvelope offers an innovative solution for high-risk patients by combining antibiotic therapy with advanced tissue engineering.
“Eastern North Carolina faces high rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, making access to advanced cardiovascular care crucial for our community,” said Dr. John Catanzaro, John “Jack” Rose distinguished professor and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center. “Patients with co-morbidities are at higher risk for infection after procedures like pacemaker implantations, and this new technology is a significant step forward in addressing these challenges, as it not only improves patient outcomes but also helps prevent complications that can arise from traditional procedures. I am grateful to the team that helps bring innovations like the EluPro BioEnvelope to our region, demonstrating our commitment to reducing health disparities and ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.”
ECU Health team members that were part of the new procedure include: John Catanzaro, MD, MBA, Jan Lopes, MD, Mark Dixon, RN, David Rouse, cardiovascular technologist, and Tracy Fulcher, cardiovascular technologist. As the academic health system for eastern North Carolina, ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine perform nearly 1,000 pacemaker implantations per year and ensure patients benefit from the latest medical innovations without having to travel far from home. This integration of academic expertise and clinical care not only enhances patient outcomes but also serves as a vital resource for training the next generation of health care professionals. ECU Health’s commitment to leading the way in advanced cardiovascular treatments demonstrates our ongoing mission to address rural health disparities and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Kimberly Askew, Jessica Noble, Amber Oakes and Kathryn Jarvis.
Kimberly Askew
Like so many aspiring nurses, Kimberly Askew decided to pursue nursing because of her mother. “It was my dream to be a labor and delivery nurse like my mother,” Kimberly said. “She went to nursing school and graduated when I was in eighth grade, and I saw what a difference it made for her and our family. She has served as a great inspiration for me in all aspects of my life.”
Kimberly started working at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital 19 years ago as a certified nursing assistant, and through the Homegrown program, she attended Roanoke Chowan Community College to get her associate in nursing degree. In the ensuing years, she has served as a charge nurse, a preceptor, a childbirth educator, a unit educator and an ALSO instructor. She spent 12 years in labor and delivery, three in the medical/surgical unit and the last four years in the peri-operative unit.
To be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse is an honor, she said, one that acknowledges the work she does and the difference she makes. “It means a lot that others see what I’m doing. What we as ECU Health nurses do for our communities is so very important.” Yet, she also said it was a shock when she learned she’d won the award. “I could name at least a dozen others who deserve this recognition. We as humans always have self-doubt and I think everyone deserves to see how others see them.”
Jessica Noble
As a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in maternal health, Jessica Noble currently serves as the perinatal nurse champion and navigator for ECU Health Medical Center. She received her BSN from East Caroline University and a master’s in nursing education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and she is an active member in the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and serves on the DHHS Maternal Health Task Force. These partnerships have, she said, “made eastern North Carolina and ECU Health the best place to have a baby.”
Her passion for nursing began when she was three years old. “My great-grandmother looked after me while my mother worked, and I vividly recall climbing to reach the kitchen cabinet to get her medicine,” Jessica said. “She cared for me when I was ill, and I cherished the opportunity to care for her in return.”
While she is proud to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse, Jessica said the honor was due in part to knowing that the Great 100 recognizes exceptional nurses. “This recognition makes me feel accomplished and proud to be a part of such a distinguished group of nurses across North Carolina and from ECU Health. Having 19 nurses from ECU Health recognized reflects how much ECU Health values its team members and is committed to their success.”
Amber Oakes
An eastern North Carolina native, Amber Oakes received her associate degree in nursing from Pitt Community College and her BSN from Western Carolina University. She’s worked at ECU Health Medical Center for 14 years, and most recently she specialized in gynecology/oncology in the outpatient clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center.
Her desire to support patients with cancer began with a friend. “My desire to support a best friend who was fighting for her life launched me into a natural path of caring for others,” she said. “Building relationships with the care team inspired me to care for others with empathy and compassion, and I’m forever grateful for all those nurses did for my friend.” Amber also mentioned what she called her “dynamic” view of nursing. “I see it through the lens of a patient who lives with Multiple Sclerosis; a caregiver to my mother who battled breast cancer and a professional who cares for the oncology patients in eastern North Carolina.”
Amber said she is honored to be named among the Great 100 Nurses: “The legacy of the Great 100 Nurses of NC is revered throughout ECU Health and highly coveted. It is a testament to our organization’s emphasis on continuing education, advanced training, quality improvement efforts and exceptional patient care.” Her strong work ethic and her team help her apply her knowledge, skills and experience with the success of their clinic.
Kathryn Jarvis
Kathryn Jarvis, the senior director for Children’s Services at ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital, has been a nurse at ECU Health Medical Center for 12 years. She received both her BSN and MSN from ECU and her doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) with a concentration in nurse executive leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Kathryn is also a part-time faculty member for ECU’s DNP program. Her hard work has been in an effort to improve the care for pediatric patients throughout eastern North Carolina. “I want every child who needs medical care at one of our facilities to receive best practice, compassionate, patient and family-centered care,” she said.
For as long as she could remember, Kathryn wanted to be a nurse. “I used to want to be a teacher during the week and a nurse on the weekends, but I quickly changed my mind when I realized a person needed a few days off now and then,” she said. Now she has a true passion for pediatric nursing, where she can “care for some of the most resilient patients out there.”
Kathryn expressed deep appreciation for even being nominated as a Great 100 Nurse, let alone to be an honoree. “I don’t think I can adequately express what it means to be recognized as a Great 100 nurse. I have known a multitude of amazing nurses who have received this recognition, and it makes me proud to join them.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.
The Dr. Irons HealthAssist Clinic at JOY Community Center officially opened its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 10, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Thomas Irons.
The clinic will provide free non-emergent health care and disease management services to uninsured individuals in the community.
Dr. Irons, a lifelong advocate for community health, served as the chief medical officer for Access East, a nonprofit ECU Health affiliate. He recently retired from his distinguished career as a professor at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, where he was also a pediatric physician. In recognition of his decades of service, Dr. Irons was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
The clinic, also known as the Pitt County Care Clinic at JOY, is housed within the same building as the JOY Soup Kitchen and has been serving patients in various capacities for over a year. It provides comprehensive wraparound health services, including medication assistance, patient education and connections to local resources. The clinic also hosts regular outreach events with community partners such as PiCASO (Pitt County AIDS Service Organization) and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
Equipped with two standard exam rooms, the clinic will offer free care for non-emergency conditions like colds, bug bites and rashes, as well as manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In-house lab testing for A1C blood-sugar levels and cholesterol will be available, along with COVID-19 testing kits.
Uninsured patients from Pitt and surrounding counties, including Beaufort, Greene, Edgecombe, Hertford, and Martin, will also have the opportunity to join the Access East HealthAssist program, which helps coordinate more comprehensive health care at no cost.
The clinic is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a nurse practitioner available on Wednesdays. Dr. Irons will mentor the clinic’s new nurse practitioner, a recent Duke University graduate. The JOY Community Center & Soup Kitchen is located at 700 Albemarle Ave. in Greenville.
The Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina honors the nursing profession by recognizing nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence. The recipients are distinguished for their outstanding professional ability as well as their contributions to improving health care services in their communities. This year, 19 ECU Health nurses were recognized as honorees, including Virginia “Ginny” Tripp, Rebecca Hagee, Jennifer Lewis, Kelly Trout and Kelly Elliott.
Virginia “Ginny” Tripp
Like many health care providers, Ginny Tripp, a professional development specialist in the Center for Learning and Performance at ECU Health Medical Center, found the inspiration to pursue nursing through her family. “My mother was a nurse, and she has always inspired me to be compassionate and care for everyone,” Ginny said. Her grandmother, also, was a huge support for Ginny and often prepared meals and helped take care of Ginny’s children while Ginny studied in school.
Ginny completed her associate degree in nursing in 1994 from Craven Community College and her BSN, which she received from East Carolina University, in 2006. She began her career at what was then Pitt County Memorial Hospital before transferring to a clinical practice closer to home. She always dreamed of returning “home” to ECU Health, however, and she did just that in 2009.
Now, Ginny’s mother can celebrate with her as she is honored as a Great 100 Nurse. “My mother cried for joy, and I was so excited to tell my family and leadership I received this recognition in my 30th year of service,” she said. Ginny said she was honored for her colleagues to recognize her service by nominating her for this award. “No matter what the need is, I try to find a way to support others and help them become the best version of themselves. I enjoy collaborating with an excellent team who strives to support each other.” Ginny was also quick to thank her leadership for supporting her along the way. “I am thankful to leadership who have helped me grow in my current role over the past nine years,” she said.
Ginny highlighted that having 19 Great 100 Nurse honorees was a nod to the support ECU Health provides its nurses every day. “I can only imagine that ECU Health is proud to know they have supported the professional growth and development of all the nurses who received nominations. For the 19 being honored, I am thankful I am a part of this elite group. We are living the mission and vision of ECU Health each day, and I feel blessed by God to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”
Rebecca Hagee
Rebecca Hagee, a staff nurse III in the surgical oncology clinic at ECU Health Cancer Center, began her career at ECU Health six years ago after graduating from Pitt Community College with her associate degree in nursing. She recently obtained her BSN from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2023.
While Rebecca always knew she wanted to be a nurse, she initially thought she wanted to work in pediatric oncology. “I saw the movie Patch Adams at a young age, and I had my heart set on pediatric oncology,” she said. “Then I started my career on a general surgical unit, but I knew I wanted to work in oncology. When my current role became available, it was a perfect combination of my two interests.” Whatever her role, Rebecca said her goal in life is to “make an impact, and nursing gives me the opportunity to do that every day.”
When she learned she was a Great 100 Nurse, Rebecca said it was a surprise. “I still consider myself a ‘new’ nurse,” she explained. “I never in all my life expected to be presented with such an honor, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity to be recognized for everything I have poured into my nursing career.”
While she acknowledged that she strives to be there for patients during the hardest times of their lives, Rebecca also credited ECU Health’s support in being an honoree. “I would never have had this opportunity without ECU Health’s leadership. It has presented me with two of the best managers and assistant managers who encourage and push their team members to be the best they can be.”
Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis, the outreach coordinator for ECU Health Medical Center Cancer Care, has worked for ECU Health for 32 years, 27 of them as a nurse. Jennifer got started at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital at the age of 18 as an emergency department (ED) clerk. “As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I’ve always been impressed with nurses; they’re intelligent, kind and relatable. I worked in the ED to see what the healthcare setting was like,” she said.
Jennifer liked what she saw, and she completed her associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College before returning to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, now as a nurse. “I was born at that hospital and had all three of my daughters there. It was home,” Jennifer said.
After getting her BSN from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, which she was able to do through ECU Health’s tuition reimbursement program, she found a position at the ECU Health Medical Center and made the move to Greenville. “Life takes you down roads you don’t expect, but I love it,” she said.
Jennifer was shocked to learn she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I’m pretty new at the Medical Center, so to know I’d been nominated by my peers was above anything I imagined,” she said. “It’s the ultimate compliment, and I’m humbled to be among the 19 who represent ECU Health.” Without the support of her team and ECU Health, Jennifer said she wouldn’t be who she is today. “I’m thankful ECU Health,” she said. “I appreciate working somewhere where they recognize nurses for their achievements and support and grow nurses. Becoming a nurse was by far one of the best decisions of my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Kelly Trout
A staff nurse III in the medical oncology unit at ECU Health Medical Center, Kelly Trout has been a nurse, and has worked at ECU Health, for 15 years. “I got my bachelor’s in biology and psychology, but in 2007 I went back to school at Pitt Community College and got my nursing degree,” Kelly said. The inspiration to be a nurse came from her mother, who was a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse for 45 years. “I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I enjoy direct care and hands-on patient interaction,” she said. A clinical rotation in medical oncology, as well as her family history of cancer, strengthened her decision to work in medical oncology. “It’s something I’m passionate about and it’s where I need to be.”
“I was shocked,” Kelly said of learning she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “These Great 100 nurses are doing something special, and I wondered – am I really one of those nurses? It’s a total honor.”
One of the biggest projects Kelly said she’s proud of starting in her unit is Santa’s Hope (previously Santa’s Workshop), where staff donate gifts for kids and adults and patients with cancer can then “shop” for their friends and family without compromising their immune system by going out in crowds. “We’ve had some wonderful stories. Little things like that make a difference, and I’m honored to be a part of this program.”
That ECU Health has 19 nurses on the Great 100 list is pretty special, she said. “It shows there are nurses who have their whole hearts invested in this and is representative of the care ECU Health provides,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to advertise the care we provide and put our name out across the state.”
Katie Elliott
Katie Elliott is a staff nurse IV in the radiation oncology clinic at ECU Health Medical Center, where she’s worked for nearly 15 years. She originally obtained her associate degree in nursing at Beaufort Community College and started her career at ECU Health the same year on the traumatic brain injury inpatient rehabilitation unit. In 2019, she transitioned to radiation oncology, and in May, she received her BSN from Fayetteville State University.
Katie knew from an early age she enjoyed helping people; however, a high school allied health class solidified her decision to become a nurse. Still, she was surprised to find out she was a Great 100 Nurse honoree. “I was so excited, I awakened my husband early in the morning, when I read the letter,” she laughed. “It’s an honor to know your teammates care enough to nominate you for such an amazing award.”
That nomination is the result of a dedication to her team and her patients. “I work hard, and my team sees how much I care,” Katie said. “Not just for my patients. I want to be sure our team is okay too. We take better care of our community by taking care of each other. I don’t just go to work, do my job, and go home. I want to be involved.”
That attitude is one that Katie sees reflected across the ECU Health system. “We go above and beyond in the care we provide for our patients and our communities,” she said. “I recommend ECU Health to anyone. Family members and myself have been patients here. It is comforting to know there’s a place close to home, delivering safe and compassionate care.”
The recipients will be honored at a statewide gala in September, to be held in Concord, North Carolina.
The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is among the top-performing medical schools in the country when it comes to providing an affordable education for future clinicians, according to a new study from the American Association of Medical Colleges.
Nationally, four out of five medical school graduates finish their education with more than $100,000 in debt. As part of its mission to train the next generation of physicians committed to serving the state, with a strong focus on training family care providers, Brody-trained physicians receive one of the highest-value medical educations in the country.
“It is exceptionally gratifying to know that the Brody School of Medicine is leading the way in making a career in medicine affordable and accessible for future physicians across North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, dean of Brody and CEO of ECU Health. “The tremendous need for more physicians, particularly those who practice family medicine and serve in rural communities, serves as our compass as we continue toward our mission. We are fortunate that this need is widely recognized by statewide leaders who are committed to supporting us in our mission. This recent report from the American Association of Medical Colleges is a reminder of why Brody is such an important asset for North Carolina and its citizens.”
The financial flexibility that Brody-trained physicians have upon graduation directly supports the medical school’s ability to produce family medicine physicians which is among the highest-need specialties nationally, particularly in rural communities. Brody ranks in the top 10% of U.S. medical schools for graduating physicians who practice in the state, in primary care and in underserved areas. Brody’s most recent class – the Class of 2023 – is a snapshot of Brody’s unique mission, with 52% of graduates matching into primary care residencies, including obstetrics and gynecology, and 44% matching to residency programs in North Carolina.
“The Brody School of Medicine has a rich legacy of preparing mission-driven physicians who touch the lives of so many through a career in health care,” said Dr. Jason Higginson, executive dean of Brody. “Not only do our medical students receive a high-quality education at Brody, they graduate supported and well-prepared to join the physician workforce and enter areas of practice that are most needed, like family medicine. I could not be more proud and grateful of the Brody faculty and staff. Their passion and expertise make our academic health care mission possible.”
Eastern North Carolina is seeing a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 and other respiratory virus cases. Similar to the last few years, respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, are expected to rise and fall between now and the end of respiratory virus season in 2025. While receiving a positive COVID-19 test result can still be concerning, understanding how to respond can help protect yourself and others.
What to Do If You Test Positive
If you test positive for COVID-19, consult with your doctor or health care provider promptly. If you receive a clinical diagnosis for COVID-19, you may be eligible for medication that can aid in your recovery and prevent severe illness
For individuals at higher risk of serious illness — such as those who are immunocompromised, over the age of 65, or have conditions like heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease — medication can play a crucial role in managing their health.
It’s important to act quickly, as these treatments are most effective when started as soon as possible, ideally within the treatment window after the onset of your first symptoms.
Treatments and Preventative Measures
Fortunately, treatments are available that may help reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. These medications have already been administered to millions of people, helping to lower the risk of severe illness and keeping many out of the hospital.
“ECU Health has previously analyzed the number of COVID inpatients who utilized antivirals before hospitalization,” said Dr. Ryan Gallaher, medical director of infectious diseases, ECU Health. “This data highlights a significant opportunity for at-risk patients to take advantage of these effective antivirals, which can greatly reduce the risk of hospitalization.”
Dr. Gallaher also recommends staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, and the 2024–25 vaccines are expected to be available in fall 2024. Washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms and wearing a mask can still help prevent the spread of COVID-19. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can work together to manage this increase in COVID-19 cases and protect the health of our community.
If you have questions or suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your primary care provider. Learn more about establishing primary care at ECU Health here.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Medical Center received accreditation under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). MBSAQIP is a comprehensive, nationwide surgical quality program aimed at ensuring the safe and effective performance of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
“We are honored for the recognition our team members received for their dedication in earning re-accreditation for metabolic and bariatric surgery at ECU Health Medical Center,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “As a leading regional academic medical center, we are committed to excellence in every aspect of our care. This Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program accreditation reaffirms our ability to consistently provide safe, high-quality care. Most importantly, it ensures that patients in our region can access advanced, cutting-edge treatments close to home.”
Surgical outcomes focus on weight loss and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes, sleep apnea, and others. Research shows accredited centers experience fewer complications, and better outcomes for patients. ECU Health Medical Center has five board certified minimally invasive bariatric surgeons on staff.
“Eastern North Carolina faces high rates of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, and weight loss can significantly reduce impact of these and other related health conditions,” said Dr. Eric J. DeMaria, chair of the Department of Surgery for the Brody School of Medicine at ECU, chief of surgery for ECU Health and director of the metabolic and bariatric surgery program at ECU Health. “This accreditation is a testament to the tireless efforts of our care teams, who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those we serve every day. It also underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of care in metabolic and bariatric surgery, ensuring that our community has access care interventions that afford them the opportunity to live their healthiest lives.”
As an MBSAQIP-accredited hospital, ECU Health Medical Center also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know ECU Health is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, ECU Health has shown a commitment providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement,” said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS.
To learn more about bariatric surgery at ECU Health, please visit here.
Greenville, N.C. – The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program (ECIPP) at ECU Health Medical Center was awarded the Safe States Injury and Violence Prevention Achievement Award at the Safe States 2024 Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) Professionals Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon on Aug. 20-22. Safe States recognizes the outstanding achievements of members and partners annually through peer-nominated awards.
“We are incredibly proud of the recognition ECIPP’s initiatives have received,” said Sue Anne Pilgreen, manager, ECIPP, ECU Health. “This award highlights our team’s leadership and expertise in injury prevention and advancing safety practices locally and nationally. While this recognition is encouraging, what truly motivates the ECIPP team is getting to see the impact that this work has on the members of our community as we remain dedicated to promoting safety, encouraging healthy behaviors and reducing injuries.”
Established in 1995, ECIPP is a collaborative prevention focused health program at ECU Health Medical Center. Partnering with the ECU Health Trauma Center, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital and the Brody School of Medicine‘s Department of Emergency Medicine, ECIPP is dedicated to improving the health of eastern North Carolina by reducing the incidence and impact of injuries. The American College of Surgeons noted the value of ECIPP’s work in the verification of Maynard Children’s Hospital as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.
ECIPP has been instrumental in the development, implementation and interdisciplinary adoption of injury prevention practices for children and adults across eastern North Carolina. ECIPP offers a wide range of prevention programs aimed at addressing the most pressing injury concerns in the region. These programs include education on child safety, teen safe driving, hot car safety, firearm safety, suicide prevention, traffic safety and poison prevention. ECIPP also partners with Greenville Police Department on the Greenville Traffic Safety Task Force, which earned a national achievement award in 2023.
By building innovative partnerships, ECIPP has successfully promoted the adoption of injury prevention practices across various industries. For instance, the firearm safety program collaborates with wildlife organizations and pawn shops to provide education and gunlocks, while partnerships with Community Health Workers help deliver bike safety education and helmets. ECIPP also created an LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention documentary that has been integrated into college curricula and hospital onboarding processes. From 2020 to 2023, ECIPP reached 86,333 individuals, distributing 2,405 gun locks, 256 medication lock boxes, 3,204 bike helmets and 259 child car seats.
“ECIPP’s strategies and partnerships have been crucial in expanding education and resource access in rural eastern North Carolina communities,” said Catherine Nelson, senior administrator of Community Health Programs, ECU Health. “This award is a testament to our commitment to injury prevention and the positive impact we’ve made for children and families across the region. By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging innovative approaches, we’ve been able to address critical issues, ultimately advancing the health and safety of our communities.”
To learn more about ECIPP, visit the webpage.
ECU Health Medical Center is excited to welcome the newest class of Project SEARCH students. The one-year internship program is designed for high school students with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their final year of their high school education. Through Project SEARCH, these students gain valuable real-world skills, enhancing their employability, confidence and independence.
The Project SEARCH Class of 2024 includes: Cameron McKenna, Daniel Sparrow, Keon Cox, Mariah Locklear, Kalasiah Forbes-Paige, Kenny Lucas, John Walker-Aytch and Nasir Gardner.
“We’re honored that ECU Health Medical Center continues to host Project SEARCH expanding educational opportunities for our students,” said Doris Hill, workforce development coordinator at ECU Health. “This program empowers students with essential job skills they can carry into their careers, while also enhancing diversity within our organization and the local workforce. We’re eager to witness the growth and new experiences our incoming students will gain throughout their journey with us.”
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 hands-on experiences help students transition from classroom learning to professional environments, bridging the gap between education and the workplace.
The employment rate for youth with disabilities is about 60 to 70 percent less than youth without disabilities, according to the 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 through partnerships with 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 the 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.
ECU Health serves a vast rural region and understands the critical need for accessible health care in these communities. The demand for health services is exceptionally high, and many residents face significant barriers to receiving the care they need. ECU Health launched the Health Hub initiative in May 2023 as a strategic effort to bridge these gaps and help meet patients where they are. These Health Hubs are designed to improve access to vital health care and community resources, specifically targeting underserved areas.
“These hubs are strategically placed based on data indicating regions of high social vulnerability,” said Kasey Perkins, community health engagement coordinator, ECU Health. “Oftentimes, these areas have limited access to primary care services and individuals have difficulty seeing a doctor for those unexpected acute illnesses we all get.”
Health Hubs are currently located in four counties: Pitt, Martin, Edgecombe and Beaufort.
The hubs serve dual purposes. First, they provide access to virtual care, which is particularly vital in areas where individuals might otherwise visit emergency departments for non-urgent issues. By educating the community about virtual care options, Health Hubs help people get appropriate care quickly and more efficiently. Second, Health Hubs offer a gateway to community resources, addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing and employment.
“Each hub features a community resource guidebook, organized into tabs for different social needs, filled with contact information and details on various agencies and services available in the area,” said Perkins.
Health Hubs are located at local churches, businesses and organizations, and a designated Health Hub ambassador serves as the community’s point of contact. These ambassadors help residents connect with virtual care services and navigate the resources available to them. The hubs are equipped with necessary devices, including a computer with a webcam and microphone, and vital sign monitors like blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters and thermometers. This equipment allows individuals to have virtual visits on-site if they don’t have access to the technology at home.
Three new locations were added in July 2024, bringing the total amount of Health Hubs to 21. Health Hubs are open to everyone in the community. Residents can walk in during designated hours to learn more about virtual care or access community resources. The virtual care service, ECU Health Now, is available for anyone throughout eastern North Carolina and can be accessed on a computer or mobile phone. It is free to register and make an account, and it only costs $55 per visit when you speak with a provider, which is often less than a typical insurance co-pay or Emergency Department visit.
“The Health Hub initiative represents a significant step toward making health care more accessible and addressing broader social needs,” said Perkins. “By partnering with local organizations and connecting individuals with vital resources, Health Hubs are making a real difference in the communities they serve.”