State & Federal Policy / Advocacy
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PACE Leaders Attend National Policy Forum
This week, Piedmont Health SeniorCare/PACE was proudly represented at the National PACE Association Spring Policy Forum, held March 23–24 in Washington, DC.
The forum brought together policymakers, healthcare leaders, and PACE organizations from across the country to discuss key federal and state policy issues shaping the future of PACE programs nationwide. Throughout the event, attendees engaged with members of Congress, federal agency representatives, and industry experts on:
- Current legislation and regulatory updates
- The evolving healthcare landscape
- Advocacy efforts for PACE sustainability and visibility
We are grateful to Chief Pharmacy Officer Kelly Stout and PACE Executive Director Jeff Sumpter for representing Piedmont Health in these important conversations. Their participation ensures we remain informed, engaged, and well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality, person-centered care to the communities we serve.
Protecting Access to Medications and Services
On Friday, March 20th, Kelly Stout attended an NCCHCA-sponsored event at CommWell Health in Dunn, NC, with Senator Jim Burgin (pictured here with Kelly, proudly wearing Piedmont Health’s winning button!). The discussion focused on the impact of 340B program restrictions on community health centers in North Carolina. CHC and pharmacy leaders joined the CommWell Health team in an open forum to review the current state of 340B and explore ways to protect patient access to medications and other vital services.
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UDS 2025 Performance Data Now Available
We are pleased to share that our 2025 Uniform Data System (UDS) performance data is now available. The UDS, mandated by Health Resources and Services Administration, serves as a standardized tool for Federally Qualified Health Centers to report on:
- Patient demographics and services
- Quality measures and health outcomes
- Staffing and financial performance
This data plays a critical role in monitoring how health center funding—totaling $9,993,972 for 2025 under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act—is utilized to support and improve care for our communities.
UDS reporting is completed annually, with submissions due each year by February 15. We encourage you to scan the QR code to view the full presentation and learn more about our performance and continued commitment to excellence.
Thank you for your dedication to delivering high-quality, data-driven care.
PHS Updates or Announcements
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Project Catalyst Central Hub Is Live
Stop Searching—Everything for Project Catalyst Is Now in One Place
Tired of digging through emails to find training links, updates, or resources? We heard you. The Project Catalyst Central Hub is now live and built to make this easier for you.
Here's how it helps you:
- Know exactly when PHS Super User and End User training starts
- Quickly find answers with FAQs and "Ask the Project Team" support
- Stay on track with key dates and go-live milestones
- Access the latest updates without sorting through emails
This is your go-to spot moving forward—if you're unsure where to find something, start here.
💻 You'll also find it in your Desktop Icons folder for easy access.
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Welcome to This Month's Cybersecurity Awareness Bulletin
As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed remains one of our strongest defenses. This month, we're launching our Cybersecurity Awareness Bulletin—an ongoing resource to share practical tips, highlight emerging risks, and outline simple actions each of us can take to help protect our systems, our patients, and our organization.
Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of our IT team—it belongs to all of us. Every time we log in, open an email, or access patient information, we play a role in safeguarding sensitive data.
- Read each monthly bulletin and stay engaged
- Apply recommended best practices in your daily work
- Report any suspicious activity promptly
By working together, we can strengthen our collective security and continue to provide safe, trusted care to those we serve.
PHS Updates or Announcements
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The Employee Pulse Survey Is Coming Soon! 💓
We've been talking about it, and now it's time to put our 💓 into it! The Employee Pulse Survey is starting Monday, April 13 – Friday, May 1. It's time to check our pulse and see how we're really doing!
Employee Engagement Surveys
Comprehensive, in-depth surveys conducted annually measuring how connected, motivated, and committed employees feel—covering culture, leadership, career growth, and overall satisfaction.
Employee Pulse Surveys
Shorter, more frequent check-ins designed to capture a quick snapshot of employee sentiment on specific, timely topics—a "temperature check" rather than a full diagnostic.
Why a Pulse Survey This Year?
We're shifting to gather real-time feedback more efficiently, act on insights faster, and keep the process simple—typically just a few focused questions that take 5 minutes or less to complete.
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The wait is officially over… and it was worth it! 🎉
We're excited to share that the photos and videos from the Piedmont Health 2026 Heart of Healthcare Gala are ready for you to enjoy. From unforgettable moments to plenty of smiles, it truly captures what an incredible evening it was.
👉 Access the gallery here:
R:\\Gala2026Thank you again for being such an important part of a truly special night. We hope these photos bring back all the energy, pride, and joy from the evening!
PHS Updates or Announcements
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National American Diabetes Alert Day!
Today, we recognize Diabetes Alert Day—a reminder of the importance of awareness, prevention, and early detection of diabetes. This day encourages all of us to take a moment to assess our risk and prioritize healthy habits.
Thank you to our teams who work every day to support patients through education, screening, and compassionate care—your efforts make a meaningful impact on the health of our communities.
Kudos / Recognition
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Celebrating Our Caregivers at Burlington and Pittsboro PACE
This week, we were excited to host our first caregiver-focused events at our Burlington and Pittsboro PACE centers—and they were a tremendous success.
Our Marketing and Enrollment team connected with nearly 30 individuals, engaging in meaningful conversations about the comprehensive services and support that PACE provides to participants and their families. The events also created valuable opportunities to collaborate with community partners, strengthening relationships that help expand awareness and access to resources.
Attendees enjoyed touring the centers and gaining a deeper understanding of the environment, services, and interdisciplinary approach that make PACE such a unique and impactful program.
Most importantly, these events allowed us to intentionally pour into our caregivers—the true backbone of the PACE program. As our first caregiver-focused initiative, this event sets a strong foundation, and we look forward to building on this momentum with many more opportunities to celebrate and support caregivers in the future.
Kudos / Recognition
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Medical Billers Day!
This week, we recognize and celebrate our incredible medical billing team on Medical Billers Day!
Your expertise, attention to detail, and dedication play a vital role in keeping our organization running smoothly and ensuring our patients can access the care they need.
Thank you for the important work you do every day—your contributions truly make a difference across Piedmont Health Services!
Kudos / Recognition
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Piedmont Health Engages Future Leaders at UNC Kenan-Flagler
This week, we were proud to see Piedmont Health represented through a meaningful collaboration with UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Dr. Adrian Mancheno, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Ruhith Ariyapala, Associate Chief Medical Officer, shared insights on the community health center model and the vital role we play in advancing access to care.
As one of the nation's leading business schools, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School brings together future leaders from across industries. This opportunity allowed us to elevate the voice of community health on a broader stage, highlighting the impact of our work and the communities we serve.
We are grateful for opportunities like this that strengthen partnerships, expand awareness, and showcase the important work happening across Piedmont Health every day.
Kudos / Recognition
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Honoring National Farmworker Awareness Week
This week, we recognize National Farmworker Awareness Week—a time to honor the essential contributions of farmworkers who play a critical role in sustaining our communities and food systems.
At Piedmont Health, we are especially grateful for the dedicated staff who work each day to support and care for our farmworker patients and their families. Your compassion, commitment, and willingness to meet people where they are—often overcoming barriers to access—make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing health equity and ensuring our farmworker communities receive the high-quality, respectful care they deserve. Your work truly reflects the heart of our mission.
Kudos / Recognition
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PACE Leaders Explore Innovation at Adult Day Services Conference
Earlier this week, Team Directors from PACE Burlington and PACE Pittsboro attended the 2026 Adult Day Services Conference in Winston-Salem, centered on the theme "Reconnect, Renew, and Reimagine."
The conference highlighted key trends impacting aging populations across North Carolina, including:
- Rapid growth of older adults, particularly in rural communities
- Increasing demand for dementia care, caregiver support, and community-based services
- Opportunities to expand Adult Day and PACE models through innovative approaches such as extended hours, meal reimbursement, and alternative care settings
- Funding opportunities including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Intergenerational programming connecting older adults with youth through meaningful, structured activities
The experience reinforced the importance of aligning clinical workflows, strengthening interdisciplinary teams, and continuing to enhance caregiver-centered services to meet the growing needs of those we serve.
A Joyful New Arrival
After an incredibly long journey, I am thrilled to share that our grandbaby and little bundle of joy, Baby Altea, has finally arrived! She made her debut on March 18, 2026, at 5:29am, and is absolutely perfect. Mom and dad are doing great, and our hearts are overflowing with happiness. Thank you all for the support, thoughts, and prayers—you’ve meant so much to us during this special time. We feel truly blessed!
Looking Ahead Together
As we conclude another successful and productive week, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your outstanding dedication, hard work, collaboration, and positive attitude. Your collective efforts have once again moved us closer to our goals and demonstrated the strength of our team. I'm truly proud of what we've accomplished together and remain excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Let's carry this positive momentum into next week and continue delivering exceptional results.
Thank you once again for your unwavering commitment and excellent teamwork throughout the week. I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing, and well-deserved weekend filled with rest and enjoyment. See you next week, recharged and ready to achieve even more!
Gracias una vez más por su inquebrantable compromiso y excelente trabajo en equipo durante toda la semana. Espero que todos tengan un maravilloso, relajante y bien merecido fin de semana lleno de descanso y disfrute. ¡Nos vemos la próxima semana, recargados y listos para lograr aún más!
"Together, we are building something remarkable—not just programs and services, but a culture of excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those who depend on us."
With gratitude,
Daniella Jaimes-Colina, PhD, MBA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
