“The Future of Care is Here” Invites the Community to Help Shape What Comes Next in Healthcare

"The Future of Care is Here" Invites the Community to Help Shape What Comes Next in Healthcare

Published on September 08, 2026

By Heather Walters

A transformation is underway at UNC Health Southeastern, with new capabilities, expanded training and a continued investment in the people who will shape the future of healthcare across the region.

UNC Health Southeastern's transformation into a Level III Trauma Center, plans to expand and enhance the Healthcare Simulation Lab, and a growing focus on developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, offer a look at what is on the horizon for healthcare in our community. Together, they represent opportunities to strengthen the care available close to home, prepare the people we depend on to provide that care, and help ensure our region has the healthcare workforce it needs for the future.

Through "The Future of Care Is Here," the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation is inviting our community to be part of that future. By bringing philanthropic support behind the hospital's vision, the Foundation is creating opportunities for the community to help strengthen the care available today while supporting what healthcare can become right here at home.

"This is a transformational time for UNC Health Southeastern," said UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO Chris Ellington. "Becoming a Level III Trauma Center is much bigger than earning a designation. It requires significant investment in our capabilities across the health system, including education, training, staffing, equipment and infrastructure. Ultimately, it is about increasing the level of care we can provide for this region and being prepared when our community needs us."

"The Future of Care Is Here" focuses philanthropic support around three connected areas.

Strengthening care here

UNC Health Southeastern's transformation into a Level III Trauma Center will strengthen the hospital's ability to care for more seriously injured patients, provide critical care sooner and expand the level of advanced care available in our community.

Preparing the people who provide care

Enhancements to the hospital's existing Healthcare Simulation Lab will bring the latest simulation technology and more realistic clinical environments where physicians, fellows, residents, nurses and other healthcare providers can learn, train and build their skills together.

"Healthcare continues to advance, and we want those providing care to have every opportunity to advance with it," said UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Renae Taylor. "An enhanced Healthcare Simulation Lab will give our physicians, fellows, residents and nurses a place to continue learning, build their skills and train together in realistic clinical situations. It will help prepare them for complex and critical moments while developing the healthcare workforce our region needs now and in the years ahead."

Inspiring the next generation

"The Future of Care Is Here" also looks ahead by creating opportunities to connect those in our community who are pursuing careers in healthcare with providers already serving the region.

Through mentorship, relationships and guidance, the Foundation hopes to encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen their connection to the community they may one day serve.

"Our community has always stepped up when there's an opportunity to make healthcare better for the people who live here," said Joe Williams, chairman of the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Board of Trustees. "We have a lot to be proud of, but we also have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. I'm excited about where UNC Health Southeastern is headed and what that means for the future of healthcare in our region. 'The Future of Care Is Here' gives all of us a chance to be part of that progress and help make sure exceptional care is available right here at home."

The Foundation will put the collective strength of Boots & BBQ and THE MED GALA behind "The Future of Care Is Here." Bringing both events together in support of one effort is reserved for priorities the Foundation believes have the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on healthcare in our community.

The first opportunity for the community to be part of that effort will come this fall through the Foundation Advocates' 14th annual "Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale."

Presented by Jackpot Sponsor Liberty Health, "Rodeo Royale" will be held Friday, November 20, at the Robeson County Fairgrounds and will feature professional casino style gaming entertainment, raffle prizes, live music from the Parks Brothers and longtime Boots & BBQ favorite Fuller's BBQ.

"Boots & BBQ has long been about bringing our community together, and through 'Rodeo Royale' and 'The Future of Care Is Here,' we have an opportunity to build on that tradition," said Kaye Fraley, who co-chairs the Foundation Advocates with her husband, Kevin Fraley, and also serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees. "We are looking forward to a fun evening, but there is also real purpose behind it. We want our community to enjoy the night while knowing their participation helps advance healthcare here at home."

Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to make a sponsorship commitment to "Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale." A sponsorship reaches beyond one night. It helps strengthen care here, prepare those providing it, and inspires those who will carry healthcare forward.

"The Future of Care Is Here" will continue through THE MED GALA, our community's premier signature event, bringing the reach and generosity of both events behind the hospital's vision for what healthcare can become.

"The Foundation is the hospital's strongest supporter, and that means supporting not only the needs of today, but where healthcare is going tomorrow," said Sissy Grantham, executive director of the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation. "Our role is to help advance that work and bring our community alongside it. It is about our patients, our neighbors, our friends and the health of everyone who calls this community home."

"The future of healthcare in this community belongs to all of us," Grantham said. "We have an opportunity to support what is happening today while helping make what comes next possible. We hope our community will join us as we move toward that future together."

"Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale" will be held Friday, November 20, at the Robeson County Fairgrounds. The UNC Health Southeastern Foundation Advocates invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to become sponsors, join them for "Rodeo Royale" and take the first opportunity to be part of "The Future of Care Is Here."

Community members and businesses interested in supporting "Boots & BBQ: Rodeo Royale" through sponsorship or participation can learn more at https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/foundation/events/boots-and-bbq/ or contact the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation at (910) 671-5583.

The future of healthcare isn't somewhere else. It's here: Here for you. Here for good.

Heather Walters is the manager of Donor Experience & Engagement for the UNC Health Southeastern Foundation.