Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health and the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt are pleased to announce an initiative that will help eliminate more than $186 million worth of past-due hospital medical debt for more than 32,000 qualifying patients. Debt relief letters will arrive over the course of December’s holiday season into the New Year on a rolling basis given the size of this relief effort
Eligible community members do not need to apply, and there is no application process. Instead, community members who qualify for this one-time debt relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt indicating which past-due hospital debt or debts have been eliminated. Undue Medical Debt works with hospital systems and other providers across the country to purchase past due medical debt belonging to those least able to pay in large portfolios for pennies or less on the dollar and then erases the debt.
ECU Health’s collaboration with Undue Medical Debt pre-dates North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ medical debt relief initiative which spans all hospitals in the state and lays out a plan for medical debt relief coupled with changes to Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement policy and financial aid standards in 2025.
Under Undue Medical Debt guidelines, those who qualify for this medical debt relief have hospital medical debts that are 5% or more than their annual income or earn at or below four times poverty-level income. The current federal poverty level is an annual income of under $31,200 for a family of four which means a qualifying family of four would make under $124,800. Community members do not need to take any action, as the eligible hospital medical debt will automatically be eliminated for those who qualify.
“We’re grateful to collaborate with ECU Health to help ease the burden of medical debt in eastern North Carolina,” said Undue Medical Debt CEO and President Allison Sesso. “Helping community members burdened by medical debt takes thoughtful collaboration and I’m proud of the results: over 30,000 people helped this holiday season. We hope this program provides financial and emotional relief to recipients and encourages them to continue engaging with the healthcare system.”
The collaboration with Undue Medical Debt is one of many ways in which ECU Health is living its mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. The initiative aligns with the health system’s commitment to serving underserved communities in the East, many of which have disproportionate numbers of low-income and uninsured or underinsured people. The initiative is also in alignment with ECU Health’s long-standing practice of non-predatory billing practices, which emphasize charity care, zero-interest payment plans, transparent pricing and dedicated resources to help patients navigate financial requirements.
“At ECU Health, our commitment to our mission and patients is at the heart of all we do,” said ECU Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Floyd. “We have always been guided by a deep desire to support our patients in whatever way we can, and this collaboration with Undue Medical Debt will make an enormous impact on so many in our largely underserved region. We could not be more thankful to find an organization like Undue Medical Debt which shares our vision for making high-quality rural health care accessible here in eastern North Carolina.”
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health, eastern North Carolina’s leading academic health care system, has named Todd Hickey, MHA, FACHE, as president of ECU Health North Hospital, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Hickey will serve as president of ECU Health North in addition to continuing his current role as chief strategy officer for the health system.
“I could not be more pleased to welcome Todd into his new role as president of ECU Health North Hospital,” said D. Van Smith, MBA, MSHA, ECU Health Community Hospitals President. “Todd brings more than 20 years of experience in health care operations, strategic planning and leading transformational change to the role, and I am confident he will continue to guide ECU Health North Hospital in service to communities in the northeastern part of our region. I want to also thank Dennis Campbell for his leadership as the interim president at North over the last six months.”
Hickey joined ECU Health in 2008, serving in service line and hospital operations executive leadership roles at ECU Health Medical Center until becoming the health system’s first Chief Clinical Network Development Officer in 2016. In this role, Hickey successfully led and implemented joint ventures, service line expansions, an integrated population health model and key acquisitions, including the integration of Halifax Memorial (now ECU Health North Hospital) into ECU Health in 2019. He transitioned to Chief Strategy Officer in 2022 which expanded his oversight to include developing and guiding the ECU Health enterprise 3–5-year strategic plan.
“It is an honor to serve as president of ECU Health North Hospital,” Hickey said. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to help bring ECU Health North into the ECU Health system and I have a deep appreciation for the important role it plays in Halifax County, Roanoke Rapids and the surrounding communities. I am excited to work with the ECU Health North team to continue advancing the legacy of providing high-quality, compassionate care.”
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health has earned 2024 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified acute and ambulatory Level 8. The Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey designed to identify and recognize health care organizations that exemplify best practices through their adoption, implementation and use of information technology and included more than 48,000 represented facilities in 2024.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and innovation, which have been instrumental in achieving the 2024 Most Wired Award,” said Donette Herring, chief information officer, ECU Health. “Our efforts to improve the well-being and efficiency of our clinical team members and adoption of artificial intelligence were top priorities this past year. These achievements underscore the team’s commitment to innovation, education and the seamless integration of technologies across the organization. We look forward to building on these successes and exploring new opportunities to advance ECU Health’s strategies and improve operational performance.”
ECU Health ranked above peers in categories across eight key areas including: infrastructure, security, administrative/supply chain, analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement, innovation and clinical quality/safety. Participants receive a comprehensive benchmarking report enabling them to evaluate their current information systems’ health. This report assists in devising strategies to elevate the quality of health care organizations to enhance industry-wide care standards. The assessment covers digital health performance. The survey assesses the adoption, integration and impact of technologies at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.
ECU Health has piloted several initiatives to enhance patient care and streamline operations. The clinical communication program has enhanced the timeliness of communication and care coordination among team members, as well as increased workforce mobility, evidenced by high utilization in medication administration, documentation, and secure messaging. The MyChart Bedside program allows patients to access real-time education, lab results and pertinent care information directly from iPads, enhancing patient understanding and engagement. In the Emergency Department, the ‘Hello World’ initiative improves patient engagement through enhanced texting capabilities, keeping patients informed on next steps.
Additionally, regional facilities have expanded the tele-sitter program, optimizing resource allocation for patients who need monitoring but not constant one-on-one attention. The implementation of flowsheet macros has been a major efficiency booster, saving nurses millions of clicks and positioning ECU Health as a leader in this innovative adoption. ECU Health is also advancing artificial intelligence (AI) integration across its operations. The launch of the AI Center of Practice (AICoP) has gathered over 200 members across departments to foster collaboration and AI best practices.
“We are proud to recognize your ECU Health’s exceptional dedication to digital health excellence,” said CHIME President and CEO, Russ Branzell. “ECU Health’s pioneering performance in the industry not only inspires other organizations by example, but also provides patients around the world with better care.”
Greenville, N.C. – Dr. Ghanshyam Shantha, cardiac electrophysiologist at ECU Health, recently performed the first procedure at ECU Health Medical Center with a new and innovative device that treats atrial fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat – the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System. The FARAPULSE™ PFA is a catheter device that uses electrical fields to target specific tissue areas within the heart that causes an irregular heart rhythm that significantly decrease quality of life and carries the risk of embolic stroke.
“I’m incredibly proud of our electrophysiology team at ECU Health for delivering innovative solutions like FARAPULSE that are making a real difference in the lives of patients here in eastern North Carolina, where many struggle with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension,” 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.
“AFib patients face a significantly higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other serious complications. Our team’s dedication to improving the well-being of our community is reflected in the cutting-edge treatments we’re providing to help reduce these risks and offer a better quality of life for our patients.”
More than 454,000 people are hospitalized with AFib each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AFib is a common heart condition where the top chambers of the heart beat irregularly due to disorganized electrical signals in the heart. Paroxysmal AFib occurs when the irregular heartbeat does not happen all the time. Traditional treatments often use heat or cold to burn or freeze the malfunctioning heart cells to get the heartbeat back to normal. Thermal ablations pose a small risk of causing damage to other surrounding areas and complications. The newer ablation option, PFA, uses electrical pulses to target these cells more precisely, significantly reducing some of the complications that can come with thermal ablations.
“We’re thrilled to introduce FARAPULSE as a cutting-edge solution for patients with AFib in eastern North Carolina, where AFib rates are particularly high, and access to advanced care is essential,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “Our teams are dedicated to delivering top-tier cardiac care, and their commitment to providing patients with the latest technology is inspiring. This innovative treatment is yet another step toward ensuring the best possible outcomes for our communities, right here at home.”
According to Boston Scientific, FARAPULSE benefits patients by reducing the risk of damage to surrounding anatomy, shorter procedure duration and better patient outcomes. In fact, more than 80 percent of patients with paroxysmal AFib had no returning symptoms within one year, and almost three-quarters of patients discontinued heart rhythm medications within one year.
ECU Health team members that were part of the new procedure include: Ghanshyam Shantha, MD, MPH; John Catanzaro, MD, MBA, Mark Dixon, RN, Dennis Wood, CVT, and Stephanie Clarke, CVT. As the leading academic health system in eastern North Carolina, ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine perform nearly 450 ablations each year, ensuring patients can access the latest medical treatments close to home. By combining academic expertise with clinical care, ECU Health not only improve patient outcomes but also provides essential training for the next generation of health care professionals. ECU Health’s leadership in advancing cardiovascular treatments reinforces its mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. To learn more about ECU Health’s heart and vascular services, please visit ECUHealth.org/heart.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® Certification for brain tumor care, recognizing the program’s ongoing dedication to delivering safe, high-quality patient care. According to The Joint Commission, the Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that recognizes health care organizations that provide comprehensive care for patients with brain tumors.
“This recognition from The Joint Commission is a testament to the incredible neuro-oncological expertise, technology and research available here at ECU Health Medical Center,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “It is immensely humbling to witness the incredible efforts that take place within the walls of the hospital every single day to further our understanding of brain tumors and brain tumor treatment. We could not be more proud of every team member who helped receive this prestigious certification.”
ECU Health Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review in July. During the visit, the Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including compliances with consensus-based national standards, effective integration of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care, and organization of approach to performance measurement and performance improvement, including data collection and analysis. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“Brain tumor care certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend ECU Health Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
ECU Health Medical Center boasts a comprehensive neuro-oncological care program, led by a board-certified neuro-oncologist. The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® Certification for brain tumor care highlights the collaboration between interdisciplinary teams in oncology and neurosciences who are committed to advancing the treatment of brain tumors through research, numerous clinical trials, patient care, education and prevention.
“Obtaining this certification highlights our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional care for our patients with brain tumors,” said Dr. Jasmin Jo, director, neuro-oncology program, ECU Health. “Our primary objective is to ensure we deliver high-quality care consistently throughout every stage of the patient journey, from initial presentation and diagnosis to treatment, and follow-up care, as well as comprehensive education for both patients and their families. I could not be more proud of the entire brain tumor team for their remarkable dedication and hard work in achieving this certification. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of continuous improvement in the treatment and care of our patients.”
In addition to its clinical and academic expertise, ECU Health Medical Center offers an array of comprehensive brain tumor interventions, supported by state-of-the-art technology like GammaTile and Gamma Knife treatment, as well as innovative clinical trials that improve brain tumor knowledge, treatments and outcomes. This blend of cutting-edge technology and academic collaboration enhances the precision and effectiveness of care, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
“Patients diagnosed with brain tumors deserve access to high-quality physicians, technology and treatment options close to home,” said Dr. Stuart Lee, executive director, ECU Health Neurosciences. “I am proud of the team behind this important certification because they are truly living our values as a mission-driven organization. With comprehensive brain tumor services available in the region, we are proud to do our part to improve the health and well-being of those we proudly serve.”
For more information about ECU Health’s neurological care services, please visit ECUHealth.org/Neuro or The Joint Commission website.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health Medical Center has been nationally recognized as a national leader in patient experience for the second consecutive year, according PEP Health’s 2025 rankings. PEP Health evaluated more than 35 million online reviews from patients and their families in 2024, offering a real-time look at patient experiences across health care providers nationwide.
ECU Health Medical Center’s recognition was highlighted by top-5 national rankings in several categories including overall patient experience, communication & involvement and emotional support.
“At ECU Health, creating caring experiences for our patients and team members is at the core of our mission,” said Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, chief experience officer at ECU Health. “Our definition of excellence is shaped by feedback from our patients and fostered by the compassion and dedication of our team. Being recognized nationally for our excellence in communication and emotional support is a rewarding acknowledgment of the safe, healing environments we strive to create. We are committed to continually listening and evolving to meet the needs of those we are honored to serve.”
PEP Health’s 2025 Rankings focus on hospitals with at least 750 staffed beds and at least 250 patient experience comments left online between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 1, 2024. These comments, sourced from patients and their families on social media and review platforms, were analyzed against seven internationally recognized domains of patient-centered care: fast access, effective treatment, emotional support, communication & involvement, attention to physical and environmental needs, continuity of care, and billing and administration.
According to PEP Health, research has shown that enhancing patient experience is not only associated with improved care outcomes, but also strengthens financial performance, safety and health equity. Positive patient experiences directly impact CMS Star Ratings, which are closely tied to reimbursement rates and play a critical role in driving new patients and increasing patient retention. ECU Health’s commitment to delivering exceptional care in eastern North Carolina ensures that the most vulnerable populations in receive the support and attention they need.
“This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team members who bring compassion and empathy to every patient interaction,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Caring for patients during some of life’s most challenging moments is more than a job – it’s a calling. I am incredibly proud of the heart and commitment our team demonstrates every day. Earning this national recognition for patient experience reflects their hard work and the trust our patients place in us, and we will continue to prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care in all we do.”
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health, eastern North Carolina’s leading academic health care system, has named Kelly Weatherly, MBA, CEBS, SPHR, as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) effective immediately. As CHRO, Weatherly will direct human resources operations for the health system and its 14,000-plus team members. She will report directly to ECU Health Chief Operating Officer Brian Floyd.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Kelly and our HR leaders as we modernize how HR serves the enterprise,” said Floyd. “This has included a refinement of the strategy, processes and procedures that support ‘people development.’ I feel strongly that her leadership in the chief human resources officer role will help ECU Health in its mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Kelly and the entire HR team.”
Weatherly joined ECU Health in 2022 as the vice president of Total Rewards and HR Operations. Since then, she has successfully led the HR team through a strategic transformation which has advanced HR programs, technology and practices.
Through Weatherly’s leadership, the HR team revamped ECU Health’s performance management system, implemented improvements to benefits offerings based on organizational growth and team member feedback, developed a system-wide database to track recruitment and retention efforts and continued to grow our internship and talent management pipeline.
Greenville, N.C. – Dr. Christoper Hasty, orthopedic surgeon with ECU Health and Orthopaedics East, performed the first BEAR® Implant to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears at ECU Health on September 3. The implant enables a torn ACL to heal and restores the natural function of the knee, instead of replacing it with a graft.
“I’m proud to perform this innovative procedure in eastern North Carolina, offering patients a proven treatment option with the potential for less invasive surgery and easier recovery,” said Dr. Hasty. “The BEAR Implant represents a significant advancement in how we treat ACL tears by allowing the body to heal the ligament naturally, rather than relying on grafts. It’s an exciting step forward for our region, ensuring patients can access advanced orthopedic care close to home.”
Every year, approximately 400,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States. A torn ACL does not heal without treatment, resulting in ACL reconstruction being one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the country. ECU Health performs about 150 ACL procedures each year in eastern North Carolina. Some procedures require two separate incisions, and some patients who undergo reconstruction are unable to return to the same level of daily activities or sports.
Unlike reconstruction, the BEAR Implant does not require a second surgical wound site to remove a healthy tendon from another part of the leg or the use of a donor tendon. The BEAR Implant acts as a bridge to help ends of the torn ACL heal together. The surgeon injects a small amount of the patient’s blood into the implant and attaches it between the torn ends of the ACL in a minimally invasive procedure. The combination of the BEAR Implant and the patient’s blood enables the body to heal the torn ends of the ACL back together while maintaining the ACL’s original attachments to the femur and tibia.
“We are excited by the work of Dr. Hasty and the care team providing cutting-edge orthopedic care right here in eastern North Carolina, where access to advanced treatments is critical for our rural communities,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “Bringing new procedures like the BEAR Implant closer to home for our patients reduces the need for travel and ensures they receive the best care possible. This achievement highlights the dedication and collaboration of our team in providing world-class care to the communities we serve.”
Patients should discuss their individual symptoms, diagnosis and treatment with their provider. For more information about ECU Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, please visit: ecuhealth.org/ortho.
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.
Greenville, N.C. – The American Psychiatric Association recently awarded East Carolina University (ECU) and ECU Health’s N.C. Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) the prestigious Psychiatric Services Achievement Bronze Award for its significant contributions to the mental health field. NC-STeP, a virtual care-based program focused on enhancing access to mental health services in underserved parts of the state, was created in 2013 and is effectively reducing patient lengths of stay in emergency departments, increasing efficiency and improving costs by reducing the number of involuntary commitments, eliminating unnecessary admissions and improving patient transition to aftercare to reduce repeated visits.
“We are incredibly proud and honored to receive the Psychiatric Services Achievement Bronze Award from the American Psychiatric Association,” said Dr. Sy Saeed, director of the ECU Center for Telepsychiatry and founding executive director of NC-STeP.
“This recognition highlights the unique strength of ECU and ECU Health working together to advance academic medicine and research to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. Through the innovative model developed by NC-STeP, we have leveraged our combined expertise to significantly improve mental health care across North Carolina, demonstrating how our collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful, statewide impact.”
NC-STeP provides telepsychiatry services in hospital emergency departments, as well as in the community-based medical clinics, to individuals in need of a psychiatric assessment. The vision of NC-STeP is to assure that individuals who present to any of its clinical sites, anywhere in the state of North Carolina, experiencing an acute behavioral health crisis will receive timely, evidence-based psychiatric consultation for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
The American Psychiatric Association has recognized innovative programs serving individuals with mental illness or disabilities through the Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards since 1949. This award honors exceptional programs that offer innovative services, emphasize quality improvement, effectively utilize psychiatrists, peer support specialists, and other staff and actively involve consumers and their families.
NC-STeP is now an established model that is known nationally and internationally for its work with underserved communities. Dr. Saeed and members of the NC-STeP team have lectured and presented on this innovative model nationwide and internationally, including being an invited speaker at a White House Convening on telehealth in 2016. Hosted by ECU’s Center for Telepsychiatry, NC-STeP has conducted over 91,000 psychiatric assessments, at its 58 clinical sites across the state and has saved North Carolina more than $59 million by avoiding unneeded hospitalizations alone. Approximately one-third of the patients served had no insurance, with around 46% covered by Medicaid and Medicare.
In 2023, ECU received a $3.2 million grant from the United Health Foundation to provide mental health services for youth. Dr. Saeed, the principal investigator on the grant, established NC-STeP-Peds as part of the grant to provide mental health care services to children and adolescents in rural and underserved parts of the state. Six pediatric primary care clinics across the state have a space within the clinic where patients meet virtually with a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for therapy sessions. Patients referred for psychiatric care will also meet virtually with the child psychiatrist in the same space.
“NC-STeP is the perfect example of how the partnership between ECU and ECU Health is at the forefront of driving innovation in transformative behavioral health care in eastern North Carolina and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at ECU. “NC-STeP leverages local academic and clinical expertise to address the most urgent challenges in rural health, especially in behavioral health. Together, we are not just meeting the needs of rural communities; we are pioneering new approaches that will reshape health outcomes across North Carolina. The American Psychiatric Association’s recognition of NC-STeP underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that ensure all North Carolinians have access to the care they need, right here in our state.”