Carolina Caring Welcomes New VP of Marketing & Communications

Carolina Caring is pleased to announce Maria Reese as its new Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Reese is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of diverse experience in the public health, nonprofit, government, and private healthcare sectors. An expert in strategic planning, operations, leadership, marketing, and community engagement, she has been instrumental in the implementation of numerous community health and social responsibility campaigns, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Her community outreach projects have been shown to help remove barriers to care, thereby improving both health outcomes and the patient experience.

Her previous roles have included Founder of the healthcare consulting firm, InterConnect Health LLC, Senior Director positions at both Atrium Health and Get Well, a digital health company, Director of Community Services & Operations for the Mecklenburg County Health Department, and leadership roles at Catawba County Public Health and ALFA, the AIDS Service Organization based in Hickory, N.C. She is a frequent contributor to publications on community health and the social determinants of health and is a co-author on a chapter in the book, “Both/And Medicine and Public Health Together.” She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Maria to Carolina Caring.” said Christina McNally, Chief Strategy Officer. “She has a proven track record of leveraging her background and skills in strategic communications and community outreach to capture and share compelling stories, which is the core of marketing. As a community and health advocate, Maria has a strong commitment to fostering a deep understanding of community needs, and then developing evidence-based solutions to address complex problems. Her dedication to ensuring everyone has equitable access to quality healthcare aligns perfectly with our patient-centered approach to care.”

“I have seen firsthand how this organization’s care comforts, uplifts and supports families navigating serious illness,” said Reese. “I have dedicated my career to ensuring affordable and quality care for underserved populations, so joining this team of compassionate caregivers is a wonderful chance to pursue my passion for health equity in a new way. My mission is to find new and impactful ways to tell our patients’ stories to enhance awareness of, and access to, our vital services.”

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Reese now lives in Huntersville, N.C., with her husband, their two young adult children and two Australian Shepherds. She serves as an elected president emeritus and board member on the Town of Huntersville Greenway Bikes and Trails Commission, is a member of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) Advisory Board at Queens University, and volunteers at Roof Above, a homeless shelter in Charlotte.

Carolina Caring Foundation Names Tara Bland as Executive Director

Nonprofit serious illness care provider Carolina Caring is pleased to announce that Tara Bland has been selected as Executive Director of its philanthropic division, the Carolina Caring Foundation. In this role, she will lead all fundraising efforts in support of the organization’s mission by creating awareness about its vital services, building partnerships and securing gifts from individuals, businesses and charitable foundations.

A Hickory native, Bland comes to Carolina Caring Foundation from the nonprofit SALT Block Foundation (SBF), where she served as Executive Director for nine years.

Prior to SBF, Bland served as Membership Marketing and Event Director at Lake Hickory Country Club for 15 years. She is a graduate of St. Stephens High School and has an undergraduate degree in communications with a focus in public relations from Appalachian State University. She also holds a master’s degree in liberal studies with a focus in community engagement and leadership from Lenoir Rhyne University.

Bland serves on the board for Catawba Valley Young Life, Service League of Hickory and Rotary Club of Hickory. She is also President of Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley. In addition to her nonprofit work, she has been an event planner and consultant over 20 years. Tara and her husband Travis have two children, Marlee and Tucker.

“I could not be more thrilled to welcome Tara to the Carolina Caring family,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “With her deep roots in our community and her extensive experience in philanthropy and outreach, she is the leader we need as we continue to expand our care to reach more patients than ever before. As a nonprofit, our ability to innovate is impacted by the support we receive from the community, and the dollars we are able to raise. With Tara heading up our fundraising efforts, I am confident we are positioned for continued growth in 2024 and beyond.”

“I look forward to working with the executive team to elevate the Foundation’s efforts, and help secure the future of Carolina Caring by cultivating the essential funding, resources and partnerships we need to deliver the highest quality care, now and in the future.” Bland says.

Carolina Caring Empowers Hospice Patient to Revisit Favorite Pastime

Carolina Caring’s compassionate hospice and palliative care empowers patients to make the most of each day as they navigate serious illness. Our patient, Barbara, has been under hospice care with Carolina Caring and has shared much about her life with her favorite Nurse, Kelly Avery, and Social Worker, Megan Elmore. She shared that her fondest memories were of fishing with her family on Lake Hickory. Whether from the bank or accessing her favorite fishing spots from a boat, Barbara loved it all.

After being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure, Barbara’s symptoms were getting increasingly harder to manage. She went from fishing once a week to once a month, to not having fished in over 2 years.

Carolina Caring’s specialized cardiac program is designed to help manage symptoms related to heart disease so patients can continue to live their life without frequent, disruptive visits to the Emergency Department. Thanks to multiple visits a week from her expert Carolina Caring care team, Barbara was able to build the confidence to once again cast her line and enjoy the great outdoors! 

Kelly and Megan coordinated with the Carolina Caring Volunteer and Foundation Departments to secure fishing licenses and gather together a spread of Barbara’s favorite foods at Dallas Park & Recreation ponds.

For just the second time in the past year, Barbara left the house. With the confidence of having her care team along to support her, Barbara enjoyed tomato sandwiches and snacks before taking her place at the water’s edge. She showed those in attendance how she ties the hook on the line, how much weight should be added, and the proper amount of worm to place on the hook. As turns were taken to hold the umbrella casting shade on Barbara’s face, you couldn’t help but see the beam of contentment she felt. Thanks to the success of this fishing trip, Barbara and her son, who was also present, have been inspired to plan more adventures.

“The goal is always to fill each day with purpose,” says Kelly. “Megan and I listened to Barbara and determined we could bring her some joy. It’s also pretty inspiring to see how the staff and volunteers in our organization jump into action when a special request is made like this.”

Carolina Caring Earns Prestigious 2023 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award

Nonprofit serious illness provider Carolina Caring has been named a 2023 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award recipient by HEALTHCAREfirst, a leading provider of surveying and advanced analytics for hospice organizations.

This prestigious annual review recognizes agencies that continuously provide a positive patient experience and high-quality care as measured by the patient and caregiver experience. It acknowledges the highest-performing agencies by analyzing the performance of the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey satisfaction measures, as reported between April 2022 and March 2023.

“We are thrilled to receive this national recognition,” says Carolina Caring President and CEO Dana Killian. “This award unequivocally demonstrates that our expert, compassionate team truly is fulfilling our mission to help our patients and their families fill each day with purpose, and make the most of every moment.”

The awards are an exclusive recognition for hospice agencies that have selected HEALTHCAREfirst as their hospice survey partner. HCAHPS Honors recipients include agencies scoring above the HEALTHCAREfirst National Average on at least 85% of the evaluated questions.

“We began our annual Hospice Honors Award program more than 10 years ago as a way to highlight those agencies that are truly leading the way in providing and demonstrating quality patient care,” said Ronda Howard, Vice President of Revenue Cycle and CAHPS at HEALTHCAREfirst. “We congratulate Carolina Caring on their success and are so proud and honored that they have chosen to partner with us in helping drive success for their agency.”

For more information the Hospice CAHPS Honors program, visit www.healthcarefirst.com/hospice-honors.

Carolina Caring Named to Modern Healthcare’s National List of Best Places to Work for 2023

For the fifth year in a row, Modern Healthcare has selected Carolina Caring as one of its Best Places to Work in Healthcare. The nonprofit serious illness care provider is being recognized for leveraging a profoundly engaged workforce to create a culture of excellence that consistently delivers innovative, compassionate care. Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring a ranked list of all the winners along with the October 2, 2023 issue of Modern Healthcare.

This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey.

“Working alongside the most compassionate and inspiring healthcare workers is humbling. There is no better feeling than to see Carolina Caring staff being recognized for their commitment to our mission and community. I am honored that Carolina Caring is being recognized for the fifth year and we’re thrilled to be recognized as a place where employees feel valued for their contributions,” says Dana Killian, President and CEO of Carolina Caring. 

“An uncertain economy, staffing shortages and increasing demands for flexibility and remote work opportunities are forcing every business in the industry to focus on attracting and retaining talent in unprecedented ways," said Dan Peres, president of Modern Healthcare. "The 2023 Best Places to Work winners proved the value of understanding what employees want — and need — today. The healthcare industry is going through a period of extraordinary change. Having the right people in place is more critical than ever, and the winning workplaces understand that taking care of employees is central to business success.”

Carolina Caring will find out their ranking on the Best Places list and be celebrated at the 2023 Best Places to Work in Healthcare Awards Gala taking place September 28 at the Renaissance Chicago.

Carolina Caring to Provide Trusted Care to South Carolina

Carolina Caring has been a respected provider of compassionate, serious illness care to the residents of Western North Carolina since 1979 and is now partnering with Four Seasons and Teleios Collaborative Network to bring innovative, quality, hospice services to communities in South Carolina.

This new organization, called Caring Seasons Health, is now offering trusted hospice care to York and Lancaster Counties in South Carolina. Founded by three non-profit organizations, Caring Seasons Health offers physical, emotional, and spiritual support to both the patient and family in their private home, a nursing center, retirement community, or wherever they call home.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our neighbors with quality, compassionate hospice care that will allow them to spend precious time with their loved ones in their home setting,” said Leah Maul, Chief Operating Officer of Caring Seasons Health of South Carolina. “If you aren’t sure what hospice is, think you or a loved one might need our services, or want more information, please contact us. We understand how overwhelming this season of your life may be, and we are here to help.”

Caring Seasons is a trusted collaboration between two nationally recognized, award-winning serious illness care organizations, Carolina Caring and Four Seasons as well as Teleios Collaborative Network. With a combined 90 years of experience in providing serious illness care in North Carolina, the two organizations and their supporting network bring a wealth of experience, innovation, and trusted care to communities in South Carolina.

“Providing trusted care to the community has been the mission of our founders for many years and is the mission that motivated us to form Caring Seasons. Every individual deserves respect, compassion, and dignity, and our Caring Seasons Team makes that possible, said Dr. Millicent Burke-Sinclair, President and CEO of Four Seasons, The Care You Trust, a founding partner.”

The mission of Caring Seasons Health is to “Enhance Life Through Trusted Care.” Hospice Care is specialized medical care providing pain and symptom management, emotional, and spiritual support to patients who no longer seeking curative treatment and for whom life expectancy is 6 months or less. This care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of hospice professionals including Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, CNAs, Social Workers, Chaplains, Volunteers, and other specialists who work together with your primary healthcare provider.

“We have very much appreciated the warm welcome we have received from the SC community, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the community by leveraging the experience and expertise of our founding organizations,” said Dana Kilian, President and CEO of Carolina Caring, a founding partner.

While Caring Seasons Health is new to South Carolina, the founding hospices have been providing quality health care for over four decades. Located at 100 Main Street, Suite 204 in Fort Mill, SC Caring Seasons Health offers in-home Hospice Care. For more information, visit CaringSeasons.org or call 803.369.6255.

Carolina Caring Launches Innovative Solution to Staffing Crisis with CNA Training and Job Placement Program

Carolina Caring is leading the way in healthcare innovation by offering a creative solution to a nationwide problem — the shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to care for the rapidly aging Baby Boomer generation. In response to this staffing crisis, the serious illness care provider’s Center for Leadership & Learning has launched a state-approved CNA Training Program designed to provide expert education and immediate job placement.

The nine-week training is held at the nonprofit organization’s Newton campus, 3975 Robinson Road, and taught by licensed nursing instructors, who prepare students for the demanding North Carolina CNA certification test. Students are paid during their training and those who successfully complete the program and earn their certifications are then offered positions with Carolina Caring. Since the program launched in March, 8 students have successfully completed the program and were hired as permanent staff.

“We have found that many people who are passionate about helping others and wish to start a career in healthcare are held back by their financial circumstances,” says Dana Killian, Carolina Caring’s President & CEO. “Our CNA Training Program helps removes some of those barriers. Not only is the training itself paid, we provide books and other supplies, equipping each student with everything they need to become a CNA and successfully start work immediately.”

“Carolina Caring has always been a trailblazer in finding new ways to bring high-quality, compassionate care to those who need it most, and this is just one more way can serve our community,” says Sue Nelson, Carolina Caring’s Chief Operating Officer.  “Our Center for Leadership & Learning is proud to work in tandem with learning institutions like Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) and others in the region to offer vital education in support of the healthcare industry.”

If you or someone you know dreams of starting a career in healthcare, but you don’t know where to start, apply to the Carolina Caring CNA Training Program by calling 828.466.0466. The next session will be starting in August of 2023.

Carolina Caring and Health Recovery Solutions Partner to Expand Remote Patient Monitoring Services

Nonprofit serious illness provider Carolina Caring and Health Recovery Solutions (HRS) are partnering to expand patient access to telemedicine services. Through an online platform provided by HRS called Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Carolina Caring can track patients’ symptoms and continuously monitor vital signs in an effort to decrease hospital admissions and unnecessary emergency room visits, which leads to a better quality of life overall.

HRS provides telehealth and remote patient monitoring solutions for the healthcare industry. Its products help providers deliver virtual care, increasing efficiency while improving levels of wellness at home.

“The patient experience is at the heart of everything we do,” says Carolina Caring President and CEO Dana Killian. “That's why Carolina Caring strives for excellence in all areas, including technology that enhances patient care and advances how people are able to receive it."

With the rise of remote patient monitoring, healthcare providers are finding new ways to provide care. The World Health Organization has revealed that about 90% of countries have experienced some form of disruption in essential healthcare services. This has prompted an increase in virtual models like RPM, where patients are monitored from anywhere with internet access.

"At Carolina Caring, our focus is to improve our patients’ quality of life by closely managing their care and tailoring treatment to each patient's unique needs, whether it be caring for patients with advanced heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions," said Virginia Duany, D.O., Chief Medical Officer at Carolina Caring.

The RPM program will provide patients with a 4G Samsung tablet and Bluetooth biometric monitoring device to track their vital signs, symptoms and medications. They will also be offered the option for virtual follow-up care at home through an online platform that is tailored specifically toward their treatment goals.

With a constant stream of data, the Carolina Caring team will be able to monitor patients' vital signs in real time on an ongoing basis. Providers will also remain in close contact with patients through various communication channels, such as text messaging and phone calls via the tablets. The team can respond quickly to changes in symptoms or vitals to enhance their care.

Tyler’s Pumpkin Patch

When the autumn leaves and breeze roll in and everyone gets in the mood for everything “pumpkin,” who doesn’t want to visit a pumpkin patch?  Those gleaming big and small balls of orange seem to call out to us to take them home and celebrate this beautiful time of the year. 

It was no different for a teenager named Tyler who wanted to take his little cousin Olivia to see the pumpkins. But Tyler’s health made it difficult to fulfill his wish. That’s when Carolina Caring’s Cardinal Kids and volunteer staff jumped into action and made his dream come true. They brought the pumpkin patch to him!

Tyler’s mom Brenda and sister Dani, along with out-of-state relatives attended and the whole family was able to make beautiful memories of fall fun, including painting pumpkins provided by Josh’s Farmers Market in Mooresville. No party is complete without some delicious treats so a special “thank you” goes out to volunteer Carolyn Festa for some beautifully decorated, homemade cookies for the special occasion.

Tammy Jensen Named Chief Financial Officer

Carolina Caring has promoted Tammy Jensen to Chief Financial Officer for Carolina Caring. In her new role, Jensen will oversee the financial initiatives and technological direction of the nonprofit organization, which serves patients who face a serious illness across 12 counties throughout western North Carolina.

"Tammy Jensen is a perfect fit for the position of Chief Financial Officer at Carolina Caring,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “Her knowledge and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to move forward with our plans for growth and long-term sustainability."

Jensen is a seasoned professional with more than 18 years of experience at Carolina Caring, and a wealth of knowledge about billing and revenue cycle management. Previously, she served in an accounting role with the regional CPA firm of Davidson, Holland and Whitesell LLC, where she focused on cost-report audits for healthcare organizations across the state of North Carolina. 

"I'm honored to work as Chief Financial Officer at Carolina Caring and protect the vital assets of our organization," says Jensen. "Our core values are what motivate me every day — I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to support ongoing growth as serious illness care continues to evolve."

Dr. Virginia Duany named Chief Medical Officer for Carolina Caring

Virginia Duany, D.O, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer at Carolina Caring. In her new role, she will help ensure the highest quality of medical care is delivered while overseeing daily operations and nurturing the spirit of the nonprofit's clinical team as the organization continues to rapidly expand. 

"We are thrilled that Virginia Duany has accepted the position as Carolina Caring's Chief Medical Officer,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “Her knowledge and wealth of experience will be invaluable assets as we continue serving those with serious medical conditions in greater numbers than ever before."

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree at Barry University, Dr. Duany completed her medical training at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

She chose to pursue hospice and palliative medicine because of its holistic approach to patient care – it offers support to patients medically, emotionally and spiritually, as they face serious illness.

With nearly 15 years of healthcare experience and an expert at developing comprehensive medical plans for patients, Dr. Duany works to ensures every member on the nonprofit’s hospice team is knowledgeable about each patient’s plan of care so they can provide personalized treatment options that best suit their healthcare needs.

"I am humbled and excited to work as Chief Medical Officer at Carolina Caring and support our mission of providing world-class care," says Dr. Duany, "I've always been motivated by the opportunity to improve people's lives, so leading our healthcare teams as they help our patients navigate their illnesses is rewarding on many levels."

Carolina Caring Continues to Meet Community Needs -Taking Heightened Precautions for Patient Safety

Carolina Caring Staff ready for patients at the Catawba Valley Hospice House - Newton, NC

For 40-years Carolina Caring has supported patients dealing with serious illness. Our team of medical professionals is standing by and ready to provide care for our community during this challenging time.

COVID-19 has presented challenges to all our lives. However, it is our mission to help patients and families during times such as this. We are committed to providing compassionate care and understand the importance of having loved ones nearby during these delicate times. We are taking several additional precautions to protect patients, families, and staff including:

• Staff are screened daily for symptoms of, or potential exposure to, COVID-19; employees with positive screens are not allowed to work.

• Staff is required to adhere to a strict Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policy for all patient interactions.

Visitors are allowed with some restrictions at the Catawba Valley Hospice House on Robinson Road. We have established guidelines designed to protect all involved.

Our organization understands the importance of being with your loved ones, especially those dealing with serious illness. Carolina Caring is here to support you and can provide care wherever you call home.

Lynn selected for the David B. Clarke Service Before Self Award

President and CEO Dave Cook presents Marsha Lynn, RN with the David B. Clarke Service Before Self Award

Marsha Lynn was selected as the 2020 recipient of the David B. Clarke Service Before Self Award. This esteemed award is given to an employee who exemplifies trust, integrity and excellence in their work which is synonymous with Carolina Caring (formerly Catawba Regional Hospice). The award is named for David B. Clarke, past President/CEO, who was instrumental in creating an organizational culture that provides exceptional care and consistently gives more than what is expected. 

“I am so honored to be recognized as the recipient of this award.” Lynn stated. She has worked as a nurse, an educator and national speaker with Carolina Caring for nearly 30 years. Lynn added, “I’ve spent almost half of my life learning about, and working with, hospice. To know that I have made a difference in someone’s life and that I have been able to help, that is a reward and a blessing.”

Dave Cook, President and CEO of Carolina Caring, stated, “Marsha Lynn has touched thousands of lives in our community over the last 30 years.  Her compassion, commitment, and caring have been a cornerstone in our organization.  It is only fitting for her to be recognized with the David B. Clarke Service before Self award.”

Lynn, along with the other nominees, were highlighted at Carolina Caring’s Red Carpet Awards ceremony held at Catawba Country Club which celebrated the work of all employees at Carolina Caring.  The David B. Clarke Service Before Self Award is the ultimate showcase for the agency’s employees and is an extension of the company’s service standards which provide a constant focus on personal excellence.

For more information about Carolina Caring, please call 828-466-0466

Carolina Caring awarded $700,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to fund new pediatric program

Cardinal Kids Vice President, Pediatric Physician Services - Brooke Hata, MD and Director of Pediatric Palliative Care – Dannelle Hester, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Launched in September, Cardinal Kids helps families navigate the challenges that arise when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness

 Carolina Caring has been awarded a $700,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to help fund Cardinal Kids, its community-based pediatric program launched in September that blends palliative medicine with curative treatment for seriously ill children and teens. These crucial funds will be used to provide comprehensive medical care, pain management and ongoing support to patients and their families initially in Burke, Alexander, Catawba and Lincoln counties.  Cardinal Kids will expand its services over a 3-year period including Charlotte in late 2020. 

Community-based pediatric palliative care adds an extra layer of support for seriously ill children, using a team approach to provide holistic, compassionate and individualized care. The program includes an assessment and customized plan of care addressing the physical, psychological, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the child, along with their families and caregivers. Clinicians provide expertise in treating symptoms and navigating complex medical decisions based on what matters most to patients and families. Services are most often provided to families in their homes. Carolina Caring is the only provider offering community-based pediatric palliative care in this region of North Carolina.

“Raising healthy children can be challenging.  When a child is seriously ill, it can be simply overwhelming.  We knew we wanted to do more to help these children, their moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and the whole family.  We are so blessed to have a partner like The Duke Endowment, one of the most prolific philanthropic foundations in the nation,” says Dave Cook, President and CEO of Carolina Caring. “Their support is critical to ensuring the success of our new Cardinal Kids program.  It is truly exciting to see what we can do together!”

Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed more than $3.6 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.

For more information on Cardinal Kids or to learn more about how you can support this community effort, please call 828.466.0466.

Carolina Caring launches Cardinal Kids to provide care for seriously ill children and their families.

Community-based program blends palliative medicine with curative treatment to provide the most comprehensive medical care possible 

Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of a child. Carolina Caring is pleased to announce the launch of Cardinal Kids, a community-based palliative care program dedicated to helping children and their families face the challenges of serious illness. The program began seeing patients Sept. 1 in Burke, Alexander, Catawba and Lincoln counties but, as demand for care increases, will eventually be expanded to all of the nonprofit organization’s 12-county service area in North Carolina.

Cardinal Kids provides palliative and hospice care to children from birth to young adulthood, as well as social and spiritual support for their families. Clinicians work closely with the child, his or her physicians, and the child’s family to manage and treat the physical symptoms caused by serious illness. Care is most often delivered directly in the child’s home but can also be provided in the hospital setting. The program’s top priority is to ensure an appropriate level of comfort based on a plan of expert, individualized health care.

Led by Vice President of Pediatric Physician Services Brooke Hata, MD, and Director of Pediatric Palliative Care Dannelle Hester, RN, BSN, IBCLC, Cardinal Kids clinicians work in partnership with the child’s primary physicians to develop care plans that complement the care the child is already receiving. Cardinal Kids blends palliative medicine with curative treatment to provide the most comprehensive medical care possible.

“We created Cardinal Kids to help families navigate the challenges that arise when a child is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or condition,” says Dave Cook, President and CEO of Carolina Caring. “Our goal is to help improve their quality of life as they face the symptoms and stress of serious illness, and deliver our care with the utmost compassion and commitment.”

For more information, call 828.466.0466. Families may call for a consultation; they do not have to be referred by a doctor.

Carolina Caring Recognized as No. 18 in the Nation - Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2019

Carolina Caring staff members accepting special recognition at the 2019 Best Places to Work Awards Dinner in Dallas, TX. L-R Katie Isenhour, Lisa Bumgarner, Paula Ramsuer, Crystal Bollinger, and Dave Cook

Carolina Caring recognized as No. 18 in the Nation
Best Places to Work in Healthcare in 2019 

Newton, NC – Carolina Caring has been ranked as No. 18 among healthcare providers/insurers in Modern Healthcare’s 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Carolina Caring ranked the highest of healthcare providers in North Carolina and highest among hospice care providers in the nation. The complete list of this year’s winner rankings is available here.

”We are grateful that the compassion and care that our staff provide reflects in the culture at Carolina Caring. We could not be more pleased with the recognition we received from Modern Healthcare. This is such an honor.”
– Dave Cook, President and CEO, Carolina Caring 

Modern Healthcare and its Best Places to Work in Healthcare award winners have accomplished much over the years - empowering healthcare organizations and the people who work for them to realize their full potential.

“With record unemployment levels, organizations face stiff competition to attract and retain top talent. The providers and companies making this year’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare list understand the importance of creating an environment where employees can not only excel in their own development but contribute to the mission of improving care delivery,” said Aurora Aguilar, editor of Modern Healthcare. “An appreciation—and dedication—to their organization’s mission was one of the most common refrains from employees filling out surveys this year.”

Carolina Caring was honored at the 2019 Best Places to Work Awards Dinner on Thursday, September 26, at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel.

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Healthcare recognition program or awards dinner, please visit https://www.modernhealthcare.com/

Carolina Caring Honors Our Nation's Heroes with Dedication Ceremony

Each one of us owes our military veterans a debt of gratitude for their selfless service. As part of our mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care and enhance living for individuals and their families facing the end of life, Carolina Caring is committed to honoring all veterans in our country and in our care.

That's why we've built our "Salute to Heroes Memorial" on our campus at 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC, which will be officially dedicated this month. The memorial pays tribute to the heroes in our community, honoring the sacrifice and commitment of law enforcement, firefighters, active military and veterans, healthcare professionals, teacher, and others who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

This beautiful memorial features the American Flag, the North Carolina State flag, and a flag bearing the emblems of the U.S. Armed Forces. Leading up to the memorial are bricks honoring heroes along the walkway. It is visible from all buildings on our campus and will be illuminated at night to emphasize our nation's heroes' unwavering devotion to keeping us all safe.

We believe it is a privilege to care for our nation's heroes. Carolina Caring is a Level 4 partner with the national We Honor Veterans program, a joint collaboration of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that focuses and supporting the specialized needs of military veterans by providing education and resources to hospices like ours that meet those needs.

One out of every four dying Americans is a veteran. We are proud to have served more than 700 veterans and their families since 2013. In addition to our services, Carolina Caring also partners with local businesses and veterans' organizations to host our monthly Veterans Coffee Connection in Hickory and Gastonia. These free events are designed to be a welcoming place for veterans to meet other veterans in the area and learn more about government resources, veteran's benefits and nonprofit organizations that provide veteran's support in our community.

The service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans have made an undeniable impact on all of us. Now, it's time to give back to those who have given so much to us.

Carolina Caring will host the dedication of our "Salute to Heroes Memorial" on Sunday, May 19, at 2pm. All are welcome. To learn more about this project, or to honor a hero in your life, please contact Carolina Caring at 828.466.0466.

Dave Cook, Carolina Caring President & CEO reflects on the dedication of all our heroes and what this memorial represents.

Pictured above: The Salute to Heroes Memorial



Keeping Hospice Patients and Their Pets Together

For many of us, pets are part of our family. As a social worker, I have witnessed the heart-wrenching decisions some of our hospice patients have had to make when they became too ill to care for their furry family members.

 I’d like to share one of those stories:

 As I entered my patient’s home, I found him sitting on the couch with a beautiful long-haired cat by his side. I immediately noticed their bond. As we talked, I saw that there were many others. Tabbies entered and fled the room, fearful of anyone other than my patient.

 He explained that these were all stray cats. He opened his home to them – caring for them and feeding them when he could not adequately care for or feed himself. Here was a young man in his 40s, bravely facing a terminal illness – alone. The cats were his only companions. He was never concerned about himself, only the future of his cats.

 My task was clear – I needed to meet the daily needs of both my patient and his pets, such as securing food for both. I needed, above all else, to help him fulfill his end-of-life wish to ensure that his beloved cats would be cared for when he was no longer with us.

 It happened on a weekend, an emergency transfer to the hospital and then our Hospice House. He was in distress. No amount of care or medication could bring peace. His heart was breaking for his pets who would have no home and no one to care for them, and so it began, phone call after phone call to animal rescues, shelters, animal lovers.

 I entered his room at the Hospice House, softly calling his name. I shared that a shelter had agree to accept all his cats and showed him a picture of his favorite companion at his new, temporary home. He couldn’t speak but nodded in acknowledgement. He passed shortly – at peace, knowing his beloved cats were safe.

 When my patient could no longer care for his cats, we weren’t sure how to help. It was pure luck that we were able to find a shelter that would accept them. At the time, Carolina Caring did not offer specialized services to help keep hospice patients and their pets together for as long as possible during their end-of-life journey. Experiences like this one showed us that pet care and placement services were desperately needed.

 I’m so proud to say that Carolina Caring is now a Pet Peace of Mind partner. We’re one of only six nonprofit hospice providers in North Carolina offering help with veterinary care, boarding, grooming and basic in-home care for the pets of our hospice patients who are not physically or financially able to do it themselves.

 We are committed to keeping families together, including their furry companions, but we can’t do it without your help. If you would like to make a donation to Pet Peace of Mind, visit  www.carolinacaring.org/ppom or contact Reece Woods, Development Coordinator at 828.466.0466 ext. 2507.

Catawba Regional Hospice Announces New Name

For more than four decades, end-of-life care in western North Carolina has been defined by Catawba Regional Hospice. As one of the state’s three original hospice providers, CRH has created and developed new models of care to constantly improve quality of life for patients, their families, and the communities the organization serves.

Thanks to such experience and longevity – and to unify the many programs it has established to expand care regionally and according to need – Catawba Regional Hospice is coordinating its 40th anniversary celebration with a new name that better reflects its scope of services.

Carolina Caring, as the organization will now be known, remains an independent, community-based provider of exceptional health care. The primary difference is that people will now only need to make one request for a slate of programs that offer relief from chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and the challenges they bring. From palliative medicine and PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) programs to hospice care and grief counseling, Carolina Caring is now poised to provide a continuum of care that will streamline responsiveness and service. Already, Carolina Caring accommodates more than 1000 patients and families each day through these programs.

The organization’s new name honors the foundation of caring that began with a group of passionate volunteers in 1979 and now manifests itself in the compassion that only a community-based organization can deliver. As an award-winning, nationally recognized provider of health care services, Carolina Caring features two campuses, a staff of 275 professionals, more than 400 volunteers, and a service area of 12 counties populated by multiple offices and a clinical staff who meet patients according to the demands of their diagnoses.

President and CEO David Cook finds satisfaction in being able to build on the organization’s substantial experience to expand services that meet the community’s needs. He states, “Each time Carolina Caring has broadened its reach or implemented new programs has been in response to requests by partners, residents, or local agencies – in conjunction with our own awareness of the needs within our service area. We envision how we can boost quality of life, and we accomplish it by remaining true to our mission and the people who entrust us with their care.”

Kelly Tate, vice-president of community relations, reiterates those meaningful connections, saying, “We are deeply rooted in the counties we serve, and those relationships matter greatly to us. Our staff and volunteers are honored to live, work, and serve our neighbors at their greatest points of need.”

And D’Ann Grell, board chair of Carolina Caring, echoes that underlying impulse, sharing, “Our services underscore a holistic approach to care that’s based on the unique needs of those we attend to. I’m truly impressed by the compassion our wonderful staff members provide to the community. It’s what people deserve, and it’s what we work hard to give them with each visit and each conversation.”

To speak to someone for information about Carolina Caring, please call 828.466.0466.