Tag Archive for: #mariaparhamhealth

Maria Parham’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day Turns It Pink On Oct. 13

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Maria Parham Health will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Tuesday, Oct. 13, as part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage screening and support those affected by the disease.

Maria Parham Health team members encourage the community to wear pink on Oct. 13 to show their support for breast cancer patients, survivors and families and to help spread awareness throughout the community.

Pink has become a widely recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness and represents hope, strength, support and the ongoing fight against the disease.

Team members are encouraged to wear their favorite pink shirt, accessories, shoes or other pink items. Photos will be taken throughout the day and shared on Maria Parham Health’s social media channels.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed each October and emphasizes the importance of education, early detection, appropriate screening, research and treatment. The campaign also provides an opportunity to recognize breast cancer survivors and support individuals currently facing the disease.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Day is an opportunity for our team to come together and show our support for everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “By wearing pink, we can help keep this important conversation going and remind our community about the importance of awareness and screening.”

For more information about Maria Parham Health, visit mariaparham.com or follow Maria Parham Health on social media.

Maria Parham Seeks Partners For Oct. 28 ‘Trunk Or Treat’ Event

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Maria Parham Health is inviting local businesses, schools, civic organizations and community groups to help make Halloween special for local children and families by participating in its annual Trick-or-Treat Event on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will bring hundreds of local children and families together for an evening of Halloween fun in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Maria Parham Health is seeking community partners to host treat stations during the event. Businesses, schools, civic organizations, first responders, nonprofits, faith-based groups, clubs and other community organizations are encouraged to participate.

Participating organizations are asked to:

  • Decorate a treat station.
  • Dress in costume.
  • Hand out candy and other treats.
  • Showcase their organization while giving back to the community.

Organizations can go all out with elaborate decorations and costumes or keep things simple. Every participating group helps create a memorable experience for local children and families.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate Halloween while creating special memories for local children and families,” said Donna Young, public information officer for Maria Parham Health. “We are grateful to the businesses and organizations that help make this event possible each year.”

Organizations interested in participating should email donna.young@lpnt.net for more information or to reserve a treat station.

The Local Skinny! MPH Having Toy Drive Through Sept. 22

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— submitted by Maria Parham Health

A child’s hospital stay can be difficult and frightening, especially when that stay stretches from days into weeks or even months. Sometimes, something as simple as a new stuffed animal, a box of crayons or a sticker book can provide a welcome distraction and a little bit of comfort.

Maria Parham Health is inviting the community to help bring that comfort to children at Duke Children’s Hospital through a special toy drive taking place September 8–22.

The effort was inspired by a member of the Maria Parham Health family whose young daughter recently spent time receiving care at Duke Children’s Hospital. During her stay, the family discovered firsthand that the hospital has a need for toys and other simple activities for children who may be hospitalized for extended periods.

After seeing how much a simple toy could mean to a child during a difficult hospital stay, the family wanted to turn that experience into an opportunity to help other children.

“Knowing how much joy a simple toy can bring to a child during a difficult hospital stay, we wanted to find a way to help other children experience that same little moment of happiness,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We hope our community will join us in showing others love through the gift of toys.”

Community members are encouraged to donate just one or two basic, new toys. There is no need to purchase anything elaborate or expensive. Suggested donations include:

  • New stuffed animals
  • Crayons
  • Sticker books
  • Coloring and activity books
  • Other small, age-appropriate toys and activities

**Collection boxes will be available at Maria Parham Health in the lobby throughout the drive, September 8–22. Toys can be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. **

Following the collection, Maria Parham Health will deliver the community’s donations to Duke Children’s Hospital.

The toy drive is a simple opportunity to make a meaningful difference. For a child spending weeks or months in a hospital room, a new toy can offer a moment of fun, a creative outlet, a comforting companion and a reminder that people are thinking about them.

Maria Parham Health encourages community members, employees, families, churches, schools, civic organizations and local businesses to participate by donating whatever they can.

One toy. One child. One moment of joy.

Together, our community can help bring a little more comfort, happiness and hope to children when they need it most.

CLICK PLAY!

(This information and audio is not a paid ad.)

Maria Parham Cancer Center Nurse Receives DAISY Award

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 — Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

A Maria Parham Health Cancer Center nurse is the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Courtney Wilkerson, BSN, RN, was nominated by a grateful patient who described her as one of the kindest and most caring nurses they had ever encountered. The nomination highlights the profound impact her care and compassion had on the patient during what was an especially difficult time following a cancer diagnosis.

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it was a hard blow, and I wanted to be left alone,” the patient wrote in the nomination. “I was so rude to her, but she was always so very kind.”

The patient went on to describe Courtney’s compassion and the personal connection she provided throughout their treatment.

“Courtney prayed with me and for me,” the patient shared. “She has a loving and kind heart and is always checking on me. Courtney has made this difficult journey a little more bearable.”

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. During Patrick’s eight-week hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the extraordinary compassion and care his nurses provided—not only to Patrick, but to his entire family.

In Patrick’s memory, his family established The DAISY Foundation with a mission to recognize nurses who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of their patients and families through the compassion, skill and dedication they demonstrate every day.

The name DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s illness and the foundation created in his honor.

At Maria Parham Health, DAISY Award nominations provide an opportunity for patients, families and colleagues to recognize nurses who go above and beyond the clinical responsibilities of their profession. These nominations shine a light on the personal moments of nursing—the encouragement, compassion, advocacy, comfort and human connection that can profoundly affect a patient’s experience.

For Courtney, her nomination is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate care can make.

“The Cancer Center is very blessed to have the most loving and caring nurses ever,” the patient wrote. “For that reason, I nominate my sweet nurse Courtney for the DAISY Award.”

Maria Parham Health congratulates Courtney on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for embodying the compassion and commitment that define exceptional nursing.

“Courtney’s nomination beautifully illustrates what nursing is truly about,” said Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health. “Her patient recognized not only the excellent care she provided, but the kindness, compassion and personal support she offered during an incredibly difficult chapter in their life. We are incredibly proud of Courtney and grateful for the difference she makes for our patients and their families.”

The DAISY Award is represented by a hand-carved sculpture called the Healer’s Touch, crafted from Serpentine stone in Zimbabwe. The sculpture symbolizes the profound respect the Shona people have for traditional healers and represents the special healing touch nurses bring to their patients.

DAISY celebrations also traditionally include cinnamon buns in honor of Patrick Barnes, who loved the comforting smell of cinnamon.

Through the DAISY Award program, Maria Parham Health is honored to celebrate nurses like Courtney Wilkerson whose compassion extends beyond treatment and procedures to provide comfort, hope and encouragement when patients need it most.

(This is not a paid ad.)

Maria Parham Health Toy Drive For Patients At Duke Children’s Hospital Sept. 8-22

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— From Maria Parham Health

A child’s hospital stay can be difficult and frightening, especially when that stay stretches from days into weeks or even months. Sometimes, something as simple as a new stuffed animal, a box of crayons or a sticker book can provide a welcome distraction and a little bit of comfort.

Maria Parham Health is inviting the community to help bring that comfort to children at Duke Children’s Hospital through a special toy drive taking place September 8–22.

The effort was inspired by a member of the Maria Parham Health family whose young daughter recently spent time receiving care at Duke Children’s Hospital. During her stay, the family discovered firsthand that the hospital has a need for toys and other simple activities for children who may be hospitalized for extended periods.

After seeing how much a simple toy could mean to a child during a difficult hospital stay, the family wanted to turn that experience into an opportunity to help other children.

“Knowing how much joy a simple toy can bring to a child during a difficult hospital stay, we wanted to find a way to help other children experience that same little moment of happiness,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We hope our community will join us in showing others love through the gift of toys.”

Community members are encouraged to donate just one or two basic, new toys. There is no need to purchase anything elaborate or expensive. Suggested donations include:

  • New stuffed animals
  • Crayons
  • Sticker books
  • Coloring and activity books
  • Other small, age-appropriate toys and activities

**Collection boxes will be available at Maria Parham Health in the lobby throughout the drive, September 8–22. Toys can be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. **

Following the collection, Maria Parham Health will deliver the community’s donations to Duke Children’s Hospital.

The toy drive is a simple opportunity to make a meaningful difference. For a child spending weeks or months in a hospital room, a new toy can offer a moment of fun, a creative outlet, a comforting companion and a reminder that people are thinking about them.

Maria Parham Health encourages community members, employees, families, churches, schools, civic organizations and local businesses to participate by donating whatever they can.

One toy. One child. One moment of joy.

Together, our community can help bring a little more comfort, happiness and hope to children when they need it most.

Maria Parham Aug. 13 Lunch & Learn Focuses On Shoulder Health, Injury Prevention, Treatment Options

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Maria Parham Health invites community members to attend a free Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, featuring board-certified orthopedic surgeon Damian Rispoli, MD. The educational event will take place from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium on the Maria Parham Health campus.

The presentation “Strong Shoulders. Stronger You.” will focus on the prevention, detection and treatment of common shoulder injuries and conditions. Attendees will gain practical information on maintaining shoulder health, recognizing early signs of injury, and understanding the latest treatment options available for shoulder pain and dysfunction.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary lunch while learning about:

  • Common shoulder injuries and conditions
  • Injury prevention techniques
  • Early warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored
  • Non-surgical and surgical treatment options
  • When to seek evaluation from an orthopedic specialist

“Education is one of the most important tools we can provide our community,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “This Lunch & Learn is a wonderful opportunity for people to hear directly from Dr. Rispoli, ask questions, and gain valuable information that can help them stay active, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. We’re proud to offer events like this as part of our ongoing commitment to making our community healthier.”

Rispoli specializes in general orthopedics with advanced fellowship training in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery from the Mayo Clinic. He is board certified in orthopedic surgery and is a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Association, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and advance registration is required.

To reserve a seat, visit https://www.mariaparham.com/events.

(This information was originally posted July 8, 2026. This is not a paid ad. MPH is an advertising client of WIZS and WIZS.com.)

Maria Parham’s Emilee Johnson Among Finalists For Lifepoint’s Companywide Mercy Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Emilee Johnson, Maria Parham Health’s 2026 Mercy Award recipient, is one of 50 finalists vying for the companywide Mercy Award.

Johnson will represent Maria Parham Health at Lifepoint Health’s annual Mercy Award celebration this fall in Nashville, TN, where the finalists will be recognized for their contributions to their communities and to their healthcare organizations.

With 23 years of employment at Maria Parham, Johnson currently is vice president of Operations. She began her career as an occupational therapist and had had key roles at the hospital over the years.

“Emilee embodies the very spirit of the Mercy Award through her unwavering compassion and commitment to caring for others,” said Bert Beard, FACHE, CEO of Maria Parham Health and Person Memorial Hospital. “Her dedication makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, our team and the community we serve. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at this level.”

The Mercy Award selection committee reviewed an extraordinary group of local recipients from across the country, narrowing the field to a distinguished group of finalists who exemplify compassion, dedication and service, according to information from Donna Young, with Maria Parham Health’s Marketing and Communications office.

The Mercy Award honors individuals across Lifepoint Health facilities who go above and beyond in living out the organization’s mission of making communities healthier. Finalists are selected for their exceptional service, leadership and positive impact on others.

Maria Parham Health congratulates Emilee Johnson on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to celebrating her accomplishments on a national stage this fall.

Bear Sightings More Frequent In Late Spring – Add Henderson To The List

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has received reports of bear sightings recently from Rocky Mount, Durham and Hillsborough.

Add Henderson to that list.

A juvenile black bear was captured – on video –  as it ran across the back parking lot at  Maria Parham Health. Social media posts show the bear, probably a male, as it moved quickly into a nearby wooded area.

Bear sightings, while not uncommon in North Carolina, aren’t everyday occurrences, either. Wildlife biologists say American black bears in the Piedmont fall into two categories: resident or transient.

The youngster who scampered across the hospital grounds most likely fell into the transient category.

Resident bears live here year-round in established breeding populations defined by females with cubs. Transient bears pass through seasonally or as they search for their own territories, which is highest during spring and summer months. Reports of bear sightings spike from Memorial Day weekend through early summer.

“Historically, black bears were abundant throughout the state, including the Piedmont region,” said NCWRC black bear biologist Jenna Malzhan. “The Piedmont region currently supports a very low density of bears, with most being transient. But thanks to conservation efforts, black bear populations across the state have rebounded over the past couple of decades and we are also experiencing a recent expansion of a breeding population into this region.”

District 3 Biologist Greg Batts manages 11 counties from Wake County to the Virginia border and east to I-95.

“It’s not that bears can’t live around people, it’s that people aren’t as tolerant of bears living around them in the Piedmont,” said Batts.

The Wildlife Resources Commission recommends BearWise ® as a resource for urban and rural communities to prepare for bear encounters. BearWise also offers methods to deter bears from unwanted visits to homes and public establishments.

NCWRC says implementing BearWise Basics minimizes interactions and conflicts with other wildlife, such as raccoons, coyotes, opossums, foxes and skunks. It also encourages a transient bear to move on rather than remain in an unwanted area.

“Since adopting the BearWise program in 2018, we’ve had promising results with encouraging folks in the mountain communities to follow BearWise recommendations,” said Ashley Hobbs, the agency’s Statewide BearWise Coordinator. “Most people in Western North Carolina have at least heard of BearWise, and many use it as a resource to successfully coexist with bears. It’s better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to wildlife encounters, thus we want BearWise to become familiar to the rest of the state. Urban expansion will mean more bear encounters. We want safety for both humans and bears, and we know BearWise provides the tools to make it happen.”

Learning about the BearWise Basics is important information for those living in the Piedmont, and for those travelling to other parts of the state.

NCWRC  BearWise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs said, “In North Carolina, you’re just as likely to encounter a bear at the beach, as you are in the mountains.”

Hobbs suggests brushing up on reminders when planning summer vacations, such as how to store food and garbage, slow down when driving and what to do during a bear encounter.

BearWise Basics include:
•    Never feed or approach a bear
•    Secure food, garbage and recycling
•    Remove bird feeders when bears are active
•    Never leave pet food outdoors and keep dogs leashed
•    Clean and store grills
•    Inform your neighbors

 

For more information visit:
BearWise.org
NCWRC Bear Species Page 

Maria Parham Orthopaedics Lunch & Learn June 19 In South Hill, VA

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Maria Parham Health will host a free Lunch & Learn focused on the latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery on Thursday, June 19, at noon at 313 Franklin – Cocktails and Kitchen, located at 313 Franklin St. in South Hill, Virginia.

The event will feature Darius Divina, DO, of Maria Parham Orthopaedics, who will discuss MAKO robotic-arm technology and how it is transforming joint replacement procedures through personalized surgical planning and precision-guided care.

Attendees will learn how MAKO technology uses 3D models of a patient’s anatomy to help surgeons customize procedures, potentially leading to faster recovery, improved joint function and a quicker return to daily activities.

“We are proud to offer opportunities like this Lunch & Learn to help educate our communities about advances in healthcare technology and treatment options,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Orthopaedic care continues to evolve, and we are excited to connect patients with experts like Dr. Divina who are bringing innovative solutions closer to home.”

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Community members can register using the QR code featured on event promotional materials on the hospital’s Facebook page. Participants can also register online using the link at MariaParham.com.

For more information about Maria Parham Orthopaedics, visit https://www.mariaparham.com/maria-parham-health.

Click Play!

Maria Parham Health Selects Emilee Johnson For 2026 Mercy Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Emilee Johnson is Maria Parham Health’s 2026 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Johnson is vice president of Operations and has spent more than 23 years at Maria Parham Health, beginning as an occupational therapist and growing into a key executive leader across the health system, according to a press statement from Donna Young, MPH public information officer.

The Mercy Award was established in 2001 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Maria Parham Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Emilee Johnson is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said Bert Beard, Market CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We are so proud to recognize the many contributions Emilee has made to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community.  Emilee’s leadership, compassion, and servant’s heart set an example for all of us.”

Throughout her career, Johnson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving both patient care and the employee experience.

Johnson has played a critical role in advancing safety and operational excellence, including leading the development of the organization’s Emergency Management Plan and serving as Chair of the Workplace Violence Committee. Her work has strengthened the safety of the care environment and contributed to initiatives such as the Emergency Department “Safe Spaces” design enhancements.

Beyond her work inside the hospital, Johnson has made a lasting impact in the community. She founded and continues to lead the Maria Parham Litter Sweep, promoting environmental stewardship for more than a decade. She also launched the “Stomp the Stigma” 5K and fun run, raising awareness and more than $5,000 to support local mental health and addiction resources.

Johnson is deeply engaged in community partnerships, serving on multiple local boards including the YMCA, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, and the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Her work helps strengthen collaboration between the hospital and the community it serves.

Colleagues describe Johnson as a compassionate leader who builds meaningful relationships, inspires others, and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She is known for fostering an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to deliver the best for patients and one another.

“Emilee doesn’t just talk about our mission of making communities healthier – she lives it every single day.” said one coworker. “Her leadership, kindness, and dedication to our patients, staff, and community truly embody everything the Mercy Award represents.”

Johnson will join award winners from the other Lifepoint facilities to be considered for Lifepoint Health’s 2026 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.