Letter from the CEO and Board Chair

UNC Health is proud to be North Carolina’s health system and in 2024 we were privileged to serve patients from each of our state’s 100 counties. We strive each day to earn the trust of our fellow North Carolinians by offering the most innovative care with the empathy and compassion you would expect from friends and neighbors.

Nothing exemplifies this Carolina Care more than the way that thousands of teammates came together to support our teammates and patients in Western North Carolina who experienced the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

From our hospitals in the region, we heard stories of teammates driving ATVs around fallen trees and blocked roads to get to the hospital, we learned of a physician swimming his way out of his flooded vehicle and hitchhiking to work. Still others slept at the hospital for days, all to ensure that they could be there to serve their community.

Only hours after the storm passed, we had teammates on buses traveling west to cover shifts and aid teammates who could not get to work. Our teammates in ISD worked tirelessly to restore internet and phone connectivity. Colleagues in supply chain coordinated the delivery of necessary supplies, with trucks logging thousands of miles across the state. We also continued to care for patients through expanded virtual care, offered at no cost, to residents of affected areas.

One of our UNC Health values is One Great Team. Part of being on a team is stepping up to help each other. The response to Hurricane Helene showed the strength of our system and the resolve of our teammates.

We are so proud of our teammates for their response during this tragedy, but also not surprised. As you’ll read throughout this report, UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine continue to lead the way in patient care, education, and research. Caring for North Carolinians today, developing the treatments of tomorrow, and working tirelessly to fulfill our mission to promote the health and well-being of the people of North Carolina.