ECU Health

Jason Hardison dreamed of becoming a police officer, and ECU Health helped make that dream possible. Through a partnership between Public Safety leadership and Workforce Development, Hardison was able to complete Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) while continuing to serve as a paid team member.

“I’m committed to serving with integrity, compassion and understanding,” he said. “I want to make a positive difference in my community and within the hospital.”

To learn more about Hardison's journey, visit: https://go.ecuhealth.org/3QYHH1K

ICYMI: ECU Health received a grant from The Duke Endowment to participate in the Maternal Infant Health Carolinas initiative, a multiyear effort to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across North Carolina and South Carolina, strengthen care coordination, and advance health equity.

H.E.A.R. (Healing, Equity, Advocacy and Respect) 4 Mamas and Babies is a text- and phone-based screening and referral program developed at The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to identify medical, behavioral health and social needs early in pregnancy and throughout the postpartum year.

To learn more about what this means for families across the region, visit: https://go.ecuhealth.org/4oEkGxl.

ICYMI: ECU Health Cancer Care recently celebrated being named the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Health System Partner of the Year.

“In a region as vast and rural as ours – where cancer incidence and mortality are among the highest in the state – our partnership with ACS is essential to breaking down barriers, expanding access to care and ensuring patients and families receive the support they deserve. This award reflects the dedication of our team members, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership to improve outcomes for every person we serve,” said Dr. Emmanuel Zervos, executive director of cancer services at ECU Health, and professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

To learn more about the recognition, visit https://go.ecuhealth.org/44geylE

In this series, Dr. Karinn Chambers, fellowship trained breast surgeon and associate program director of the Division of Surgical Oncology with ECU Health Cancer Care, shares key facts about breast cancer and services available at ECU Health. Hear more from Dr. Chambers in the coming weeks!

Q: Who should be screened for breast cancer, and when?

A: Women 40 and older should receive an annual mammogram unless their physician advises otherwise. Individuals with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 20% or higher should have a yearly mammography and breast MRI, often starting at age 25 to 30. People with genetic predispositions, including those with BRCA mutations, are also considered high risk. This includes men who are BRCA‑positive. High‑risk women typically undergo annual mammography and MRI beginning around age 25 to 30. Risk‑reduction strategies, including prophylactic surgery, may also be discussed.

To learn more about breast cancer services at ECU Health, visit ECUHealth.org/Breast.