A message from our President & CEO
2023 was marked by both challenges and triumphs, bringing to mind the adage, "Good things take time, and sometimes, the most challenging years bear the seeds of the most remarkable transformations."
As advocates, we were persistent and committed to expanding Medicaid. This monumental achievement has expanded health care coverage to 600,000 uninsured North Carolinians and will accelerate our work toward a healthier, more inclusive North Carolina. Like those who plant trees for future generations, the impact of this achievement will be long-lasting.
Reflecting on other accomplishments from the year, there are many to celebrate, including:
Expanding access to care: The NCHA-crafted Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP) allows hospitals to pay for the non-federal share costs of Medicaid expansion, while also growing provider participation in Medicaid and strengthening vulnerable rural hospitals. HASP funds are flowing to our members, and we are already working with the state on the next preprint.
Creating greater health equity: 92% of members have signed our Equity Resolution with access to a new Equity Dashboard to measure progress.
Resolving payor issues: NCHA meets monthly with payor plans to reduce denials and administrative burdens.
Focusing on workforce challenges: We are collaborating cross-functionally on recruitment, retention, and workplace safety strategies, including a new workforce analysis and a health careers campaign for teens for 2024.
Innovating to improve health and health care: Innovative initiatives led by the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation are being designed and piloted in our state and beyond.
Growing portfolio of solutions: NCHA Strategic Partners has seen record growth in 2023.
Adding new members: NCHA welcomed five new members in 2023: Fayetteville Veterans Administration Coastal Health Care System, Carolinas ContinueCARE Hospital at Pineville, Central Prison Hospital, Raleigh Oaks Behavioral Healthcare and DaVita, Inc.
Moving to a new location: Our new office in Raleigh offers more collaborative spaces and brings us closer to the General Assembly.
All these accomplishments were possible thanks to your continued support and engagement with the Association.
Looking ahead, we have a new strategic plan built on the pillars of enhancing field unity, modernizing advocacy and healthcare policy, and optimizing how we organize and operate. Simply put, it is all about creating value for our members. This plan will set the stage for NCHA's continued success in the years to come.
As you know, I plan to retire in 2024. I look forward to shepherding your Association into its next chapter with a thoughtful and seamless hand-off to NCHA’s new leader.
Stephen J. Lawler NCHA President and CEO
Chuck Mantooth, ChairPresident & CEO UNC Health Appalachian, Boone
Chris Peek, Chair ElectPresident & CEO CaroMont Health, Gastonia
Roxie Wells, MD, Past Chair Chief Physician and Strategy OfficerNovant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington
Frank Emory Jr., SecretaryExecutive Vice President and Chief Admin. OfficerNovant Health, Charlotte
Ken D. Haynes, TreasurerPresidentAdvocate Health, Southeast Region
Brian Floyd, Member-at-largePresident & COOECU Health, Greenville
Kathy BaileyPresident & CEOUNC Health Blue Ridge, Morganton
Bert BeardCEOMaria Parham Health, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, Henderson
Penney Burlingame DealChief Executive OfficerOnslow Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville
Mickey FosterChief Executive OfficerFirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst
Mark GordonPresidentCone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center, Burlington
John GreenPresident & CEOIredell Health, Statesville
Paul HammesCEOHugh Chatham Health, Elkin
Kevin High, MDVice Chief Academic OfficerAdvocate Health, Winston-Salem
Greg LowePresidentHCA Healthcare, North Carolina Division, Mission Health, Asheville
NCHA MissionTo improve the health of the communities where we live and work by advocating for sound public policy and collaborative partnerships.
NCHA VisionA North Carolina where high-quality healthcare is equitable and accessible for all
