In Session: Keeping a pulse on North Carolina Healthcare Policy

HASP 101: Supporting Healthier Communities, Part 2

In part two of our deep dive into the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP), host Anthony Okunak continues the conversation with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System.
Learn how HASP funding enables hospitals like Scotland Health to go beyond care delivery—launching community health initiatives, expanding access to urgent care, and investing in workforce education. David shares inspiring examples, including a self-sustaining Maternal and Child Health initiative and a groundbreaking partnership to train future nurses at no cost.

HASP 101: Supporting Healthier Communities, Part 1

Join Anthony Okunak, NCHA Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, as he sits down with David Pope, President & CEO of Scotland Health Care System, to discuss the transformative impact of the Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program (HASP).
Discover how HASP supports North Carolina hospitals, ensuring access to high-quality care in rural and underserved communities without relying on state tax dollars. David shares real-life success stories, including expanded maternal health initiatives, workforce education programs, and enhanced primary care access—all made possible through HASP.

Children in DSS Custody

Imagine this: children, often dealing with their own mental health challenges and involvement with child protective services, end up spending days, weeks, and sometimes even longer in hospital emergency rooms. Their long stays in the emergency room are not because they need medical treatment, but because there is nowhere else for them to go. Nicholle Karim, NCHA Vice President, Policy Development sits down with Paula Bird, Vice President, Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute at Novant Health, to discuss the challenges shaping this trend. 

What It Takes to Run a Hospital

Nicholle Karim, NCHA's Vice President of Policy Development, sits down with Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer of the ECU Health enterprise, to uncover what it takes to lead a 9-hospital rural health system.
From balancing daily operations with strategic goals to overcoming unique challenges faced by rural communities, Brian shares insights into the priorities, policies, and strategies that drive better health outcomes in Eastern North Carolina.

Previewing the 2025 Legislative Session

Doug Heron, NCHA Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Communications and Policy sits down with Nicholle Karim, Vice President of Policy Development, Anthony Okunak, Vice President of Finance and Financial Policy, and Blair Burr, Director of State Government Relations to discuss what's ahead for the 2025 Legislative Session.

Welcome to In Session

Welcome to In Session, the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s podcast where we dive deep into critical issues impacting hospitals, patients and the overall health of our communities. Whether you're a legislator, policy advisor, or community leader, this series is designed to keep you informed about the challenges and opportunities in healthcare today.