Carolinas HealthCare System and UNC Health Care have officially announced plans to create one of the leading non-profit healthcare systems in the nation, by merging a high-performing comprehensive healthcare system with a renowned academically-based enterprise, according to a recent press release.

Their signed Letter of Intent states that “UNCHCS and CHS will come together to create a new organization that blends the best of a high-performing comprehensive healthcare system with a renowned academically-based healthcare enterprise. The joint enterprise will provide solutions for healthcare’s most pressing challenges, including access and affordability, while offering unparalleled clinical expertise tied to a renowned academic enterprise and contributing to our region’s economic vibrancy.”

The newly merged organization will deliver world-class care to people throughout North Carolina by creating the most comprehensive network of primary, specialty and on-demand care in the Southeast, and one of the largest networks in America.

“Together with UNC Health Care, we believe that the opportunities to be a national model and to elevate health in North Carolina are nearly limitless,” said Gene Woods, current president and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System, and future CEO of the new entity. “For example, since our organizations already serve almost 50 percent of all patients who visit rural hospitals in our state, we are perfectly positioned to participate in the reinvention of rural healthcare in partnership with others. Ensuring there is great healthcare in rural counties is not only important to our patients’ physical wellbeing, but is also vital to the economic wellbeing of those communities as well. At the same time, we are also inspired by what our two organizations will be able to do together to transform cancer treatment. At Levine Cancer Institute, we care for over 10,000 new patients every year, and over 1,000 participate in clinical trials through a ‘care-close-to-home’ model in more than 25 locations throughout the Carolinas. Combined with UNC Health Care’s National Cancer Institute designation, with more than $70 million in joint cancer research grants for clinical trials, we will create a cancer network that is second to none in the country. In short, this partnership is an example of one of those truly ‘big ideas’ that this state is known for.”

Officials for CHS and UNC say their partnership will not technically be a merger because they do not intend to pool their assets. Some experts have called similar mergers of research institutes with hospital chains ‘virtual-mergers’ since the primary goal is a shared pool of knowledge, not finances or profit.

Raleigh’s News & Observer interviewed the leaders of both companies about what the merger might look like;

The new company will soon have access to 52 hospitals and 95,000 employees;

The two organizations will take the next 180 days to determine where the new organization will be headquartered, what it will be called, and numerous other details. They hope to secure approval from the Federal Trade Commission sometime next year.

What do you think of the new merger?

A mile-long trail is about to open later this month that will take hikers to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in America.

The 6,000+ acre Chimney Rock State Park has rerouted their famous ‘Skyline Trail’ after problems with railings and bridges along the path led to the trail’s closure in 2008.

The new trail features stunning vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, and the top of Chimney Rock itself;

Chimney Rock🇺🇸#asheville #northcarolina #chimneyrockstatepark

A post shared by John (@teetsmageets) on Aug 24, 2017 at 5:08am PDT

It will lead directly to the top of one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut Falls, at a total height of 404 feet;

Because when you stop and look around this life is pretty amazing. . .. … …. #countrylife #waterfall #waterfalls #naturegram #naturephotography #rock #mountains #mountain #landscapephotography #landscape #landscapes #nature_perfection #nature #wanderlust #hike #tree #adventure #northcarolina #chimneyrock #visitnc #hickorynutfalls #nc #view #explore #green #outdoor #hiking #beautiful #chimneyrockstatepark

A post shared by Ashley Clapp (@glimmerphotography) on Jul 11, 2017 at 11:04am PDT

#chimneyrock #wnc #getoutside #wateringhole #hickorynutfalls

A post shared by @wncmountainliving on Aug 2, 2017 at 9:48am PDT

“The new Skyline trail travels along a higher route on the mountain, which provides for sustainable natural resource protection and excellent views of Hickory Nut Gorge,” Chimney Rock State Park Superintendent James Ledgerwood commented in a recent announcement about the trail.

The trail is schedule to open on Sept. 22. The park’s website states that all hikers must start from the Skyline trailhead by 5 p.m. – 4 p.m. to allow enough time to expolre and hike back to their cars before the park closes.

You can find out more about what there is to see and do around Chimney Rock State Park on their website here.

North Carolina’s request for $929 million from the federal government to help with the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew has been mostly denied, according to an announcement by Gov. Roy Cooper.

The Trump administration replied with an approval of just $6.1 million – 99% less than the requested amount.

The original $929 million request included;

Housing Repairs – $166.6 million to help homeowners with repairs, $63.7 million to repair rental housing, and $15.2 million to repair public housing.
Housing Elevation – $434 million for buyout, elevation, and reconstruction of 3,962 properties that flooded during Matthew and are at risk for future flooding.
Agriculture – $92.6 million to cover losses for farmers not covered by the USDA such as livestock, farm equipment, and feed.
Public Facilities – $43 million to repair public facilities and retrofit infrastructure like storm drains and sewer lines to prevent future damage.
Small Businesses – $39 million to help 691 small businesses.
Health – $37 million, to support health and mental health services for storm survivors and to help with repairs to health care facilities, child care centers, and social services agencies.

Cooper wrote a letter this past week to President Trump to express expressed his “shock and disappointment in the lack of federal funding for Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts.” He noted that $6.1 million was unacceptable and that over 82,000 North Carolina residents have already registered with FEMA for help.

He also pointed out that some people are still living in hotels after being displaced from the October 2016 storm.

The governor is now in Washington, attempting to secure more relief funds for our state. He’s set to give remarks Tuesday morning at the “Ideas Conference”, hosted by the Center for American Progress, and will include Democratic governors, members of Congress and national activists.

He will also meet privately with North Carolina’s House and Senate members later in the day on Capitol Hill.