News & Media

UNC Health Rockingham is proud to announce that Veronica “Faye” Martin has been recognized with the prestigious BEE Award, honoring her exceptional dedication, compassion and longstanding commitment to Carolina Care. Martin received the award during a surprise gathering attended by her coworkers, food service leaders and senior administrators. She became emotional as she realized the ceremony was in her honor. Martin was nominated twice for the award—each nomination highlighting her extraordinary actions and unwavering commitment to patients, colleagues, and the values of UNC Health.

Rockingham County Student Health Centers celebrated a major expansion of student health services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Holmes Middle School. The new on-site center marks the first time middle school students in the county have had access to school-based health services within their school.

Senate Leader Phil Berger, Representative Reece Pyrtle and UNC Health CEO Dr. Cristy Page Announce $40 Million in NC CARE Funding for UNC Health Rockingham.

Jeff Strickler, DHA, RN, has been named President of UNC Health Rockingham, effective Dec. 18. Strickler will replace Steve Eblin who is retiring after leading Rockingham since 2019. As he assumes a new leadership role at Rockingham, Strickler will continue to serve as President of UNC Health Chatham, a position he has held since 2019. Strickler also serves as Chief Operating Officer for UNC Hospitals’ Hillsborough Campus. He will remain in that role until a new leader is selected for that facility.

Parker Banks, LPN, was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at UNC Health Rockingham last week. Hospital nursing leadership along with senior administrators gathered on the unit to celebrate Banks along with her fellow nursing and hospitalist teammates and many of her family members. A DAISY Award nomination for Banks came from the family member of a patient who faced multiple health challenges, including a fall that led to a hip fracture and a difficult surgery.

Rolonda Hairston, security officer at UNC Health Rockingham, was honored with the BEE award for Extraordinary Patient Care. Hairston was nominated by a colleague for her outstanding support of a patient experiencing a difficult day. After noticing the patient was anxious following an appointment, Hairston walked with him to the front lobby, stayed by his side, and reassured him until he felt safe and calm. She encouraged him to contact a friend or family member to ensure a safe trip home—an act that exemplifies the extraordinary care the BEE Award celebrates.

UNC Health Rockingham is proud to announce the appointment of Angela F. Edwards, MD, DFPM, FASA as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Edwards is a nationally recognized anesthesiologist and healthcare leader with more than two decades of experience in clinical leadership and operations, strategic planning, quality improvement and patient advocacy. She brings a proven track record of driving organizational transformation, fostering clinician engagement, and improving patient outcomes across complex healthcare systems.

UNC Health Rockingham proudly announces the completion of its Safe Space Courtyard, a transformative outdoor space designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of long-term behavioral health patients. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the opening of the courtyard, which marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s commitment to compassionate, innovative care.