News
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What Does Breast Cancer Look Like in Its Early Stages?
October 21, 2025Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and early detection can dramatically improve outcomes. But what does breast cancer actually look like in its earliest stages? It’s not always a visible lump – early signs can be subtle, and knowing what to watch for can make all the difference. Below are some common early signs and symptoms to be…
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Humans Who Heal: Spotlight on Lucretia Balkwill, RN, CCM – Care Management, Swain Swing Bed
October 20, 2025As part of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals' Humans Who Heal campaign, we are proud to spotlight Lucretia Balkwill, RN, CCM, whose work in Care Management for the Swain Swing Bed program highlights the essential role care managers play in guiding patients through their healing journey — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.Lucretia has been a…
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Swain Community Hospital welcomes FNP Norma Burdette back to medical staff
October 16, 2025Swain Community Hospital, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is pleased to welcome Norma Burdette, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner and longtime Bryson City resident, to its medical staff. Burdette will begin seeing patients this fall at Swain Family Care.
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Op-Ed: Breast Cancer Awareness Starts with Access and Compassion
October 15, 2025October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, it’s more than just a pink ribbon or a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram. It’s personal. As the Breast Health Navigator for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals, I have the privilege of walking alongside women at every stage of their breast health journey. Whether it's a routine…
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Harris Regional Hospital Welcomes Certified Physician Assistant Colby Finch to Its Medical Staff
October 02, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Colby Finch, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), to its medical staff. Beginning this month, Finch will care for patients at Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, joining the established team of orthopaedic physicians and advanced practice providers including Douglas Gates, MD; Larry Supik, MD; Josh Patton, DO; Paul Ulrich, DO; Ryan Slechta, MD; John Songer, MD; Alexis Willey, PA-C; and Jared Schoeberl, PA-C.
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Harris Regional Hospital to Host Free Breast Cancer 'Lunch & Learn' at WCU October 17
October 01, 2025Harris Regional Hospital invites community members to a free Lunch & Learn on Friday, October 17, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center Hospitality Room. The session—led by Jonathan Dean, MD, general surgeon—will focus on breast cancer awareness, highlighting the life-saving value of early detection, practical steps for understanding personal risk factors, and the important role of community support in guiding patients and families through care.
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Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Annual Physical: Screenings That Save Lives
September 26, 2025Many people put off their annual physical, if they feel fine, there’s no urgent need to visit the doctor. But skipping your yearly check-up can mean missing the early signs of serious conditions that are often treatable if caught early. At Harris Regional Hospital, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Your annual physical is a chance…
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Harris Regional Hospital welcomes certified nurse midwife Lisa Shoemaker, CNM to its medical staff
September 23, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Lisa Shoemaker, CNM, to its medical staff. Shoemaker will begin seeing patients October 1, 2025, at Harris Women’s Care, located at 70 The Village Overlook in Sylva.
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Harris Regional Hospital to Host 'Tree of Hope' Sept. 30, Inviting Tributes to Breast Cancer Survivors and Loved Ones
September 08, 2025Harris Regional Hospital will hold its annual Tree of Hope gathering on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of Harris Medical Park, located at 98 Doctors Drive in Sylva.
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Humans Who Heal: Spotlight on Sujeiza Echevarria – Environmental Services, Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals
September 08, 2025As the Humans Who Heal campaign continues at Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals, we are honored to shine a spotlight on one of the essential team members who plays a critical role in patient safety and infection prevention every day: Sujeiza Echevarria, a dedicated member of the Environmental Services team.Sujeiza’s role as a housekeeper is more than just…
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How to Protect Your Child from Fall Viruses like Flu, RSV, and COVID
September 03, 2025In warmer parts of the country like Sylva, NC, respiratory virus season can begin as early as September and stretch well into the winter. With kids back in school, viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 start spreading quickly – especially among young children whose immune systems are still developing. As a parent, you can take steps now to help protect your…
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Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospitals to host Step Into Wellness patient appreciation event on the Jackson County Greenway September 17th
August 28, 2025Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals will host Step Into Wellness on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Jackson County Greenway. Attendees are invited to begin at the Greenway’s parking area, located at 342 Old Cullowhee Rd. in Cullowhee, and will be directed along the walking path for activities.
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Half a Century of Care: Harris Regional Hospital Celebrates Judy Aikens’ 50 Years
August 27, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is celebrating a milestone of service and dedication as longtime employee Judy Aikens marks 50 years with the hospital. Her half-century of service reflects the hospital’s nearly 100-year tradition of caring for its community.
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Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital honor 17 staff members for service milestones
August 21, 2025Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital this week hosted a special luncheon to honor team members for their years of dedicated service. As part of the hospitals’ quarterly awards program, employees celebrating milestone were recognized for their commitment to patients, colleagues, and the mission of the hospitals. From clinical providers to support…
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Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital Launch "Humans Who Heal" Campaign
August 13, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is proud to introduce Humans Who Heal, a new campaign created to recognize and celebrate the people who make healing happen every day in every department and at every level of care. While physicians and nurses are often the most visible members of the team, this campaign highlights the full range of healthcare professionals, including clinical coordinators, quality analysts, lab techs, environmental services, and administrative staff. Humans Who Heal shines a light on the passion, dedication, and teamwork that drive safe, compassionate care and reminds us that every role matters.
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Harris Regional Hospital welcomes fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Paul Ulrich, DO to its medical staff
August 12, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Paul Ulrich, DO, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and Sylva native, to its medical staff. Dr. Ulrich will begin seeing patients on September 1 at Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Ulrich specializes in joint replacement surgery, including total hip and knee replacements, complex revision procedures, and fracture care. His training includes the latest advancements in anterior hip replacement and kinematic alignment for knee replacement – techniques designed to restore natural movement and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
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Harris Regional Hospital marks surgical milestone with 100th Inspire® sleep apnea implant procedure
August 07, 2025Harris Regional Hospital this week marked the completion of its 100th Inspire® sleep apnea implant procedure, highlighting the growing use of alternative treatments and advanced care for obstructive sleep apnea.
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Harris Regional Hospital named among U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Hospitals’ for stroke care
August 06, 2025Harris Regional Hospital has been named in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 Best Hospitals edition as a high-performing hospital for stroke care. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.
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Why Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Are on the Rise — and How to Protect Yourself
August 01, 2025Warmer weather and standing water are fueling a surge in mosquito-borne diseases. Here’s what you need to know and how to prevent them.
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19 Harris Regional Hospital employees earn CMA certification through onsite training
July 30, 2025Harris Regional Hospital is proud to announce that 19 staff members across its employed physician clinics have earned their credentials as Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs), following the successful completion of a career development program held onsite in partnership with WNC Edutech.
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