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 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
NCHA Advocacy Day and Legislative Reception is May 14
Celebrate Hospital Week at NCHA's Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 14 to connect with lawmakers and champion policies that support hospitals, patients and healthier communities. The day will begin with a briefing at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to review legislative priorities for the 2025 long session. Afterward, attendees will head to the North Carolina General Assembly for scheduled meetings with their legislators. We’ll conclude the day with a Legislative Reception at historic Market Hall, where legislators and Council of State members are invited to join us.
In Session Podcast: Children in DSS Custody
Imagine this: children, often dealing with their own mental health challenges and involvement with child protective services, end up spending days, weeks, and sometimes even longer in hospital emergency rooms. Their long stays in the emergency room are not because they need medical treatment, but because there is nowhere else for them to go. Listen to hear Paula Bird, Vice President, Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute at Novant Health, discuss the challenges shaping this trend.
Podcast: Expanding Mental Health Care in Eastern North Carolina
On this episode of Conversations on the State of Healthcare, Dr. Joseph Pino of Novant Health discuses a groundbreaking psychiatry residency program that's expanding mental health care access in Eastern North Carolina, especially for military families. Discover how this unique partnership is tackling provider shortages, reducing stigma, and building a stronger future for communities in need.
Our healthcare system is faltering. Let’s strengthen it.
As federal healthcare policy rapidly evolves, North Carolina has the power to chart its own course. NCHA President and CEO Josh Dobson calls for bold, collaborative solutions that prioritize what we can control — state-level solutions to ensure North Carolina’s healthcare system is strong, accessible, and sustainable.
In Session Podcast: What It Takes to Run a Rural Health System
Listen to the latest In Session podcast episode featuring Brian Floyd, president and chief operating officer for ECU Health. Tune in to hear what it takes to lead a nine-hospital rural health system. From balancing daily operations with strategic goals to overcoming unique challenges faced by rural communities, Brian shares insights into the priorities, policies, and strategies that drive better health outcomes in Eastern North Carolina.
Podcast: Discover Career Opportunities in Healthcare
North Carolina faces a critical healthcare workforce shortage. In the latest episode of NCHA's "Conversations on the State of Healthcare," President and CEO Josh Dobson discusses the urgent need for healthcare professionals and the promising opportunities available for the next generation. Discover how a career in healthcare offers both stability and flexibility. Listeners are invited to gain inspiration by exploring the recent 2025 Virtual Healthcare Career Day.
NCHA Winter Meeting Cancelled
Due to the winter weather forecast this week, NCHA has made the difficult decision to cancel the NCHA 2025 Winter Meeting scheduled for February 19-21 in Raleigh. Registrants, sponsors and speakers have been notified. The NCHA Legislative Reception is also cancelled. If you have any questions, reach out to James Hayes at jhayes@ncha.org. The Rural Health Pre-Conference in Raleigh on Tuesday, Feb. 18 will still take place as scheduled.
Listen to NCHA's New Podcast, In Session
NCHA recently launched a new podcast, In Session, where we dive deep into critical issues impacting hospitals, patients and the overall health of our communities. Whether you’re a legislator, policy advisor, or community leader, this series is designed to keep you informed about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare today. Now available on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more!
NCHA 2024 Annual Report
NCHA is excited to present our 2024 Annual Report, showcasing the progress and accomplishments made this year with member support.
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.
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.
Watch NCHA’s Virtual Healthcare Career Day
NCHA partnered with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to host a Virtual Healthcare Career Day on February 28. This event was developed to inspire middle and high school age students across North Carolina to join the healthcare field. The program featured various in-demand healthcare careers, including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, radiology and imaging, medical assistants, and laboratory sciences. Nearly 150 teachers registered their classrooms, and the event reached over 3,500 students across the state. Students watched videos featuring real North Carolina healthcare professionals showcasing a day in their lives and answered questions about starting their careers. Read the press release here.
Upcoming Events
Partner Spotlight
FemBridge
FemBridge, powered by HeraMED, aims to redefine healthcare as an essential right, not a privilege. FemBridge is not just an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to revolutionizing maternal health. Their objective is to eradicate healthcare inequalities in maternal health through comprehensive and scalable programs. FemBridge, powered by HeraMED, delivers personalized SDoH assessments, ensuring swift feedback …