NHC July Newsletter

Published by

Sara Cooper

July 30, 2021

Introducing Larry Chewning
Interim CEO

It is my great honor to join NeighborHealth Center (NHC) as the Interim CEO. My tenure follows the retirement of Sue Ellen Thompson and will end when the new, permanent CEO is selected by the NHC Board and is on board at the clinic.

During the past four years, I served as an adjunct member of the NHC Board participating in the Finance Committee and the CEO Search Committee. I was instantly attracted to NHC’s unwavering commitment to a Christian, faith-based approach to delivering high-quality health care.

My career in health care has been in hospital management in North Carolina and Virginia. During my 35-year career, I had the honor of serving as the CEO of four different hospitals/health systems. Most recently, after ten years I retired from UNC Nash Health System in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 2017.

During my career, two of the hospitals I served either owned or partnered with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). I had the opportunity to understand firsthand the importance of a FQHC expanding the access to high-quality health care.

On a personal note, I am a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina: however, my education was all in the Tar Heel State. I have a BA from Wake Forest and graduated from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. I attended Duke on a United States Navy scholarship, while serving as an active-duty Navy officer for six years.

I am utterly amazed at the growth of NHC over the last four years. The breadth of service offered to a largely at risk, vulnerable and often uninsured patient population is spectacular. This population portion of our community is often overlooked. They are accurately described as the “working poor”. The NHC gives these patients a place to call their medical home in a safe, non-threatening environment.

One of the priorities for NHC now is expanding the footprint of our patient care areas to keep up with an expanding patient base. Particularly impressive is the Covid vaccination program underway. This year NHC has already administered over 15,000 vaccine shots. This program is a poster child for NHC’s ability to aggressively seek to meet the community’s healthcare needs.

Thanks for welcoming me aboard.

Making a Difference

“How time flies” seems to be an apt description of 2021. It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the year. While many of us are enjoying all of the activities that summer offers, the need for medical care doesn’t take a vacation. With a gift to NeighborHealth, you can provide that care and with peace of mind to those who need it most.

If you have questions or would like additional information on giving opportunities, please contact Susan Metts, Development Officer.

smetts@neighborhealthcenter.org
984-222-8000 (office)
919-812-3554 (mobile)