Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals Launch New Initiative to Recognize Cardiac and Stroke Champions

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are proud to introduce a new initiative recognizing exceptional staff through the Cardiac and Stroke Champion Program. This monthly recognition honors clinical team members who go above and beyond in providing fast, high-quality care to patients experiencing chest pain or stroke symptoms.

As an accredited Chest Pain Center, Harris Regional Hospital, along with Swain Community Hospital, is held to high standards when it comes to patients presenting with cardiac-related symptoms. Delivering effective, evidence-based care starts with quick recognition and immediate activation of care pathways. Our teams must meet strict performance metrics to ensure optimal outcomes for patients experiencing heart-related emergencies. These performance goals include timely EKG completion, prompt lab results, and streamlined transfers for higher-level care when necessary.

Each month, Cardiac Champions are selected based on actual patient data from the previous month. Champions are recognized for their outstanding collaboration and rapid response during critical moments that make a life-saving difference. This recognition highlights the commitment and teamwork required across departments to meet these goals and ultimately save lives. Staff members Kevin Fischer, PA-C, Ted Moore, RN, Christopher Jenkins, RT, Levi Weigland (Lab), Eric Acheff (Lab), Beth Gentry, CNA, and Brad McAbee, MD were named as Cardiac Champions for March due to their commendable efforts in providing life-saving care to a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.

In addition to cardiac care, Harris Regional Hospital—designated as a certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospital—also recognizes Stroke Champions monthly. This recognition is currently unique to Harris Regional Hospital and is based on real cases where patients presented with stroke-like symptoms. Stroke care demands fast, coordinated action, and our teams are responsible for meeting rigorous benchmarks such as timely CT scans, lab processing, administration of clot-busting medication, and transfers for advanced care.

Stroke Champions are selected by the hospital’s Stroke Committee after reviewing performance data, and are awarded to those whose collaboration most directly contributed to better outcomes for stroke patients. The staff members awarded for their incredible work in March are Amanda McNabb, RN, Kaylee Campbell, RN, Jason Coggins (Radiology), Grace Myers (Lab), Beth Gentry, CNA, Dr. Reed, Michael

Winchester (Radiology), Zeb Gentry, RN (House Supervisor), Virginia Wolff, RN, and Katherine Whitfield, MD.

“At both of our hospitals, time matters. Every second counts when someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke,” said Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “These champions represent the best of what we do—putting patients first through rapid, coordinated, and compassionate care.”

The Cardiac and Stroke Champion Program reflects our hospitals’ ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, staff recognition, and delivering the highest standard of care to our communities. This initiative not only highlights outstanding performance but also reinforces the importance of teamwork and communication in emergency care settings.

For more information regarding Chest Pain Center accreditation and Acute Stroke Ready Hospital certification, visit MyHarrisRegional.com.