Health care has always been one of the largest and most resilient pillars of our regional economy. From the operating rooms of Cape Fear Valley Health to the family clinics in our smaller towns, this sector employs tens of thousands across Cumberland, Harnett, Sampson, Bladen, Hoke, Robeson and Moore counties. It is not only a source of care, but of jobs, research, education and hope. Today, that pillar is getting stronger. 

One of the most transformative developments is the new Methodist University–Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, which has just received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). This milestone puts Fayetteville on the national map as a center for physician education. For decades, we’ve watched our best and brightest students leave the region to pursue medical training elsewhere. Soon, they will be able to stay here, learn here and ultimately serve here. That’s how communities build lasting health and economic vitality—from within. 

The ripple effect of this progress extends beyond the hospital walls. The Harnett Behavioral Health Center, another recent advancement in our region, underscores a growing recognition that mental and behavioral health are central to our community’s well-being. Access to care, especially in rural areas, is both a humanitarian and economic necessity. Healthier people make for a stronger workforce, and a stronger workforce drives a more competitive economy. 

Equally inspiring is Cape Fear Valley Health’s partnership with Fayetteville State University, strengthened by a significant recent gift that will expand educational and clinical opportunities for students. This partnership bridges the worlds of higher education, health care and workforce development—three forces that must work in concert for our region’s success. Together, they create a pipeline of skilled, homegrown professionals ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. 

And as we celebrate innovation and the future, it’s only fitting to honor legacy and endurance. Sampson Regional Medical Center marks its 75th anniversary, a testament to decades of service and steadfast commitment to patient care. In an age of rapid change, such longevity speaks volumes about community trust and adaptability. 

Taken together, these milestones tell a larger story. The Fayetteville region’s health care ecosystem is dynamic, collaborative and forward-looking. It fuels not only wellness but also economic growth, educational opportunity and civic pride. Our hospitals, universities and leaders are proving that when a region invests in the health of its people, it invests in its own prosperity. 

On Nov. 13, the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal will host our third annual Health Care Heroes Awards banquet, where we’ll spend the evening honoring the physicians, nurses, administrators and caregivers who make that prosperity possible every day. The Fayetteville MSA is blessed with dedicated professionals who embody compassion and excellence—and this night will be our way of saying thank you. 

God bless you and yours,

Marty.