I know the saying is “never meet your heroes,” but after the COVID-19 pandemic took two years of our lives, I am so honored to be part of an organization bringing some long overdue acknowledgement and celebration to the Health Care workers that saw us through it.
For our first ever Health Care Heroes event, I was able to learn so much about the impact so many of you have made in this community. More than 60 nominations were submitted for consideration and our panel of judges had the worst task I could imagine having to pick only nine winners out of the many deserving stories, glowing recommendations and tear jerking comments we received.
Editing through these nominations has been one of the hardest assignments I’ve ever been given. Having to condense stories of laughter, healing, personal moments and more was rough, but it was a thrill contacting the finalists!
In the following pages, you’ll see our top three finalists for each category and a small snippet on our Lifetime Achievement winner Dr. Ashok Jain, MD, FAAP, MBA, CPE, the CEO and Founder of Kidzcare Pediatrics.
We hope you enjoy yourselves and look forward to seeing you at next year’s Health Care Heroes!

-Faith Hatton, Editor

ABOUT THE JUDGING

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal opened up the nomination process to the community for its inaugural Health Care Heroes awards in early September.

Our outside judging panel worked diligently to choose the finalists and ultimately the winners in each of the nine categories which included the
lifetime achievement award. Our judges were fair and objective. They disclosed any potential conflicts of interest, and did their best to choose who they believed were the best finalists and winners for the awards.

The judging panel included:
CHAKA JORDAN, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
DREW SMITH, Copiers Plus
TIM BROOKS, Healthkeeperz
NIEMMA WILLIAMS, Fayetteville State University
GREG SWANSON, Methodist University
NAOMI BELGRAVE, Kidzcare Pediatrics

TARA LEDFORD, FirstHealth
DR. STANLEY WEARDEN, Methodist University
GINNY CAPRIOT, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
LAVONNE SPRAGUE, Truist Wealth
JAMES CHAVIS, Healthkeeperz
NELSON MORRIS, Kidzcare Pediatrics

PRESENTING SPONSORS

MICHAEL NAGOWSKI
CEO OF CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH 

"Cape Fear Valley Health is proud to be a sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes awards. We know our Health Care Heroes deserve all these recognitions and more. We continue to be amazed by our community’s support and our healthcare providers’ dedication. We know how hard our teammates work behind the scenes to provide exceptional healthcare for all of our patients. Our community is such a unique and special place, and we’re so impressed by all the nominees for these awards, wherever they work. On behalf of Cape Fear Valley Health, thank you for everything you do!”

TIM BROOKS
PRESIDENT & CEO OF HEALTHKEEPERZ

“Welcome to an extraordinary evening, where we shine a spotlight on our remarkable community healthcare professionals! These compassionate souls are the pillars of our well-being, tirelessly working to keep us healthy and cared for. Tonight, we come together to celebrate the nurses, doctors, therapists, and all those who embody the spirit of service and compassion. These Health Care Heroes make our community stronger and healthier, one patient at a time. So, let's raise our voices and spirits in recognition of their unwavering commitment. Thank you for your remarkable contributions. Enjoy this evening of well-deserved praise and appreciation!”

STANLEY T. WEARDEN, PH.D.
PRESIDENT OF METHODIST UNIVERSITY

“On behalf of everyone at Methodist University, I offer a heartfelt ‘Congratulations’ and ‘Thank You’ not only to the nominees for the 2023 Health Care Heroes awards, but also to all those working in 1,000 different capacities in the health-care sector of our community. Your expertise and care have never been more vital, and it’s MU’s great honor to be a Presenting Sponsor of Health Care Heroes and celebrate you for all you do to improve the health and the lives of the people of this community. As a leader in Health Science education, graduating tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, MU salutes your efforts, and we offer our sincere gratitude.” 

HEALTH CARE HEROES: COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT
HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM WHO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED A PROGRAM ADDRESSING A PROBLEM IN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, DELIVERY OR COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

SANDHILLS OPIOID RESPONSE CONSORTIUM

TITLE: Nurse Manager - Community Coalition

ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth of the Carolinas
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: The Sandhills Opioid Response Consortium (SORC) is a community coalition committed to reducing opioid related overdoses across a five-county area including Hoke County. The mission of SORC is working as communities united to bring awareness, hope, freedom and recovery to those struggling with opioid addiction and dependence.

From 2020 to 2023, Sandhills Opioid Response Consortium peer support program had 239 encounters in Hoke County. Through combined resources from the consortium and Tia Hart Recovery, 240 boxes of Narcan were distributed to community individuals and first responders. As part of community awareness and education, the consortium supported the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) as well as provided stigma training for first responders. In partnership with Tia Hart Recovery, the consortium also supported the promotion of the safe syringe program.

VICKY PARKER

TITLE: Senior Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Vicky has been working at Cape Fear Valley Rehab Center for nearly 40 years providing Occupational Therapy services to patients regaining their independence during serious illness, injuries or life-changing diagnoses. She is the definition of a selfless health care worker who has provided care and positive outcomes to countless patients who have come through our rehab center. Her care focuses on increasing independence in activities of daily living.
Many times, patients remember her for years to come and always ask if she still works at Cape Fear Valley. Past patients come to visit and show how well they are doing and almost always ask specifically for Vicky to show them their independence outcomes. She runs the Stroke Support Group at our

Rehab Center and specializes in providing care, resource opportunities and community support for stroke survivors and their family members/caregivers.
Our entire rehab center staff and patient population would agree that she is a valuable part of our Fayetteville community that deserves to be recognized for her almost 40 years of healthcare service at Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center.

RACHEL THURNHER
TITLE: Education Coordinator for Cardiac Diagnostics & CVRU, CFV main campus
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Heart & Vascular Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Rachel's journey in healthcare has been extraordinary, marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

In her role as the Education Coordinator for Cardiac Diagnostics and CVRU, Rachel plays a pivotal role in ensuring our staff remain current not only with their annual requirements but also with the latest internal policies, procedures, equipment updates, career advancement opportunities and hospital events. Her dedication to keeping our team informed and connected is truly commendable, and she fosters a sense of unity among our staff.
In addition to her administrative duties, Rachel actively maintains her clinical skills by working as a nurse in the cardiac stress lab. Her commitment to hands-on experience is a testament to her dedication to excellence in patient care. Rachel's impact extends beyond the hospital walls as she takes her expertise to the community, teaching Hands-Only CPR to members of the public.

We are fortunate to have her as a member of our healthcare community, and her contributions exemplify the values and mission of Cape Fear Valley Heart & Vascular Center.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: INNOVATION
HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM BEHIND A NEW SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, PROCEDURE, TREATMENT OR DEVICE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES OR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

HERSHEY BELL

TITLE: Dean, Methodist University College of Medicine and CFVH School of Medicine, and VP & Chief Academic Officer
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health & Methodist University

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Hershey Bell, MD, founding Dean of the MU Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, energy and passion for improving the quality of medical care through a more integrated approach to medical education and treatment. Bell also serves as VP and Chief Academic Officer at Cape Fear Valley Health. He is a champion for family medicine and a true collaborator. He and his team are building the medical school curriculum to be a national model for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities in rural and underserved communities. Not only is he a highly accomplished physician and educator, but he pushes the profession to improve, to recognize and compassionately care for those cultural and social influences that affect human health.

Y. SAMMY CHOI

TITLE: Senior Advisor, Department of Research

ORGANIZATION: Womack Army Medical Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Y. Sammy Choi is an experienced Department Director with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. With a reach in the medical field throughout the Cape Fear region focused on increasing the medical advancement of our military and beyond, Dr. Choi is a Senior Advisor with the Department of Research directing clinical research programs and directing the Active Duty Type 1 Diabetes Program. He is also the Director of the Cape Fear Research Consortium, a gathering of Cape Fear region colleges and universities, academic centers and hospitals to promote research and other healthcare activities in the Cape Fear region. Choi has been at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty for over 30 years and has served in numerous roles, typically building programs. He founded the Department of Research in 2009 to serve the needs of the growing professional and graduate medical education programs and facilitates a growing research portfolio.

LENNY SALZBERG
TITLE: Diabetes Fellowship Director
ORGANIZATION: SR-AHEC 
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Dr. Salzberg is a board certified family physician with over 30 years of experience. He is the Diabetes Fellowship Director at Southern Regional Area Health Education Center (SR-AHEC) in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is also the Faculty Development Fellowship Director and an Associate Director of Family Medicine Residency at SR-AHEC.

“He is constantly on a podcast improving his skills and keeping current. He also trains family practice residents at SR-AHEC and is the Vice Chair on Diabetes education for the American College of Diabetology, teaching providers to provide excellence in Diabetes care,” shared one of his patients.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE

HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE JOB PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PEOPLE WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS, PEERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

SUSAN BEATY
TITLE: President, Eastern Region and Administrator
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke Campus
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Susan has served as the administrator of MRH-Hoke since its opening on Oct. 7, 2013, bringing more than 20 years of nursing leadership to the role. Under Susan’s leadership, MRH-Hoke has experienced tremendous growth and success.
Susan leads by example and builds a foundation of teamwork and collaboration. She never hesitates to offer a helping hand to her staff. She has cleaned patient rooms, answered nursing station phone calls and patient call bells, assisted patients to their cars following discharge and filled in as a safety sitter for patients when needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan rallied her team to set up COVID-19 vaccine clinics and COVID-19 testing
sites in Hoke County.
She leads and lives with a spirit of compassion, care and collaboration. She is an advocate for her team and works hard to ensure they have the tools to be successful. Susan’s affable nature and guiding vision toward excellence has garnered the respect, admiration, support and confidence of her team at MRH-Hoke and across the FirstHealth system.

CARRIE ST. GERMAIN
TITLE: Patient Care Manager, Surgical Services
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: I have been a RN for 30 years and I have never had such a wonderful manager. She not only called and texted me while I was out having surgery. She also came to visit me while I was an inpatient just to make sure I was okay and did not need anything. She goes above and beyond to be as accommodating as possible. She works closely with all entities within the hospital departments to ensure positive outcomes for our patients and their families. I recently joined the surgical team at Hoke in July and my only regret is I did not request a transfer sooner.

MICHAEL NAGOWSKI
TITLE: Chief Executive Officer
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: To walk down the hall at the hospital making admin rounds with Mr. Nagowski is an example of leadership in action. He knows and speaks to everyone at the facility. He makes them feel like family. He is an example of servant leadership! He has repeatedly shared that Health Care should be Home Care!
During my time at the system, we were called upon to help others in need. Bladen County was quickly drowning, like many rural hospitals you hear about today. We were approached to provide assistance. Because Mike Nagowski has the ability to manage and lead effectively, Bladen turned around in one year, and they are now a part of Cape Fear Valley. Sometime later another close organization, Harnett County's hospitals, were in deep trouble. Mr. Nagowski and his team turned that organization around as well, and they became a part of Cape Fear Valley. I know of no other individual who has done for this region what Mr. Nagowski has done for us, and because of that it is my honor and privilege to call him friend.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: NURSE

HONORS A NURSE WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

ANASTASIA JENNINGS

TITLE: Nurse Manager - Emergency Department, Med/Surg

ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth of the Carolinas - Hoke Campus
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Anastasia has dedicated her career to caring for people and has made a tremendous impact on nursing at FirstHealth and in improving the health of the communities we serve. She is a founding member of the Carolina Dogwood Chapter of the North Carolina Emergency Nurses Association and currently serves as chapter secretary. Additionally, Anastasia serves as the vice chair of FirstHealth’s System Practice and Quality Council.

As a nurse manager at MRH-Hoke, Anastasia sets an outstanding example of the highest standard of excellence for the team. Her visionary thinking and innovative approaches have enhanced the quality of care provided. One of Anastasia’s most remarkable achievements is addressing retention challenges within the emergency department. She has successfully transformed the landscape in the emergency department with her implementation of 30, 60 and 90-day check-ins with new staff members and has fostered a supportive and nurturing environment, ensuring the team feels valued and empowered. Anastasia exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding nurse hero—compassion, innovation, dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

SHANNON A. MATTHEWS
TITLE: Director, Nursing Program 

ORGANIZATION: Methodist University
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: In her decade of service as Director of Nursing at Methodist University, Dr. Shannon Matthews has transformed the Nursing program from one that offered a single pre-service bachelor’s degree in 2013 to now also offering an RN-to-BSN program, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education program, master of science in Nursing program, and doctor of Nursing Practice and Leadership program. Dr. Matthews has also overseen nursing curriculum enhancements responding to student and community needs. Under her leadership, the Nursing program has secured grants and major gifts for enhanced clinical simulation equipment, inter-professional education programming, opioid-overdose reversal training, and nursing clinical partnership expansion. She is a natural collaborator and leader, which means her team of faculty, staff, and students thrive, year after year. Thanks to her leadership in Nursing Education, MU nursing students and graduates are providing excellent care and licensed nurses are pursuing advanced degrees to further enhance nursing in our communities.

LORI SUGGS
TITLE: Licensed Practical Nurse
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Neuroscience
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:  Lori Suggs is not just a licensed practical nurse; she's a beacon of hope and compassion for patients at Cape Fear Valley Neuroscience.
With unwavering dedication and a heart filled with empathy, Lori has been a vital part of the Cape Fear Valley family since 2013. Lori's role involves caring for a diverse range of patients, from those fragile due to age and surgery to others battling post-traumatic brain injuries like strokes and aneurysms. Through it all, Lori embodies the qualities that make a nurse exceptional – patience and understanding. She understands that these qualities are essential when working with this unique patient population, and she consistently delivers care that goes above and beyond. What makes Lori's journey even more special is the camaraderie she shares with her co-workers in the department. They aren't just colleagues; they are family.

Lori, a native of Fayetteville, is deeply committed to her work home, and her dedication is truly commendable. Her kindness and commitment to patient care shine brightly, making her a healthcare hero in every sense of the word.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: NP/PA

HONORS A NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

SHELLEY ALLISON
TITLE: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Behavioral Services
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Allison was inspired to pursue a career in nursing after witnessing a loved one’s battle with opiate addiction and pancreatitis. Recognizing the profound impact that nurses can have on individuals during their most vulnerable moments, Allison chose to study
nursing and psychology.
Allison has experience caring for pediatrics, adolescents and adults with mental illness. She most recently served as charge nurse in the adult inpatient psychiatric unit at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Driven by a desire to make a greater difference in the lives of patients and within the community, Allison pursued advanced education to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
By obtaining this additional qualification, Allison aims to provide enhanced resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health concerns.

LAUREN BLACKMON
TITLE: Nurse Practitioner
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health System Pulmonary Medicine-Lung Nodule Clinic

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: With an extensive tenure of over three years at Cape Fear Valley Lung Nodule Clinic, Lauren’s profound impact and dedication to patient care are truly commendable. Starting her journey as a nurse in the ICU, her pursuit to specialize in pulmonary care, obtaining her NP-C license, showcases an inspiring commitment to enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of patients facing lung-related ailments, particularly in the challenging realm of diagnosing lung cancer.

Lauren's exceptional empathy and attentiveness have earned her admiration from patients who deeply appreciate her kindness and unwavering support. Her dual role, managing pulmonary inpatient consults and outpatient care at the Lung Nodule Clinic, reflects her versatility and dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for those in need.

RACHEL SMITH

TITLE: Physician Assistant-Certified

ORGANIZATION: Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Rachel's journey in healthcare, marked by her exceptional skills, unwavering commitment and passion for her patients, is truly remarkable.
Since joining our team in April, Rachel has made an indelible impact on our healthcare community. Rachel's proficiency in musculoskeletal ultrasound is an invaluable asset to the Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team. Her dedication goes beyond clinical excellence; she consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and colleagues. She understands that patients seek care during some of their most challenging moments and takes immense pride in helping them heal and return to the activities they cherish. What sets Rachel apart is her unwavering belief in the power of teamwork. She recognizes that true success and happiness in healthcare stem from the people you surround yourself with.
Rachel Smith, PA-C, embodies the spirit of a healthcare hero. Her exceptional skills, dedication to her patients and colleagues and her vibrant approach to life make her an outstanding candidate for the Healthcare Hero recognition. We are fortunate to have her as a valued member of our healthcare community.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Receiving the highest praise from multiple members of the community, we are proud to award our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Ashok Jain in recognition of a lifetime of service.

Dr. Ashok Jain, MD, FAAP, MBA, CPE has been making an impact in North Carolina since he opened his first pediatrics practice, Hope Mills Pediatrics, in August of 2003. With only the goal of helping those in need, he made a business decision that would impact the course of his career.

“The day I opened my practice I put it on my website in bold, ‘I will take care of any patient who walks into my office.’ Any child who is sick, I will take care of them. Whether they have money or no money, insurance or no insurance. I don't care, I will take care of a sick child,” shared Jain.

Holding onto that promise for more than 20 years, Dr. Jain has continued to serve and support the need for pediatric care growing from one practice, to over 20 pediatric practices that employ more than 160 people across North Carolina and Georgia. Originally starting in an area with a lack of medical services, Jain has continued to follow that pattern, placing practices where there is a need. 

Today, Jain shares that between four and five percent of NC youth come to his practices for health care. Dr Jain’s impact spreads beyond U.S. borders.

In 2006, Dr. Jain launched the India Foundation, a philanthropic organization. The foundation has raised funds for Project Drishti, which provides eyeglasses or cataract surgery to needy patients in India and is also working to build a school in Rajasthan, India. The foundation has also contributed to many not-for-profit healthcare and educational initiatives for the needy in the US, Nepal and India.

In May 2007, Dr. Jain moved to Bangalore, India, to build and open MedSol (formerly Indus Westside) Hospital. The 200-bed for-profit hospital opened its doors in January 2010 and features state-of-the-art technology, six operating rooms, 45 critical care beds, and serves medical, trauma, surgical, cardiac, pediatric, neonatology and burn patients. Complete cardiac surgery, infertility/IVF, minimal access bariatric surgery and transplant surgery are just a few of the many programs the hospital offers.

In the coming years, Dr. Jain plans to continue the growth of pediatrics practices in North Carolina and neighboring states by building child-friendly infrastructure, enabling and empowering professionals to deliver excellent healthcare services to children, improve access to care, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to the local economy.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: PHYSICIAN

HONORS A PHYSICIAN WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

JOHN H. BROOKS
TITLE: Doctor of Medicine 
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Cardiology Services
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: The son of a longtime Pembroke pharmacist, Dr. Brooks began his professional life in pharmacy, returning to his hometown to work alongside his father for a couple of years after first earning a B.S. degree in chemistry from Davidson College and then his B.S. in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 
As a member of the Lumbee Tribe, cardiovascular disease and its prevention and treatment are very important to Dr. Brooks. An analysis by the Duke Clinical Research Institute has shown that Lumbees of the south-central North Carolina tribe have a significantly higher burden of cardiovascular risk
factors than do similar non-Lumbees. This research further identifies the need to have cardiovascular health care resources available to them and a reason Dr. Brooks continues to practice in the region.
He continues to maintain his North Carolina pharmacy licensure and he is also board certified in both cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.

CHARLES S. HAWORTH
TITLE: Neurosurgery Medical Director
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: I have only known Dr. Haworth since June 2023, but in this short amount of time, I have witnessed his exemplary care and sheer determination to provide a specialty surgical care that most Fayettevillians would otherwise have to travel out of town to receive. Dr. Haworth is one of two neurosurgeons in Cumberland County, as well as surrounding counties. Recently, the other neurosurgeon took maternity leave, leaving Dr. Haworth as the only neurosurgeon. Instead of requiring patients to seek care at other locations, Dr. Haworth has added more patients to his schedule both in the office, as well as his surgery schedule. Neurosurgery patients can have chronic pain, and for Dr. Haworth to go above and beyond by having their surgeries one or two weeks after their consultations is astounding. He will move mountains to provide exceptional care to any and all patients in order to significantly improve their quality of life.

ELIZABETH M. SAWYER
TITLE: Director, Breast Health Services
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Hospital Systems 

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Dr. Elizabeth Sawyer has been a valued member of the Cape Fear Valley Health’s Breast Care Program. Originally a surgeon by trade, she served as the Chief of Surgery at Womack Army Medical Center before joining the Cape Fear Valley Health System in 2017. Now, she works to provide her patients with straight answers and reassures them that she and her team at the CFVH Breast Care Center are ready to organize the treatment plan that they need.
“Dr. Sawyer is very thorough in knowledge against cancer and has educated me that my previous care was lacking. Since coming to this office, I have learned a lot and felt better screened. Thus, taking the worry out of the terrible disease,” shared one of her patients.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: UNSUNG HEROES
HONORS ANYONE WORKING IN HEALTH CARE WHO MAY NOT FIT INTO THE OTHER CATEGORIES HIGHLIGHTED IN HEALTH CARE HEROES, AND INCLUDES ANYONE IN THE FIELD WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, COLLEAGUES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

FRANKLIN S. CLARK, III
TITLE: Owner/Medical Doctor
ORGANIZATION: Village Green Health & Rehabilitation
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: In the time I have been fortunate to know Dr. Franklin Clark, III, MD, I have seen him give his time, passion and financial support to several Cumberland County organizations. As an individual and a business owner, Franklin is passionate about providing resources people need for recovery, independent living, personal enrichment, cultural enjoyment and other support. As a retired surgeon, he supports the next generation of health care practitioners with contributions to Methodist University’s health sciences, nursing programs and student scholarships.
As a champion for people living with disabilities, he has established endowed funds at ServiceSource and Friendship House. He has also generously supported the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Airborne & Special Operations Museum, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, Care Clinic, the Arts Council, FAPS and Operation Inasmuch. His decades-long impact on residents of Fayetteville cannot be overstated, yet he seems to avoid the limelight and fanfare that others may seek.

ANITA DAVIS-MELVIN
TITLE: Administrative Assistant to the CEO
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Anita is a true legend at Cape Fear Valley Health, with an astounding 43 years of dedicated service under her belt. She is the beating heart and the guiding light behind the success of our health system. Anita has served as the indispensable administrative assistant to the CEO. In essence, she is the living repository of knowledge about Cape Fear Valley Health, holding the institutional memory that keeps our organization running seamlessly. Anita is an Unsung Hero, quietly and effectively supporting our executives, including the CEO. Her trustworthiness and admired work ethic are the bedrock upon which our organization's success is built. She is a force of nature, a relentless source of energy, and an exemplar of intelligence. Anita's unwavering commitment is the driving force that keeps us all moving forward, ensuring that our mission to provide exceptional
care to our community remains unwavering. It is a profound honor for us that she chose to devote her entire career to Cape Fear Valley Health, demonstrating a level of dedication and loyalty that is truly unparalleled.

SHELBY YOW-HAYES
TITLE: Director of Imaging
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Hoke
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Shelby has served as the leader of imaging at MRH-Hoke since its opening on Oct. 7, 2013, bringing more than 30 years of health care experience to the role.
Shelby’s famous words when asked about any challenge are, “We’ll make it happen,” and make it happen she always does, in a collaborative and unassuming way.
Michael Edwards, M.D., Chair of Radiology at MRH-Hoke feels that Shelby is the heart and soul of the department. “She is always willing to fill in and do any task when needed from answering the phone to taking radiographs or taking patients back to the Emergency Department. She is helpful when any problem arises and tries to fix the problem instead of assigning blame. I can't think of a time when I had a question about something at Hoke that Shelby wasn't already aware of the situation and working on its resolution!” Shelby does not want credit for any of her success other than being able to care for her patients, her staff and her community.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: VOLUNTEER
HONORS A VOLUNTEER AT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED ORGANIZATION WHO IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PEOPLE WITHIN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS.

RAKESH GUPTA
TITLE: Chair of the Methodist University Board of Trustees
ORGANIZATION: Fayetteville VA Medical Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Dr. Rakesh Gupta’s clinical expertise and commitment to health care in Cumberland County have been instrumental in forging the partnership between Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley Health to establish our state’s sixth medical school, Methodist University’s Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. Dr. Gupta has volunteered his time and expertise as a member of the MU Board of Trustees since 2013 and
was elected chair in 2022.
Throughout his career in medicine, Dr. Gupta served as a volunteer on a number of community boards, each of which benefited from his leadership and advocacy. He is thoroughly committed to achieving success in any project or cause he takes on and is an example to all of us what we can accomplish when we care for our neighbors.

OMEGA JONES
TITLE: Radio Host of CFVH “Making Rounds Live”
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Omega Jones has been on the airwaves for over 30 years with a voice as unique as her name. This Lumberton, N.C. native has been featured on such powerhouse stations as Magic 106.9, Q98, Foxy99, Oldies 96.5, and KISS 107.7FM. She has also received numerous broadcasting awards and accolades. Omega also had the #1 show in the market and throughout her career she remained one of the most recognized

announcers in the region.
As a breast cancer survivor and heart disease advocate, Omega has taken the same drive and tenacity that made her successful in broadcasting and has applied it to her new passion, sharing her healing testimonies, the importance of breast cancer early detection and heart disease in women.
Today, Omega continues her husband’s legacy by hosting Making Rounds Live, Cape Fear Valley Health’s health & wellness radio broadcast.

W. DICKSON SCHAEFER
TITLE: Orthopaedic Surgeon
ORGANIZATION: Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Fayetteville native Dr. William “Dickson” Schaefer practices general orthopedic surgery with a special interest in joint reconstruction at Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Cape Fear Valley Health. He has been a member of the Fayetteville Orthopaedics team since 2001. Dr. Schaefer performs approximately 400 joint replacements a year, claiming the title of one of the highest volume joint reconstruction surgeons in the area. Along with providing excellent care to patients in Cumberland County, he also finds time to serve on numerous boards in the area including formerly serving on the Board of Trustees of Cape Fear Valley Medical System and Bladen County Hospital. He is also former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Fayetteville Academy and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Methodist University. He has been a valuable asset to our Board and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with him!

The winners of our first ever Health Care Heroes Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Nov. 2. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased here.