March 2023

Friends,

Right off the bat, as Pardee Hospital Foundation’s new executive director, one of my first goals is to engage more deeply with the supporters, stakeholders, partners and patients of Pardee UNC Health Care - each of you generate the “heartbeat” of our work. And when it comes to the health of the community, what matters in the moment can often be what matters the most. That’s why I’m thrilled to unveil our new monthly e-newsletter, Vital Signs, aimed at keeping you up to date on the work of the Foundation as well as our collective impact on the world class, cutting-edge healthcare we make available right here in our small mountain town. 

The intent of Vital Signs dovetails perfectly with two tenets of our mission: to inform and inspire. In our maiden issue, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect and move the needle. Read ahead and get to know some of our board and staff standouts and learn about an innovative new opportunity coming to Pardee that addresses the burnout and stress our frontline healthcare workers experience. This month’s calls to action include a chance to salute your favorite physician in celebration of National Doctor’s Day as well as the opportunity to sponsor the Foundation’s upcoming Gala in June.

We remain grateful for your partnership and for your role in serving as the pulse of this vibrant community.

Amy Treece

Executive Director

Addressing Healthcare Worker Burnout and Stress

Thanks to a $430,000 grant to the Foundation from The Duke Endowment, Pardee UNC Health Care will increase its focus on healthcare worker burnout and stress. The goal of the comprehensive program, “In the Gap: Reaching for Resilience," is to improve the resilience of Pardee’s more than 1,500 team members. Implementing these programs reinforces Pardee’s position that a team member’s overall health and wellness begins with their mental wellness. 

We invite you to watch this story by WLOS to learn about how the funding will support four initiatives aimed at healthcare worker burnout.

Gratitude is powerful medicine. Scientific research proves the benefits of feeling and expressing appreciation range from improved sleep and fewer aches and pains to improved immunity and bolstered mental strength. What better way to enhance your own health than by honoring your favorite physician with a heartfelt gesture of gratitude?  

Join us as we celebrate our talented doctors, culminating on National Doctor’s Day, March 30. Consider a gift to the Foundation this month in honor of the physician who made a difference for you or someone you love. Pardee UNC Health Care has more than 350 physicians representing 52 medical specialties, and each of them who inspire an honorary donation will receive a personalized message notifying them of your generosity.

To celebrate your favorite doctor this month, dedicate your gift by filling out this simple form or clicking below.

Congratulations to Dr. Zia!

We are so proud of our Foundation board member Dr. Zia for his recent appointment by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve as a member of the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control. It is inspiring to see his passion for patient care and advocacy utilized at the state level. Read more about this great honor and join us in congratulating him on this wonderful opportunity!

Celebrating the Team Member of the Month

Tara Benson, RN, BSN, who works as a clinical review specialist in the Pardee Pre-Arrival Unit has been named Pardee's Team Member of the Month. As part of her role, she is responsible for assisting with reviewing and processing all required procedures in a timely and efficient manner in order to clear patients prior to their scheduled events.

Growing up in rural Nebraska, Benson relied on a local community health system for her healthcare needs. Seeing the value in having quality healthcare accessible to smaller communities that often lack access to larger systems, Benson was grateful for the opportunity to relocate to Hendersonville and work for Pardee. “I wanted to work for a healthcare system that invests in its community – much like what I grew up with. Working at Pardee feels like I’m giving back on some level.”

Her teammates say, "Tara goes above and beyond to assist patients with their care and double-checks her patients, so she can make sure nothing stops their treatment plan."

Congratulations, Tara! 

Pardee UNC Health Care Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for Stroke Care; Named as One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals

Pardee UNC Health Care has been ranked No.1 in North Carolina for Stroke Care and named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for a second consecutive year, according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades - the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. This achievement puts Pardee in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance of the most common conditions and procedures. Pardee is the only hospital in the state to be named with all three Healthgrades distinctions in 2023: one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals, one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care.

Save the Date for the Annual Gala

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 3 to save the date for this year’s eagerly anticipated Pardee Hospital Foundation Gala! This black tie affair is an elegant and exclusive evening like no other, including a gourmet dinner, dancing, live entertainment, silent auction and the announcement of the Philanthropist and Physician of the Year. This year’s proceeds will help support Pardee UNC Healthcare’s growing cardiology program.

The Foundation is currently accepting event sponsors who, in addition to supporting Pardee, will receive numerous marketing benefits and event perks. To learn more about becoming a Gala sponsor, contact Amy Treece at amy.treece@unchealth.unc.edu or (828) 696-4661.