Advocating for a Healthier North Carolina
The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) unites hospitals, health systems and care providers for healthier communities. Together with the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation and NCHA Strategic Partners, we are convening, innovating and finding solutions to support high-quality healthcare that is equitable and accessible for all.
State Priorities
- Behavioral Health Reform
- Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program
- Workforce
Federal Priorities
- Affordability
- Site Neutral Policies
- 340 B Drug Pricing Program
What’s New
North Carolina Ranks 4th in the Nation for Patient Quality and Safety
North Carolina is 4th in the nation for patient quality and safety. The Fall 2024 Leapfrog Group's Hospital Safety Grade ratings show 46.7% of North Carolina hospitals surveyed received 'A' ratings. The Leapfrog Group is a national independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States. North Carolina is consistently in the Top 10 for quality and safety.
New Report: Caring Across the Generations
NCHA is pleased to share "Caring Across the Generations: A Report on North Carolina's Hospitals and Health Systems," highlighting several initiatives and projects from across the state that are making an impact on helping North Carolinians thrive and live their best lives. This statewide community benefit report is published annually to demonstrate the investments, activities and community benefit programming provided by our hospitals that enhance the well-being of our state.
NCHA Winter Meeting is Feb. 19-21
Register now to attend NCHA’s 2025 Winter Membership Meeting, “The Power of Connection: Shaping a Healthier North Carolina Through Advocacy and Action,” Feb. 19-21 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. As healthcare faces new challenges and opportunities, this year's conference will focus on forging stronger connections with new and returning lawmakers and with each other to drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Podcast: Navigating Health Insurance Open Enrollment
The latest episode of NCHA's "Conversations on the State of Healthcare" provides advice on navigating health insurance open enrollment. Whether you're selecting an employer-provided plan or shopping on Healthcare.gov, listen to hear key insights into avoiding common pitfalls, understanding plan options, and making informed decisions for your health and financial future. The podcast also highlights how hospitals work closely with patients to explain the costs associated with their care, clarify insurance benefits, and assist in resolving issues such as claim denials or coverage disputes.
"I Do Care" Teen Workforce Campaign
NCHA’s “I Do Care” teen workforce campaign was created to inform North Carolina high school and middle school students about the variety of career paths in health care. This social media campaign will encourage teens from across the state to explore the “I Do Care” website, featuring real North Carolina teens and healthcare professionals. It includes interactive features like a quiz and resources for teens to find the career path that aligns with their interests and ways to engage with their local hospitals.
Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Fund
The NC Healthcare Foundation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to help hospital employees and communities in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene's unprecedented flooding.
Disaster Recovery Resources & Information
NCHA has created this Hurricane Helene resource page to connect hospitals and health systems with state and federal resources and information to aid in the recovery process.
Dr. LaPonda Edmondson to lead the NC Healthcare Foundation
NCHA is pleased to announce the promotion of LaPonda Edmondson, DrPH, MHS to president of the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation and senior vice president of NCHA, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Cone Health's Efforts to Boost Life Expectancy
The September 2024 episode of NCHA’s podcast, “Conversations on the State of Healthcare,” features Cone Health's CATCH 5 in 5 initiative. Listen to Dr. Olu Jegede, vice resident of Clinical Care – Health Equity, discuss Cone Health's efforts to address health disparities in East Greensboro and other medically underserved areas in Alamance, Forsyth, Randolph, Rockingham, and Guilford counties.
Building a Pipeline of Future Healthcare Workers
The August 2024 episode of NCHA’s podcast, “Conversations on the State of Healthcare,” features NCHA's new "I Do Care NC" teen workforce campaign created to inform North Carolina high school and middle school students about the variety of career paths in health care. In this episode, Christi Smiley, vice president of human resources for Northern Regional Hospital, shares what Northern Regional is doing to build a pipeline of future healthcare workers.
Doug Heron Named NCHA’s Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy
NCHA has named Doug Heron to the position of senior vice president of advocacy and policy. Heron will lead the Association’s government relations, policy development and advocacy communications efforts in Raleigh and in Washington, DC.
Conversations on the State of Healthcare – Emergency Preparedness
The July 2024 episode of NCHA’s podcast, “Conversations on the State of Healthcare,” features Jonathan Davis, MPH, FACHE, the Chief Operating Officer of FirstHealth of the Carolinas and President of Moore Regional Hospital and Katherine Newell, MD, an emergency medicine physician and Assistant Medical Director for FirstHealth EMS, discussing the role of hospitals in emergency preparedness. Listen to hear how the health system prepared for the 2024 US Open in Pinehurst that attracted 240,000 fans to the state’s Sandhills region.
NCHF Social Impact Program Awards Funding to Five Organizations
The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF) is pleased to announce the awarding of grant funding to several entities across Robeson County dedicated to advancing health equity and social impact by addressing transportation barriers to good health. These grants, totaling $250,000, represent the first allocation of a three-year, $900,000 investment in Robeson County as part of NCHF’s Social Impact Program funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust.
It Takes a Hospital: Serving and Supporting the Community
NCHealthcare.org features stories highlighting how North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems are tackling challenges big and small to make healthcare work better for everyone. Read and watch the latest story on how Onslow Memorial Hospital worked with the United Way of Onslow County to organize Children Healthy Eating on the Weekends, or CHEW to address food insecurity by giving local students easy-to-prepare meals for the weekend.
RTI Report: Critical Workforce Needs Assessment
NCHA engaged RTI International to examine the healthcare workforce landscape, including the near– and mid-term supply and demand for direct patient care occupations. This report analyzes the current state of the healthcare workforce in North Carolina, structural challenges that will persist over the coming decade, and some of the innovative ways that healthcare providers are working to meet critical staffing needs.
Conversations on the State of Healthcare – Community Health Needs Assessments
The June 2024 episode of NCHA’s podcast, “Conversations on the State of Healthcare,” features Dr. Anthony Frank, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, North Carolina. This 2-part episode discusses community health needs assessments and how this process informs UNC Health Blue Ridge’s work to address substance use disorders in their community.
Join the NCHF Maternal Health Action Network
The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation is convening a Maternal Health Action Network to improve maternal health through shared learning and implementation of evidence-based performance improvement strategies. From support in compliance to workforce development, join us on this journey to create a healthier North Carolina.
Conversations on the State of Healthcare – Telehealth
A 2-part episode of NCHA’s podcast, with Dr. Matt Anderson senior vice president and senior medical director for virtual health with Charlotte-based Advocate Health, explores how telehealth is not only saving people money, but transforming lives, and the health of our communities.
Join the NCHF Health Equity Learning Community
Join us for the launch of a 12-month learning community collaborative, bringing together NCHA member hospitals to integrate health equity into performance improvement activities. This project is designed for facility level participation.
Podcast: Conversations on the State of Healthcare
NCHA has a new podcast with Curtis Media called, “Conversations on the State of Healthcare.” Listen to a recent two-part episode featuring Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health, talking about Medicaid expansion and encouraging uninsured listeners to apply.
It Takes a Hospital: Bridging Barriers to Care
NCHealthcare.org features stories highlighting how North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems are tackling challenges big and small to make healthcare work better for everyone. Read the latest story on how Novant Health’s community health workers travel around communities to check in with patients, advocating for their needs on their journey to healing.
NCHF Announces 2024 Mentorship Class
The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF) recently announced the 2024 class of the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program. The competitive program is designed to help cultivate a diverse pipeline of leaders for the healthcare field and pairs 26 healthcare professionals from underrepresented communities with 21 executive leaders from health systems and hospitals who serve as mentors.
Creating Healthier Communities
North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems do tremendous work every day to provide advanced, equitable and compassionate care that improves the health of individuals and communities. Our annual Impact Report, Creating Healthier Communities, describes how North Carolina hospitals and health systems uplift families and communities by advancing access and innovation, creating a strong and resilient workforce, and prioritizing community needs.
Foundation Video Highlight: CHEST training program
Watch this video featuring Juanita Ellerbee, Housekeeping Supervisor II at Cherry Hospital, who completed the CHEST training program. As a certified environmental services (EVS) technician and trainer, she now trains her EVS staff on standards and practices that improve patient experience and outcomes.
Business Partner Video Spotlight:
Watch this video spotlighting NCHA Strategic Partner FemBridge, whose mission is to bridge the gap in maternal health and empower underserved communities with comprehensive, compassionate, and inclusive care.
NCHA 2023 Annual Report
NCHA is pleased to share our 2023 Annual Report summarizing what we accomplished this year with your support and collaboration.
Josh Dobson Named President & CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association
NCHA’s Board of Trustees named Josh Dobson its new president and chief executive officer. Dobson, who resigned as North Carolina Labor Commissioner on Nov. 6, begins his new role Nov. 12, succeeding Stephen J. Lawler, who is retiring after seven years of leadership. As president and CEO of NCHA, Dobson will lead the association in representing its diverse membership of hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations across the state. One of Dobson’s priorities as CEO will be to connect with members and their communities to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Partner Spotlight
Qualivis
Qualivis specializes in supplemental staffing by providing qualified, pre-approved nursing and allied health professionals. Formerly Healthcare Staffing Services, Qualivis partners with over 100 local, regional, and national staffing agencies to provide access to qualified, credentialed healthcare professionals.