Tag Archive for: #mariaparhamhealth

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.

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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.

 

 

Maria Parham Health Publishes 2025 Community Benefit Report

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— submitted by Maria Parham Health

Report outlines hospital’s continued impact on health and economic vitality of Henderson/Vance County

Maria Parham Health today published its community benefit report for the 2025 calendar year. This annual report outlines the various ways the hospital is working to support the health and economic vitality of Henderson/Vance County as part of its mission of making communities healthier.

“Always striving to advance our mission is how we succeed as a community leader in Henderson/Vance County, and as a leader in our community, we are dedicated to supporting those who entrust us with their care, investing in our region’s overall well-being and making a positive impact on our region,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “This year’s report highlights our continued commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care close to home.”

Maria Parham Health’s 2025 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, adding and expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2025, Maria Parham Health added new providers in internal medicine, general surgery, gastroenterology, wound care, emergency and family medicine, psychiatry, cardiology and oncology; and made nearly $15.1 million in capital improvements, including an upgraded linear accelerator, the addition of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) services, new surgical technologies in orthopedics and urology, and the renovation of emergency departments in Henderson and Louisburg.

Additionally, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62.4 million in health services to those in need, demonstrating its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Maria Parham Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2025, the hospital distributed nearly $72.1 million in salaries, wages and benefits for its approximately 730 employees, while contributing more than $117,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

Last year, the organization paid $17,872,115 in local and state taxes, while also continuing its support of local activities and organizations committed to serving the region, including ACTS of Vance County, Henderson Family YMCA, McGregor Hall, and The Salvation Army.

“We are proud to call Henderson/Vance County our home and feel truly privileged to contribute to its well-being. We are also thankful for the hard work and dedication of our providers, employees and volunteers who make it all possible, “said Beard. “As we look ahead to the future, we are so excited to continue improving the way we serve our neighbors and communities.”

Maria Parham Health’s 2025 community benefit report is available here – mariaparham.com/community-benefit-report

(This is not a paid ad.)

— by Donna Young

Market Coordinator, Marketing & Communications, Market Public Information Officer, Maria Parham Health & Person Memorial Hospital

The Local Skinny! Maria Parham Franklin Hosting ‘Stomp the Stigma’ 5K May 30

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Lace up your running – or walking – shoes for the second “Stomp the Stigma” 5k on Saturday, May 30 in Louisburg to support mental health awareness and care for mental health treatment.

Not feelin’ it for the 5k?

There’s a Family Fun Run and a Kids Dash, too, thanks to event organizers from the Maria Parham Franklin campus, where the focus is on mental health and behavioral health.

Emilee Johnson, vice president of operations at Maria Parham, said this year’s event is shaping up to be another success.

May is National Mental Health Awareness month, a time when mental health professionals emphasize the normalization of seeking help when it’s needed.

Last year’s inaugural event raised about $5,000, Johnson said. “This year we want to do a lot more,” she said on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! This year’s recipient again is First in Families of North Carolina, a local nonprofit that supports people receiving mental health care.

They’ve been able to touch many lives through last year’s donation, Johnson said and they’re very excited and very supportive of this year’s fundraiser.

The stigma that needs stomping is the stigma around mental health and people’s reluctance to talk about it, learn about it and seek treatment for it.

Morgan Barnes, MPH’s manager of Human Resources, said “I feel that mental health is not a ‘someone else’ issue.” It affects us all, she said, from family and friends to co-workers. Whether identified as stress, anxiety, burnout or something else, there are resources available to support and promote positive mental health.

Making treatment more of the norm goes a long way to stomp the stigma, Johnson said. “We’re really excited to do something that benefits the community.”

Mark Speed returns this year, bringing his DJ skills to the day’s activities. Speed is a big proponent of the hospital, Johnson said. “He brought a lot of fun and energy last year to the crowd” she added. Having 150 participants join in the fun last year was a good start. “If we could double that, that would be amazing,” Johnson said. The event provides a fun activity for the community to participate in and also helps support a great cause, she added. “It’s a win all around.”

Everyone who registers at least two weeks before the event will get a t-shirt and swag bag. Register at https://runsignup.com/. There’s also a place on the event’s link to sign up as a volunteer. Register at least two weeks before the event to get a volunteer t-shirt.

The race route takes participants from the hospital, through the town’s historic district around Louisburg College and the downtown area and then back to the hospital, located at 100 Hospital Dr. off Hwy 39.

It’s designed for fun, but for those with a competitive edge, awards will be given to the top three male finishers and top three female finishers. The first 150 to cross the finish line will get race medals.

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(This content was originally published on May 7, 2026.)

Maria Parham Health Switching To New Patient Portal Platform; Patients Can Save Records Before April 30

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— Information from Maria Parham Health

The current patient portal in use by Maria Parham Health will be discontinued at the end of April. Patients who want to retain a copy of their medical records should take steps to download and save their records before the hospital switches over to the new patient portal platform.

Hospital officials said the current patient portal system Syntellis will be discontinued effective April 30, 2026 to make way for a new portal called InteliChart.

After April 30, patients will no longer be able to access their personal health information through the Syntellis system.

Patients who wish to retain a copy of their medical records are encouraged to log in and download their health information prior to the April 30 deadline. Access to the portal is available at https://communicator.syntellis.com, or by using the QR code provided in official Maria Parham Health communications. Step-by-step instructions for downloading records are also available in accompanying materials.

“We are excited to transition to the InteliChart patient portal, which will provide an enhanced and more user-friendly experience for our patients,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “As we make this change, we encourage patients to download their existing health records from Syntellis before April 30. We appreciate our patients’ patience during this transition and remain committed to ensuring continued access to their health information.”

Maria Parham Health encourages all patients who have used the Syntellis portal to take action as soon as possible to avoid losing access to their records.

For questions or assistance, patients may contact Maria Parham Health directly for support.

Maria Parham Lifts Temporary Visitor Restrictions With Decline In Reports Of Flu, Respiratory Illness In Community

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— Information from Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health has lifted its temporary visitor restrictions following a decline in influenza and flu-like illnesses across the community and throughout North Carolina. The change took effect Monday, March 9.

With the restrictions lifted, the hospital has restored its standard visitation hours, visitor limits and age requirements.

“Lifting visitation restrictions at our hospital is an important step for our patients and their recovery,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “We’re encouraged to see flu activity declining in our community, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding shown by our patients, families and staff while these temporary precautions were in place.”

Although visitor restrictions have been lifted, hospital leaders emphasize that protecting vulnerable patients remains a priority. Visitors are asked to continue practicing several important safety measures while in the hospital:

  • Stay home if sick, especially if experiencing symptoms of a viral respiratory infection.
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly or using hand sanitizer before and after entering patient rooms and throughout the visit.
  • Follow masking and respiratory hygiene guidance, including covering coughs and sneezes and following any personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for patients under standard or isolation precautions.

 

General visitation hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for most areas, but some departments may have different hours, including the Emergency Department, intensive care and the Women and Infants area.

Children 12 years and older may visit patients; children under 12 may stay in the lobby with a supervising adult. Children may not be unattended in any part of the hospital.

Two visitors at the time are allowed to visit a patient; if the patient is in a private room, one family member may stay overnight, at the discretion of the charge nurse.

If the patient is a minor, however, having a parent or designee spend the night is encouraged.

Family members are allowed to stay overnight in the unit waiting room at the discretion of the charge nurse.

Visit

https://www.mariaparham.com/ for more information.

Maria Parham Health’s Annual Cancer Survivor Dinner May 15

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This year’s Cancer Survivor Dinner sponsored by Maria Parham Health will have a Western theme and will feature celebrity and author Lisa Robertson as keynote speaker.

The dinner will take place Thursday, May 15 at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, 905 Americal Rd., as a way to honor the strength, resilience and journeys of cancer survivors across the community.

Robertson is the original Robertson daughter-in-law, married to Alan Robertson, the oldest son of Duck Dynasty patriarchs Phil and Kay Robertson. She is a co-author of The Women of Duck Commander, released in April 2014, which she wrote alongside her sisters-in-law and Miss Kay.

Lisa and Al Robertson have been married for more than 30 years and have shared in ministry and public speaking at churches, marriage retreats and seminars for more than 15 years. Known for her powerful life-change testimony, Robertson’s message has inspired audiences across the country.

“We are truly honored to welcome Lisa Robertson as our keynote speaker for this special evening,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Her story of faith, perseverance and hope aligns beautifully with the journeys of our cancer survivors. This dinner is a meaningful way for us to recognize their courage and to celebrate life, healing and community.”

The dinner is designed as a joyful, Western-themed celebration where cancer survivors are encouraged to bring one guest to share in fellowship, recognition and a meal.

Seating for the event is limited, and advance registration is required. Survivors and guests must register by May 8 by calling 252.436.6485.

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Maria Parham Receives Lifepoint Health 2025 Operations Excellence Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health has been recognized by its parent company, Lifepoint Health, with the 2025 Operations Excellence Award for the company’s Eastern Division of acute care facilities. The honor was presented during Lifepoint Health’s annual awards ceremony on Feb. 25.

Lifepoint Health’s Operations Excellence Award recognizes outstanding overall performance across the company’s acute care, rehabilitation and behavioral health business sectors. Each year, five facilities are selected for the award, including one facility in each of the company’s three acute operating divisions, one inpatient rehabilitation hospital and one behavioral health hospital.

Facilities receiving the award demonstrate a strong commitment to measurable improvement in several key areas during the prior year, including quality improvement, service line growth, talent and workforce development and engagement, expanding the facility’s leadership role in  the community, and financial performance.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for earning this recognition,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and team members who work every day to provide high-quality care and advance  services for the communities we serve. Their commitment to excellence and to our mission of improving lives makes achievements like this possible.”

The award was accepted on behalf of Maria Parham Health by Beard, Chief Nursing Officer Betsy Hunt and Chief Financial Officer Michael Gordian.

Maria Parham Health was recognized for strong operational performance, including significant growth in surgical volumes and hospital admissions supported by advancements in key service lines such as emergency medicine and surgical care. Innovations including the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery and Aquablation therapy have helped expand access to advanced treatment options for patients.

Jason Downey, MPA, PA-C, Joins Maria Parham Orthopedics Team

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—  information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health welcomes Jason Downey, MPA, PA-C  to its orthopedics team to provide a wide range of orthopedic procedures and treatments.

With more than nine years practicing orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Downey brings a proven ability to deliver exceptional patient care in both operative and clinical settings, according to a statement from MPH Public Information Officer Donna Young.

Prior to joining Maria Parham Health, Downey served as a Physician Associate with Persons Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Joint Replacement Center in Suffolk, VA. His clinical expertise includes arthroscopic surgery, casting and splinting, first assisting, therapeutic  injections, total joint replacement and comprehensive patient care.

Downey earned a Master of Physician Assistant degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA and a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University, also in Norfolk.

“Jason Downey’s extensive orthopedic experience and dedication to patient care make him a tremendous addition to our team,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “His skills and commitment to excellence will help ensure our community continues to receive outstanding orthopedic services close to home.”

Downey will see patients at Maria Parham Orthopaedics, located at 120 Charles Rollins  Road, Suite 102, Henderson, N.C. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 252.436.1314.