Tarboro, N.C. – After 30 years of service at ECU Health, including his role as president of ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital for the past eight years, Patrick Heins, DNP, MBA, RN, will retire effective Dec. 12, 2026.
“I am deeply grateful to Patrick for his steady leadership and decades of service to ECU Health and the communities we serve,” said Van Smith, president, ECU Health Community Hospitals. “Throughout his career, Patrick has demonstrated a strong commitment to nursing, operational excellence and rural health care, helping strengthen access, quality and patient experience in eastern North Carolina. His impact at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital and across our system will be felt for years to come, and we wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
Heins joined ECU Health in 1996 as a nursing assistant at ECU Health Medical Center. Over the course of his career, he advanced through a series of leadership roles across the health system, including serving as president of ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital before becoming president of ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in 2018.
Heins has helped drive meaningful improvements across the communities he has served. Heins has a track record of leading his organizations to achieve noteworthy team and provider engagement scoring which enabled the development and growth of clinical services, operational performance, and numerous quality and patient experience awards and recognitions.
Beyond his contributions within the health system, Heins has been an active Tarboro community leader. He currently serves as vice chair of Edgecombe Community College’s Board of Trustees and is a member of the Tarboro-Edgecombe County Chamber of Commerce.
“It has been the honor of my career to serve alongside so many dedicated team members, physicians, nurses, providers, leaders and community partners across ECU Health,” Heins said. “I am incredibly grateful for the relationships built over the years and for the privilege of caring for patients and families across eastern North Carolina. The people I have worked with and the patients I have had the opportunity to serve have shaped me as a leader and as a person, and I will always be thankful for the role ECU Health has played in my life.”
ECU Health has begun a national search for the next president of ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital and is committed to ensuring a smooth transition.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is expanding prenatal care options for expectant mothers with the launch of CenteringPregnancy®, an evidence-based group prenatal care program designed to provide medical care, education and peer support throughout pregnancy. The program will officially be introduced to the community during Cozy Beginnings: Community Baby Shower and Introduction to CenteringPregnancy® on Sept. 19 at ECU Health Women’s Physicians in Greenville.
CenteringPregnancy® brings together pregnant patients with similar due dates for prenatal care in a group setting led by ECU Health certified nurse midwives. The model combines traditional prenatal checkups with interactive education and opportunities for participants to build relationships with others experiencing similar stages of pregnancy.
“ECU Health is excited to offer CenteringPregnancy® to eastern North Carolina, providing patients with the support, education and connection they need throughout pregnancy,” said Dr. James Whiteside, chief of Service at ECU Health Medical Center and professor and chair for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“CenteringPregnancy® provides women with the same high-quality prenatal care they expect from ECU Health while creating opportunities to build meaningful connections, gain knowledge and receive support from both their care team and other expectant parents. We are proud to offer an innovative approach that promotes healthier pregnancies, stronger family support systems and improved outcomes for both mothers and babies.”
Unlike traditional prenatal visits, CenteringPregnancy® sessions bring together small groups of eight to 12 patients for 90- to 120-minute appointments beginning in the second trimester and continuing through delivery. Each session includes private health assessments, discussions about pregnancy, labor, delivery and newborn care, and opportunities for participants to ask questions and share experiences in a supportive environment. Research has shown that group prenatal care models can improve patient engagement, increase health education and strengthen social support during pregnancy.
“One of the things that makes CenteringPregnancy® so special is the opportunity for expectant parents to realize they are not alone in their pregnancy journey,” said Jomeka Mowery, CenteringPregnancy® program coordinator and certified nurse midwife at ECU Health. “The program creates a welcoming space where participants can share experiences with others facing similar questions and challenges and build a supportive community that extends beyond prenatal visits.Those connections can make a meaningful difference throughout pregnancy and into early parenthood.”
CenteringPregnancy® sessions will be offered through ECU Health Women’s Physicians in Greenville beginning this fall.
The community is invited to learn more about the program at Cozy Beginnings: Community Baby Shower and Introduction to CenteringPregnancy®, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ECU Health Women’s Physicians, 2160 Herbert Court in Greenville. The free event will feature educational sessions, tours of the new CenteringPregnancy® space, community resources, music, giveaways, refreshments and activities for families. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet doulas from SEEDS ENC, lactation specialists, childbirth educators and other community partners who support families throughout pregnancy and beyond. Partners of the event include A Line Wearhouse,
Love Joy Music, Frankly Delicious, Floating Hammock Massage, Community Care of North Carolina and Birth and Bloom. To register for the community baby shower, please visit ECUHealth.org/events.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce that Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL chief nursing executive, has been elected to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Board of Directors. Baise will serve a three-year term as the AONL Director-at-Large beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been elected to serve as AONL Director-at-Large,” Baise said. “This is an exciting opportunity to serve our nurse leader community, strengthen the voice of nursing leadership and help shape the future of our profession. It is also an opportunity to represent ECU Health and share perspective on rural healthcare with nursing leaders across the nation. I am grateful for the trust of my fellow members and look forward to serving alongside my colleagues in this important endeavor.”
AONL represents 12,500 nurse leaders nationwide and serves as the leading voice of nursing leadership. Through innovative, competency-based education and professional development opportunities, AONL equips nurse leaders with the skills needed to advance patient care and strengthen health care organizations. The organization also advocates at the national level to ensure the perspectives and priorities of nurse leaders are reflected in public policy decisions affecting nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Baise joined ECU Health in 2023 and is a respected nursing executive with extensive experience leading nursing and health care operations across complex organizations. As chief nursing executive, she oversees all nursing functions across the health system and has championed initiatives focused on workforce development, leadership advancement, professional practice, employee engagement, and clinical excellence. Under her leadership, ECU Health has strengthened academic-practice partnerships, expanded residency and professional development opportunities and advanced strategies that support recruitment, engagement, and the long-term growth of the nursing workforce.
“Trish is a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for nurses and an exceptional representative for ECU Health,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Her appointment to the AONL Board of Directors is a testament to the expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit she brings to our organization every day. We are proud to see her leadership recognized on a national stage and know she will make a meaningful impact on the future of nursing leadership.”
Greenville, N.C. – Brian Dunn, chief financial officer, ECU Health, has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 41 Rural Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know for 2026 in its newly released list. The recognition comes after Dunn was named CFO in July 2026 to oversee financial operations for both ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“This recognition reflects the hard work to help position ECU Health as the national model for sustainable academic rural health care,” Dunn said. “As we continue to work toward meeting our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, we must continue to be mindful of our fiscal health and resource management. We remain focused on being responsible stewards of our resources so we can continue investing in the people, programs and services our communities depend on.”
Rural hospitals are essential safety nets for their communities, caring for populations with greater need, fewer resources and less margin for error than almost any other type of health care institution. The CFOs who steward rural hospitals’ finances make the decisions that help keep these organizations financially viable. Through disciplined strategy and careful resource allocation, these executives help ensure rural communities can continue to access affordable, high-quality care close to home.
“Brian’s recognition by Becker’s reflects both his exceptional leadership and his deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural health care,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine.
“He brings a strategic approach that helps ensure we can continue expanding access to high-quality care, advancing our academic mission and meeting the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We are fortunate to have his leadership as we continue building the future of health care in eastern North Carolina.”
Becker’s Hospital Review accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of rural hospital CFOs across the country. The full list, which includes individual profiles of each honoree, can be viewed on Becker’s website.
Greenville, N.C. – Eighteen nurses across five ECU Health hospitals have been named part of the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina by the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors. These recipients were honored for their outstanding professional ability and contributions to improving health care services in their communities.
“Over 4,000 ECU Health nurses are committed to the well-being of patients in communities across eastern North Carolina every day,” said Dr. Trish Baise, chief nursing executive, ECU Health. “We are delighted to see that commitment recognized by the Great 100. These 18 honorees, and our entire nursing team, are shining examples of how compassion and skill blend together to provide people high-quality medical care close to home.”
Since 1989, The North Carolina Great 100, Inc. has recognized and honored nurses around the state for their commitment to excellence and to promote a positive image of the nursing profession. Each year, the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Board of Directors asks patients, health care workers, friends and family members to nominate an outstanding nurse practicing in North Carolina. Thousands of nominations are reviewed, and 100 nurses are selected and honored at a statewide gala.
The ECU Health nurses chosen this year are:
Erica Askew
Erica Askew, MSN, RN, is a staff nurse IV on the Medical-Surgical Unit at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, where she also serves as a unit educator, charge nurse, clinical coach and vascular access nurse. An adjunct clinical instructor at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Askew has dedicated 21 years to ECU Health and has gained experience across multiple areas of hospital care. She earned an associate degree in nursing from Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Askew is an active member of the North Carolina Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.
Sherri Respess Crouch
Sherri Respess Crouch, RN, is a staff nurse in Ambulatory Surgery and Endoscopy at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, where she has served patients and families for 30 years. She began her nursing career in 1993 in labor and delivery while also working in home health, developing a passion for wound care. Throughout her career, Crouch has served as a nursing supervisor and medical-surgical nurse before transitioning to her current role in Ambulatory Surgery and Endoscopy.
With more than three decades of nursing experience, Crouch is known for her commitment to clinical excellence, teamwork and compassionate patient care. She serves as chair of her unit’s Unit-Based Council and as a unit safety coach. In 2021, she received a DAISY Award and was named ECU Health Beaufort’s Exemplary Nurse in 2026.
Allison Eure
Allison Eure, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, is the labor and delivery and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse manager at ECU Health Chowan Hospital. She has served at ECU Health Chowan for 18 years, providing leadership to care teams and support to patients and families.
Eure earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University and a Master of Science in Nursing in executive nursing administration, with a subspecialty in education, from the University of South Alabama. She also holds specialty certification in inpatient obstetric nursing. Known for her commitment to patient-centered care and nursing excellence, Eure plays a key role in advancing maternal and clinical care services at ECU Health Chowan.
Heather Fox
Heather Fox, BSN, RN, OCN, is a staff nurse IV in the Outpatient Infusion Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has dedicated her 21-year nursing career to oncology care and has served at ECU Health Medical Center for 17 years, including the past 15 years in outpatient infusion.
Before joining the Outpatient Infusion Unit, Fox worked as an infusion and clinic nurse at the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center and as a nurse on the inpatient medical oncology unit at then Pitt County Memorial Hospital, now ECU Health Medical Center. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2004 and is oncology certified. Throughout her career, Fox has remained committed to delivering compassionate, specialized care to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Kelly Garner
Kelly Garner, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse IV in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at ECU Health Medical Center. She has been a registered nurse for 30 years, including the past 20 years at ECU Health caring for newborns and their families in the NICU.
Garner earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and holds an Ostomy Care Associate certificate. She serves as a neonatal resuscitation instructor and clinical coach and is actively involved in several committees. She is co-chair of the Ostomy G-Tube Committee and serves on the Clinical Coach Committee and Neonatal Development Committee.
Ali Grimes
Ali Grimes, BSN, RN, CPN, is director of Pediatric Services at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. During her nine years with ECU Health, she has remained dedicated to pediatric nursing, beginning her career on the pediatric unit and advancing into leadership roles focused on improving care for children and families.
Grimes earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is a Certified Pediatric Nurse. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing in Health Systems Leadership at East Carolina University. Passionate about advancing patient outcomes, supporting multidisciplinary teams and enhancing the care experience, Grimes is committed to strengthening pediatric services across eastern North Carolina.
Celina Hawkins
Celina Hawkins, BSN, RN, is the education coordinator at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, where she has worked for 14 years. She began her nursing career in the hospital’s Surgical Unit before transitioning into her current role in nursing education after earning her bachelor’s degree.
Hawkins earned an associate degree in nursing from Edgecombe Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Carolina Wesleyan University. Throughout her 14-year career with ECU Health, she has been dedicated to supporting professional development, clinical excellence and lifelong learning among nursing staff. Hawkins is also an active member of the Eastern North Carolina Nurse Honor Guard, helping honor and recognize nurses for their service and contributions to the profession.
Leighann Henley
Leighann Henley, MSN, RN, is the assistant nurse manager of the Infusion Center at ECU Health Medical Center. She has dedicated 35 years to ECU Health, including the past 24 years caring for oncology patients and supporting cancer care services.
Henley earned an associate degree in nursing from Johnston Community College and both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. Throughout her career, she has been committed to providing high-quality care to patients with cancer while supporting nursing excellence and team development. Henley is an active member of the North Carolina Oncology Management Society and the Oncology Nursing Society.
Christiana “Nicole” Hinson
Christiana “Nicole” Hinson, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, is a staff nurse II in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center, where she has served for five years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2021 and holds Critical Care Registered Nurse certification with a Cardiac Surgery certification credential.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Hinson serves as a unit educator, charge nurse and preceptor. She is an active member of East Carolina University’s Pirate Nurse Alumni Council and ECU Health Medical Center’s Coordinating Council, and she chairs the Medical Center’s Nursing Environment Council. Committed to advancing critical care nursing and professional development, Hinson is currently pursuing her certified registered nurse anesthetist degree at the East Carolina University College of Nursing as part of the Class of 2029.
Rebecca Jenkins
Rebecca Jenkins, BSN, RN, is an intensive care unit nurse at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, where she has served for four years. In addition to her clinical role, she supports hospital operations through the Nursing Office and Nursing Education.
Jenkins began her nursing career in 2022 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2026. She is dedicated to advancing quality patient care and serves as a patient safety coach, wound care associate and member of the sepsis team. Passionate about collaboration, professional growth and evidence-based practice, Jenkins is committed to improving patient outcomes and fostering excellence in nursing care across the organization.
Melissa “Missy” Johnson
Melissa “Missy” Johnson, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has dedicated 41 years of service to ECU Health, including 28 years as a registered nurse caring for newborns and their families.
Johnson earned an associate degree in nursing from Lenoir Community College. She is co-chair of the Clinical Coach Committee and has served as a preceptor for 26 years, helping guide and mentor the next generation of nurses.
She also serves as co-chair of the Central Line Committee and is a breastfeeding educator.
Cierra Linton
Cierra Linton, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse II in the Emergency Department at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, where she has worked for the past two years. Before becoming a nurse, she served as an EMT for five years, building a strong foundation in emergency care.
Linton earned an associate degree in nursing from Beaufort County Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. She continues to pursue professional development and has completed Trauma Nursing Core Course Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course and Ultrasound-guided IV Placement certifications. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Linton serves as a charge nurse and preceptor and is actively involved in her department’s Unit-Based Council and STEMI Committee.
Toni Merritt
Toni Merritt, RN, is an operating room nurse at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, where she has served for 35 years in a variety of clinical roles. She earned her associate degree in nursing from Roanoke-Chowan Community College in 1991.
Merritt began her career in medical-surgical nursing and has also worked in hospice care and a local physician practice owned by the hospital that later became a federally qualified health center. She has spent the past 13 years in the operating room and has held multiple certifications throughout her career.
Merritt serves as a safety officer, charge nurse and circulating nurse. She has cross-trained in several areas, including the Ambulatory Medical Unit, hospital supervision and perioperative services, where she serves as a peri-op 101 facilitator for new hires. She is also a Patient and Family Advisory Council partner.
Stacey Sloan
Stacey Sloan, BSN, RN, CGRN, is an assistant nurse manager for Endoscopy Services at ECU Health Medical Center, where she has worked for 28 years. She began her nursing career as a new graduate on the 3 East Hospitalist Unit before advancing to the Cardiac Intermediate Unit and later joining Endoscopy Services. Throughout her career, Sloan has served as a clinical coach, charge nurse, endoscopy clinical coordinator and assistant nurse manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is certified in gastroenterology nursing.
Sloan is active in her regional professional society and serves as a board member-at-large for the Greater North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates.
Christine Smith
Christine Smith, MSN, RN, OCN, is nurse manager of the Medical Oncology Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She has been a nurse for more than 34 years, including 29 years at ECU Health Medical Center. Smith earned a Master of Science in Nursing in administration from Western Carolina University. Throughout her career, Smith has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to nursing excellence. She is the recipient of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award and the St. Martin of Tours Award and was a finalist for the 2024 Brody Awards Most Outstanding Nurse of the Year.
Smith serves as membership coordinator for the Eastern North Carolina Nurse Honor Guard and helps lead Santa’s HOPE, a holiday program that lets oncology patients select gifts for their loved ones. She has presented and published quality improvement work nationally through the Oncology Nursing Society.
Nada Tannoury
Nada Tannoury, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, RN, is a family nurse practitioner and registered nurse with more than 22 years of nursing experience. She currently serves as a peripherally inserted central catheter line nurse and same-day surgery nurse at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and will begin practicing as a family nurse practitioner at Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center in Ahoskie.
Tannoury earned her registered nursing diploma in Lebanon in 2004, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2020 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, from East Carolina University in May 2026. She is passionate about evidence-based practice, patient safety and improving health care outcomes for patients in rural eastern North Carolina.
Brooke Thompson
Brooke Thompson, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Neurosciences Intermediate Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. She began her career at ECU Health as a travel nurse in 2017 and transitioned to a staff role in 2024.
Thompson has nine years of nursing experience, including the past two years as a core staff member at ECU Health Medical Center.
Thompson is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and dedicated to providing high-quality care for patients with complex neurological conditions.
Jose Vazquez
Jose Vazquez, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse III in the Neurosciences Intermediate Unit at ECU Health Medical Center. Originally from Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato, Mexico, he has more than seven years of nursing experience at ECU Health. In addition to his clinical role, Vazquez serves as a charge nurse, preceptor and quality leader.
Vazquez earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University. Through compassionate neuroscience care, patient safety initiatives and mentorship, he works to improve outcomes for patients and families while promoting healthier communities across eastern North Carolina and strengthening rural health care.
ECU Health performs state’s first single-port robotic upper lung lobectomies with da Vinci SP system
Greenville, N.C. – Dr. Robert Allman, an ECU Health cardiothoracic surgeon, completed North Carolina’s first single-port robotic upper lobectomies using the Intuitive da Vinci SP (single port) robot. Dr. Allman performed the first right upper lobectomy on May 19, 2026, and the first left upper lobectomy on June 15, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center.
Upper lobectomies are performed to remove lung nodules that could be cancerous. The da Vinci SP system allows surgeons to perform complex thoracic procedures through a single small incision rather than multiple incisions required in traditional minimally invasive surgery. This allows surgeons to operate from beneath the rib cage, minimizing irritation to the intercostal nerves that often contribute to post-surgical pain. Because the incision also serves as the extraction site, patients require only one incision during their procedure.
“The single port system is an important tool to provide expanded cardiothoracic care in the state and the region,” Dr. Allman said. “From my perspective patients are experiencing less pain, which means they can continue their necessary treatment for cancer and other ailments with less time spent recovering from surgery.”
Reducing post-surgical pain provides benefits beyond patient comfort. In older adults and other vulnerable patients, severe chest pain may limit deep breathing and mobility during recovery, increasing the risk of complications such as pneumonia. By minimizing post-operative pain, surgeons hope to improve recovery outcomes and help patients resume additional treatments sooner when needed.
The technology also expands treatment options for patients whose health marked them at risk for more invasive procedures.
Since launching the program this spring, ECU Health has completed approximately 15 single-port robotic thoracic procedures. The technology is being used for a growing range of thoracic operations and positions ECU Health among a limited number of academic health systems nationwide utilizing the platform for lung resections.
“Being the first health system in the state to perform this procedure is an impressive milestone that shows ECU Health is committed to ensuring patients across eastern North Carolina access to high-quality, minimally invasive treatment close to home,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “This technology is another option physicians can tailor to patients’ needs and an important tool that expands our ability to serve the region.”
The procedures were supported by Dr. Carlos Anciano, Dr. Aundrea Oliver, Dr. James Speicher, Dr. Mark Iannettoni and Dr. Lauren Johnson.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health has been recognized with a 2025 Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) Supply Chains of Distinction Award, highlighting the health system’s commitment to investing in people and technology to contribute to long-term savings and more efficient supply chain management. ECU Health was named among the top 25 large organizations, a distinction which reflects transaction volume and not hospital size.
The Supply Chains of Distinction Award honors top-performing GHX Exchange-connected health care providers who demonstrate industry-leading supply chain performance through exceptional execution of GHX’s fully automated “Perfect Order” performance metrics. ECU Health averages 20,000 automated transactions per month that required no human intervention from purchase to payment from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
“This recognition reflects ECU Health’s ongoing commitment to excellence in an increasingly complex and visible area of health care,” said Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health. “Our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina depends on our ability to procure the supplies care teams need to deliver exceptional care. Our supply chain management team strengthens the health system through contracting, purchasing and delivering essential goods and equipment that support patients, team members and visitors daily. I am proud of the dedicated professionals who help lead this important work.”
ECU Health clinicians, nurses and various internal analytics, data, contract and logistics teams work to ensure best spending practices and to benefit patients and team members. The health system exceeds its supply savings goals in part by investing in jobs and technology that improve long-term fiscal sustainability.
“Over the past three and a half years, ECU Health’s team has invested in people, tools and processes to develop and refine its innovative supply chain system,” said Andrew Montgomery, vice president of supply chain management for ECU Health. “Those investments have transformed our team’s operations to support ECU Health’s mission to deliver exceptional patient care. We are proud of our progress and continued efforts to achieve our goal — delivering the right products at the right cost for our team members and patients.”
Kenansville, N.C. – ECU Health is expanding access to orthopedic care in Duplin County and surrounding communities with the addition of Dr. Robert Friedman, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, at ECU Health Orthopedics – Kenansville. The addition of Dr. Robert Friedman strengthens ECU Health’s commitment to expanding access to specialty care for rural communities across eastern North Carolina.
“By establishing a consistent orthopedic presence in Kenansville, we are making it easier for patients to receive expert care close to home, helping them recover more quickly without traveling long distances,” said Dr. Dan Drake, president, ECU Health Physicians. “The addition of Dr. Friedman represents an important investment in the health and well-being of Duplin County and reinforces our commitment to ensuring patients have access to specialty services in the communities where they live and work. We are proud to bring greater access to orthopedic evaluations, treatment and follow-up care without the need to travel long distances.”
At ECU Health Orthopedics – Kenansville, Dr. Friedman will provide comprehensive orthopedic care for adult and pediatric patients. He will treat fractures, joint pain, labrum tears, ligament injuries, rotator cuff tears, sprains and strains and tendonitis. Dr. Friedman will also offer a variety of procedures including arthroscopic surgery, carpal tunnel release, fracture reduction and stabilization, shoulder replacement, total knee replacement and trigger finger release.
“Orthopedic injuries and chronic joint conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life,” said Dr. Friedman. “My goal is to help patients understand their treatment options, relieve pain and restore function so they can return to the activities that are important to them. I am excited to join ECU Health and serve patients in Duplin County and the surrounding communities to bring high quality care close to home.”
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment at ECU Health Orthopedics – Kenansville can call 844-325-2555.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce that Dennis Campbell, II, DHA, RN, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – a Campus of ECU Health Medical Center, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 240 Community Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know for 2026. The national recognition highlights hospital leaders who are making a meaningful impact in their communities by advancing access to high-quality care, strengthening their organizations and developing innovative solutions to meet local health care needs.
“This recognition is only possible because of the incredible team here at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, and I am honored to work with dedicated people who make an impact across our region,” Campbell said. “Patients deserve a place to receive high-quality care, and team members deserve a supportive, fulfilling work environment, close to home. We are proud to continue to move forward and help build the national model for academic rural health care.”
According to Becker’s, these leaders prioritize expanding their institutions’ offerings, making sure to weave primary care, specialty treatments, rehabilitation and public health programs into a broader picture of community health. Simultaneously, they are shaping the cultures that attract and retain talented caregivers, building long-term strategies that position their hospitals for growth and maintaining the financial discipline that keeps high-quality, cost-effective care within reach for their communities.
“Dennis’s commitment to all facets of rural health care is a shining example of what makes our mission-driven health system successful,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “He understands that workforce development, operational excellence and meaningful community partnerships are essential to innovate and grow right here in eastern North Carolina. This recognition reflects not only his leadership, but also his unwavering dedication to ensuring patients in rural eastern North Carolina have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.”
Since joining ECU Health, Campbell has focused on expanding access to services, strengthening workforce development efforts and fostering partnerships that improve the health and well-being of communities across Beaufort County and the surrounding region. His leadership has helped advance ECU Health’s mission to improve rural health outcomes while ensuring patients can receive exceptional care in eastern North Carolina.
Greenville, N.C. – The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded all nine ECU Health hospitals Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.
“For the fourth consecutive year, every ECU Health hospital has earned national recognition for delivering evidence-based care for some of the most serious and prevalent health conditions affecting eastern North Carolina,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Achievements like this require an extraordinary level of commitment from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and support teams across our system who work every day to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
This recognition reflects the strength of our health system and our dedication to bringing nationally recognized care to the rural communities we serve.”
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke, adding up to nearly 795,000 new or recurrent cases each year. Tragically, stroke claims about 140,000 lives annually. Eastern North Carolina bears an even heavier burden, with stroke mortality rates exceeding national averages. The region also grapples with disproportionately high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of targeted prevention and timely intervention.
“People in eastern North Carolina face some of the highest rates of stroke, heart disease and diabetes in the state, making access to high-quality care critically important,” said Dr. Niti Armistead, chief quality officer and chief clinical officer, ECU Health. “The Get With The Guidelines program helps ensure that patients receive care grounded in the latest scientific evidence, and these awards demonstrate our teams’ unwavering commitment to that standard. Whether a patient arrives at one of our community hospitals or our academic medical center, they can be confident they are receiving care built on proven practices that improve outcomes, reduce complications and support healthier lives.”
Evidence shows that patients fare significantly better when health care providers follow established treatment protocols, such as those outlined in the Get With The Guidelines program. Consistent adherence to these evidence-based practices leads to improved recovery outcomes and can help reduce the devastating impact of stroke and heart disease.
“These awards reflect ECU Health’s commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, ECU Health can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”
ECU Health recognitions include:
ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – A Campus of ECU Health Medical Center
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll and Stroke Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Bronze Adult
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
ECU Health Bertie Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
ECU Health Chowan Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
ECU Health Duplin Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll and Stroke Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
ECU Health Medical Center
- Target: Survival – Adult
- Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Newly Born Silver
- Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Neonate/Infant Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Pediatric Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation Adult Bronze
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Center Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
ECU Health North Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Silver Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Bronze
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze
Outer Banks Health Hospital
- Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Get With The Guidelines – Rural Stroke Gold
- Get With The Guidelines – Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Referring Center Bronze