News

  • Harris Pulmonary and Sleep Center and Harris Pain Center relocate to newly refurbished spaces to accommodate easier patient access

    February 16, 2024

    Two departments of Harris Regional Hospital, Harris Pulmonary and Sleep Center and Harris Pain Center, relocate to newly refurbished spaces to accommodate easier patient access and allow room for new treatment modalities. 

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  • Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently honored staff members for tenure milestones

    February 07, 2024

    Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently held a special recognition luncheon to honor staff members who reached significant milestones in their tenure as employees of the hospitals.

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  • Do not Make Your Health Wait Until Next Year

    November 01, 2023

    It’s time to talk to your provider about your yearly wellness check-up. From check-ups, to screenings, to surgeries, Harris Regional is here to help. Whether you need something as routine as a vaccination, mammogram, or colonoscopy—or you have delayed a surgery, like a hernia repair, foot or ankle surgery, or knee or hip replacement—now is the time to take care of yourself.  By taking care of these items before the end of the year, you are not just watching out for your health – you are also making effective use of your insurance benefits. And if you have met your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses could be minimal, or even zero.  

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  • Welcoming Marlo Sharp, CNM to Harris Women's Care

    November 01, 2023

    "I am passionate about teaching patients the basis for health and believe that women are the foundation for overall family health," shares Sharp, "I knew I would pursue practicing medicine from an early age and have found my niche as a certified nurse midwife."

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  • Lung Cancer Awareness: Reducing Your Risk

    November 01, 2023

    Thanks to movies, TV shows, and extensive public awareness campaigns, lung cancer has long been a part of the public consciousness. Many Americans recognize that the disease is strongly linked to smoking, and that its symptoms include coughing, wheezing and persistent chest pain. This awareness is a good thing – the first step in fighting lung cancer is learning its risk factors and early warning signs.  Unfortunately, many facts about lung cancer are not as widely known. For instance, not every lung cancer victim is a smoker. And not all lung cancer patients will experience symptoms – at least, not until the disease has progressed. That is why it is important to understand your other risk factors, and to screen for cancer early, at the recommendation of your provider. 

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  • Breast Cancer—Be Aware and Take Action

    October 01, 2023

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed nationally every October to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, and to provide education regarding the most common symptoms and associated risk factors for the disease. By staying informed and taking preventive action to fight breast cancer, we can help to minimize the effect this disease has on women in our communities. 

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  • Understanding Prostate Cancer

    September 01, 2023

    Prostate cancer is a condition often heard about, but perhaps seldom fully understood. In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning this common form of cancer.

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  • Welcoming Joshua Patton, DO to Harris Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

    September 01, 2023

    "I suffered many athletic injuries during my years on the baseball field and am incredibly thankful for the medical professionals who patched me up and allowed me to continue doing what I loved." shares Dr. Patton, "This is my way of giving back and allowing fellow athletes to continue what they love."

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  • Harris Regional Hospital & Swain Community Hospital Announces New CEO: Former CFO Takes the Helm

    August 09, 2023

    Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, Duke LifePoint hospitals, are pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Hindman as the new Chief Executive Officer. Hindman has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the hospital system and will now transition into the role of CEO, effective immediately.

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  • Welcoming Amanda Fernandez, DO to Harris Medical Associates

    August 01, 2023

    “I believe primary care is the heart and soul of the medical field,” shares Dr. Fernandez, “In many ways it encompasses all the specialties of medicine and serves as the gateway by which patients receive specialty care. During my medical training, I enjoyed several different specialties - OBGYN, surgery, orthopedics, dermatology to name a few. When I completed my family medicine clerkship, I learned that I had a passion for creating long-lasting relationships with my patients and their families. It was obvious to me at that point that family medicine would allow me to enjoy all the things I loved about other specialties while also serving as a patient's advocate, healthcare system navigator, and foundation of the medical home.”

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  • Harris Regional Hospital Reopens Pediatric Inpatient Unit Bringing Relief and Hope to the families of WNC

    August 01, 2023

    “We understand the barriers that exist for families having to travel far distances to get the care they need for their children; We want to help relieve that burden,” says Director of Women’s and Children’s services, Katie Miller. “We want to be an option closer to home for the families in our community”. The reopening of the Pediatric unit represents a significant step forward in restoring access to crucial medical services for children in our region.

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  • Swain Family Care Welcomes Dr. Joseph Murcko

    July 28, 2023

    “I personally understand the challenges of being a patient,” shares Dr. Murcko, “and I hope to nurture a caring and therapeutic physician-patient relationship with each visit. I chose a career in medicine because I have a passion for helping others live the healthiest version of their lives. I believe that we can reach our greatest potential in our relationships, jobs, and interests when we have optimized the health of the body, mind and soul. I hope to work together with my patients to help them achieve their best health.”

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  • Harris Regional & Swain Community Hospital Names 2023 Mercy Award Winner

    July 23, 2023

    Missi has been employed as a registered nurse at our hospitals since 2017. She came to us as new graduate and nursing leadership quickly determined she was an invaluable asset to our healthcare team. Missi's passion and her desire to learn and grow in the nursing field was evident. Within a year of hire she was selected as recipient of the Daisy Award after receiving a touching nomination for the compassionate care she provided for a Hospice patient and providing much needed reassurance for the family members during this very difficult time.

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  • Harris Regional Hospital Welcomes Kara Cummings, FNP-C, to Harris Urology

    July 01, 2023

    “I chose to become a nurse practitioner after going on a mission trip to Honduras as a nursing student. I decided I wanted to be able to do more for my patients on a more advanced level, such as diagnosing and treating. I treat many urological disorders ranging from prostate health to incontinence to urological cancers.”

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  • Good Health Starts Today - 4 Tips to Men's Health Month

    June 01, 2023

    What explains this health gap? Much of this difference comes down to how we think about our health, and how we take care of our bodies and minds. There’s a common perception that women worry about their health more than men, and studies show this to be true: in 2021, men were less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year and were almost half as likely to have sought out mental health services, leading to higher rates of suicide. Men maintain less healthy diets and suffer more frequently from heart disease.  

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  • Stroke Awareness and Mental Health Tips That May Improve Your Wellness

    May 04, 2023

    Suffering from a stroke can be deadly. In fact, stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. But did you know that 80 percent of strokes are actually preventable? And high blood pressure is the most important controllable risk factor. So, always know your numbers and talk to your primary care provider about how to lower and keep your blood pressure at healthy levels.

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  • Mental Health Month

    May 01, 2023

    It’s important to understand that mental health conditions are actually quite common. According to statistics published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness, and one in 20 adults experiences serious mental illness. So, if you are struggling to maintain good mental health, know that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re suffering from a mental health condition. Seeking professional help and treatment can make a positive difference in your overall health and quality of life.

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  • Harris Pediatric Care Welcomes Justine Kastle, PA-C

    April 03, 2023

    Harris Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Justine Kastle, PA-C, to Harris Pediatric Care. Justine joins Dr. Jernigan, Dr. Nations, Dr. White, Brittany Rogers, FNP-C, and Natalie Steinbicker, PA, providing pediatric care services to Jackson County and the surrounding region.

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  • Harris Pediatric Care Welcomes Dr. Carmen Nations

    March 06, 2023

    Dr. Carmen Nations was raised in Cherokee, NC. She received her medical degree from University of Utah School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Nations completed her residency at East Tennessee State University Pediatrics, and later went on to serve hospitals and practices in Cherokee, Sylva, and Western Carolina University. She has a strong passion for ACEs and specifically global education around resiliency, Adolescent health, Down Syndrome and Down Syndrome Advocacy. 

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