Central Carolina Hospital

09/05/2025

Did you know that even a single bottle cap of standing water can breed over 100 mosquito larvae?

That means backyards, patios, and even planters can become mosquito breeding zones. As mosquito activity increases, so does the risk for illnesses like West Nile virus and Zika.

Here’s how to reduce your risk:
- Dump standing water weekly from containers, flowerpots, toys, and gutters
- Use EPA-approved repellents—DEET and picaridin are most effective
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing at dusk and dawn

Know the symptoms of mosquito-borne illness. We put together this guide to help your family stay safe this season. Read the full article: https://www.centralcarolinahosp.com/news/2025/07/31/why-mosquito-borne-illnesses-are-on-the-rise-and-how-to-protect-yourself?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mosquito-borne-illnesses-blog

09/05/2025

Dr. Saurav Pokharel, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, has joined Central Carolina Pulmonary Care, a new practice located in the Medical Arts building at 1139 Carthage Street adjacent to Central Carolina Hospital, as of Sept. 2.

Dr. Pokharel has practiced previously at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory and the Heart & Lung Clinic at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, ND, where he also served as the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function Testing laboratory.

He has also served previously as a preceptor for the Physician Assistant program at Lenior Rhyne University from 2019 to 2023. He served on Lenoir Rhyne’s PA Advisory Board and as a member of the Clinical Advisory Board at Athena Health from 2022 to 2023.

A native of Nepal, Dr. Pokharel received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2004. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he also served as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine.

He completed his pulmonary disease fellowship at Interfaith Medical Center, followed by a critical care medicine fellowship at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic Society, and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Pokharel will treat adult patients of all ages. His areas of specialization include lung nodules and lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, chronic cough, hypoxemia and unexplained shortness of breath. He also has extensive experience in bronchoscopy and lung biopsy and plans to bring robotic and navigation bronchoscopy services to our area.

“Dr. Pokharel is a welcome addition to the medical staff at Central Carolina Hospital,” said Dave Santoemma, CEO of CCH. “His expertise in lung diseases and critical care medicine will be invaluable in the care of Sanford area patients.”

09/05/2025

Leadership in action!

09/04/2025

Partners in healthcare for Sanford and Lee County! 💪 ❤️ Helping Hand Clinic, Inc.

Stay current with the latest health and hospital news from Central Carolina Hospital.

09/04/2025

A yearly flu shot for everyone six months and older is the best line of defense against the flu. Make plans to get yours as flu season approaches!

09/02/2025

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. Take our Prostate Health Risk Assessment to help you understand your prostate health. https://centralcarolinahosp.com/health-risk-assessment/prostate-risk?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=16776_701U&utm_content=pcam

While it may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, risk factors can include age, family history and race. Understanding the signs and staying informed can make a big difference in outcomes.

08/28/2025

Headaches are common and in many cases, rest, hydration and lifestyle adjustments help to manage them. However, it's important to recognize when a headache may be a sign of something more serious.

If you experience a sudden, severe headache or one that’s accompanied by unusual symptoms such as vision changes, confusion or fever, seek medical attention promptly.

When in doubt, talk to your provider!

08/27/2025

It's never too late to learn lifesaving CPR!

CCH is offering a Basic Life Support class on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Class is from 6 to 9 pm and will be held at the CCH Education Center at 130 Wicker Street. Anyone age 16+ is eligible to attend.

Space is limited! Registrations will be accepted up to the day prior of the class by emailing Julie Kelly at julie.kelly@LPNT.com. There is a $10 fee for your BLS card, offered in conjunction with the American Heart Association.

08/26/2025

Proud to sponsor! 💪

The Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) is proud to host its inaugural Economic Development Summit, a premier event designed to convene regional business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders. This half-day summit will feature insightful presentations from respected thought leaders on critical topics including housing, quality of life, and retail trends, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with local leadership. In addition to engaging content and valuable networking opportunities, attendees will enjoy a light breakfast and a boxed lunch.

Thank you to the following sponsors for making the event possible:

Presenting Sponsor – Sanford Contractors, Inc.

Breakfast Sponsor – Helix Ventures

Lunch Sponsor – Central Carolina Hospital

Session Sponsors – Chet Mann - Guild Mortgage, Express Employment Professionals - Sanford, NC, Adcock Real Estate Services, Central Electric Membership Corp

Economic Development Summit: Understanding Today to Build Tomorrow

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 | Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center

** Breakfast and lunch included!

Buy your tickets HERE: https://lnkd.in/eFu4XBdt

08/25/2025

Central Carolina Hospital is offering a 30-day matching donation of up to $5,000 to help support the Helping Hand Clinic, which provides free healthcare to low-income, medically uninsured patients.

The hospital will match all community contributions received during the month of September up to $5,000. If local residents donate a total of $5,000, CCH will donate a matching $5,000 to the clinic, for a total contribution of $10,000.

“The Helping Hand Clinic treats patients who might otherwise end up in our Emergency Department, which is ultimately an uncompensated cost borne by all hospital patients,” said Dave Santoemma, CEO of CCH. “This donation will help assure continued access to vital healthcare services for those who are most in need, and help make our communities healthier.”

Last year alone, the Helping Hand Clinic provided care that helped the hospital avoid $1.1 million in uncompensated care in the hospital’s Emergency Department, clinic officials said.

A non-profit organization, the Helping Hand Clinic has operated in Sanford since 1993. It provides free healthcare and education to more than 1,000 total unique patients each year. It relies on its funding from grants, governmental sources and local donations.

To qualify for services, patients must have income within 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Without the clinic, most clients would forgo healthcare entirely or end up in the Emergency Department, said Gwendolyn Cooper-Lee, Director of the Helping Hand Clinic.

“We are the safety net for healthcare in Lee County,” Cooper-Lee said. “We care for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. There is literally nowhere else for them to go.”

More than 4,000 people and 400 businesses and organizations donate to the clinic annually. But recently, the clinic has seen a 33 percent drop in donations, Cooper-Lee said.

Fewer grants are available, and federal funding sources are being reduced or eliminated. Cuts in Medicaid will bring an estimated 1,200 more uninsured patients to the clinic. In July, the clinic was forced to cut four of its six full-time staff.

The plight of the clinic mirrors what is happening nationwide, said Bill Huggins, who serves as Chairman of the Helping Hand Clinic Board of Directors. From 2012 to 2023, community health clinics across the nation saw a 64 percent drop in profitability.

“There’s a long-term cost to our community if people cannot get access to medical care,” Huggins said. “That long-term cost is that people are not healthy. More people are sick. More people aren’t able to work anymore.

“There’s a real need,” he said. “I believe that if people need help, you help them.”

To make a donation, please make checks payable to Helping Hand Clinic and send them to Helping Hand Clinic at 409 Carthage Street in Sanford. Credit card and debit card payments can be made at the clinic’s website at https://hhcsanford.com

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

08/22/2025

Back-to-school time means annual physical exams and immunizations. But what about other health issues, like skin checks, mental health issues and vision screenings? Not to mention dietary considerations and sleep health….

Learn more from Cheri Folk, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner at Central Carolina Family Care South, about these important annual health concerns:

https://www.centralcarolinahosp.com/news/2025/08/22/healthy-back-to-school-habits

08/21/2025

Unfortunately, there could only be four winners of the FABULOUS door prizes provided by Central Carolina Hospital's Birth Center and Central Carolina Women's Health Center at today's 2nd annual Lee County Breastfeeding Health Fair & Community Baby Shower, held at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center.

Congratulations to the winners of four luxurious gift baskets: Brandi Bell, New Mom Basket; Lorin Vaughan, Baby Girl Basket; Maya Spencer, Gender Neutral Basket; and Avieanna, Baby Boy Basket.

And thanks to all who attended the event!