Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center is a full-service hospital focusing on emergency and surgical care – including orthopedic and colorectal surgery.
Since its founding in Winston-Salem in the 1880s, Novant Health has grown to become a pillar of healthcare excellence in North Carolina.
Transformative community partnerships continue to shape Novant Health’s legacy of high-quality healthcare today. In the heart of Davie County, Novant Health is forging a path toward a healthier future through its partnership with the IGNITE DAVIE College Promise program (IGNITE DAVIE). This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to education and community empowerment.
A Commitment to Community
Alisha Hutchens, President and Chief Operating Officer of Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park Hospital in Winston-Salem, spoke to Novant Health’s long-standing commitment to the community.
“We exist to create a healthier future for our patients.”
“Our goal has always remained laser-focused on meeting our patients where they are and empowering them with the tools, resources, and care they need to lead healthy lives,” she said.
While the company has expanded its footprint in the Carolinas, Novant Health remains headquartered in Winston-Salem.
“We’re proud to call the Triad our home,” Hutchens said.
“Not only do we have a proud history of serving patients in this region, but we’re continuing to invest in the future of healthcare across the Triad.”
As part of that investment, Novant Health continues to open new community-based care clinics while adding advanced technology and surgical capabilities at community medical centers. The organization’s commitment to hiring the best team to care for patients also remains unwavering.
“In Davie County, specifically, we’re focused on making care more accessible,” noted Hutchens.
“Frankly, for us, investing in our underserved and rural communities is the right thing to do. That’s why we’re continually adding new primary and specialty care services throughout Davie and surrounding counties.”
Leveraging Community Partnerships
As part of its commitment to the community, Novant Health seeks out strategic community partnerships in underserved areas. Novant Health maintains key partnerships in Davie County with the YMCA, Smart Start of Davie County, and Davie County Senior Services.
Its latest partnership includes Walk With a Doc, an international program that Novant Health is kickstarting in Mocksville. Community members are invited to walk at Davie County Community Park once a month on Saturdays, getting to know providers and the Novant Health team outside its clinical facilities.
“Ultimately, the goal of these community partnerships is to leverage our strength and integrate our health and wellness initiatives to create a healthier future for everyone,” Hutchens explained.
The Promise of IGNITE DAVIE: Meeting a Need
Novant Health was also an early partner to IGNITE DAVIE and has provided financial support to the program since 2021.
“We are one of the largest employers in the Triad, so we’re constantly thinking about how Novant Health can help recruit and train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Hutchen said of the partnership.
“It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of physicians, nurses, and several types of technologists nationwide. We are also seeing shortages in our nonclinical space, specifically in trade positions. We certainly feel these shortages on a local level as well.”
Hutchens and her team are grateful that IGNITE DAVIE is rising to the challenge to help address this need.
By offering tuition assistance to attend Davidson-Davie Community College (DDCC), IGNITE DAVIE seeks to raise the educational attainment of Davie County students. This initiative removes financial obstacles and prepares students for careers in skilled trades like healthcare.
“Thankfully, this program is committed to cultivating local talent by introducing our students to a variety of healthcare opportunities and equipping them with the resources they need to take that next step in career development.”
“That is something we care deeply about, so that helped us decide that we really needed to become an Employer of Choice.”
The Next Step in a Key Partnership
After IGNITE DAVIE became permanently endowed, Novant Health transitioned to becoming an Employer of Choice in order to stay involved with the program. This shift signifies Novant Health’s commitment to not only financially supporting workforce development but also engaging with students as they prepare for their professional journeys.
As an Employer of Choice, businesses are encouraged to work directly with IGNITE DAVIE students. This collaboration exposes students to local industry and career options while helping businesses stay top of mind as students enter the workforce after graduation.
Going forward, Novant Health aims to deepen its collaboration with DDCC.
“We look forward to working closely with the Health and Wellness and Skilled Trades programs at DDCC,” Hutchens said, adding that their plans include providing mentors, guest speakers, and hands-on learning experiences for students.
She emphasized the importance of nurturing talent and ensuring students have the skills they need to succeed in the healthcare industry.
Novant Health also looks forward to continuing its relationship with Davie County High School (DCHS) through career showcase events, classroom Q&As, and attending the Triad Regional Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Conference hosted annually by the high school.
Encouraging Community Partnership
“We decided to partner with IGNITE DAVIE because it’s an organization that’s committed to investing in our most valuable local asset – our people,” Hutchens shared.
She commended the program for working with local employers to prepare students for life and careers beyond the classroom.
Hutchens also emphasized the potential for continued collaboration across industries, encouraging other businesses to consider similar partnerships with IGNITE DAVIE.
“This program is a strategic, community-focused initiative with huge Return on Investment potential. While Novant Health’s partnership focuses on healthcare, I see tremendous potential for other industries as they develop their own workforce,” Hutchens said.
Workforce development pays dividends for local communities, fostering individual well-being and economic development. When small businesses can access the right talent locally, they’re better positioned to thrive, leading to increased security and further job opportunities.
“Frankly, investing in our local workforce is the right thing to do. It’s an investment that needs to happen. Not only will it lead to enhanced and sustainable healthcare services in our community, but it will also keep our local talent close to home,” she explained.
A Vision for a Healthier Future
Novant Health’s partnership with IGNITE DAVIE exemplifies not only the strength of this community but its dedication to workforce preparation and high-quality education. By investing in career development, IGNITE DAVIE continues to lay the foundation for a prosperous community for generations to come.
“At its heart, this program is about investing in the next generation,” Hutchens said.
