Robeson Health Care Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony today, May 20, to celebrate the beginning of construction of the new Julian T. Pierce Health Center (JTP) at 700 Union Chapel Road in Pembroke.

“RHCC, as long as I've known the company, I think we've always been an organization that is responsive to the needs of the community. And I think that what you'll see as this building goes up and we get moved into it, is that it's just going to be another example of us doing that very thing,” shared RHCC COO Jennifer McLamb.

The new approximately 30,000 square foot facility is being built on a little over five acres of land. Services offered will include primary healthcare, obstetrics, integrated behavioral healthcare, discounted medications and, for the first time, RHCC will be offering optometry care through a partnership with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and their newly established College of Optometric Medicine. Together, RHCC and UNCP will help meet a great need across southeastern North Carolina. 

“We're working to collaborate together for the betterment of the county, because when we put our efforts and our skills together, we can change this county. And I believe, without a doubt, we're heading in the right direction,” shared RHCC CEO Tim Hall in regards to the health center’s partnership with UNCP. 

The new space will have updated infrastructure and amenities including ample parking, a larger pharmacy featuring a drive thru window and dependable generators in the case of severe storms or other emergencies leading to loss of power. 

Next steps include putting the project out to bid, selecting a contractor for the job and then beginning construction so that come 2026 patients will be receiving top quality services in the new JTP.