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Minutes Matter: Knowing the Signs of Heart Disease Can Save a Life

January 30, 2019

When a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. In fact, the first few minutes are critical in determining the short-term and long-term outcome for the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the people who die from heart attacks, about half will die within an hour of their first symptoms.

Are You Covered?

November 05, 2018

November 1 marked the beginning of open enrollment for 2019 health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Since debuting in 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace has provided access to low-cost healthcare coverage for millions who would otherwise be without health insurance or who are interested in taking advantage of more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage.

National Pharmacy Week 2018

October 22, 2018

Although medicine can make you well, it also can harm you if it is not taken the right way. That’s why you need to know all you can about all the medicine you take. While you’re at Swain Community Hospital, the pharmacy staff is here to make sure that you receive the best and safest medications.

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are Making Communities Healthier. Here’s How.

October 09, 2018

The mission of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital is Making Communities Healthier. We are proud to partner with the communities of Jackson, Swain, Graham, and Macon counties, and the surrounding region, to achieve this mission. Our physicians, employees, volunteers, and board members work hard every day to provide the highest quality care possible for our community, collaborating with patients and family members, employers, community leaders and others to create a legacy of care that will last for generations to come.

September 2018 Monthly Health Article – Prostate Cancer Awareness

September 11, 2018

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness month and we want to share some lifesaving information with our community regarding preventive care and screenings that men need to know. As you will see in the included article, one out of every nine men in the U.S will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and although it is the second leading cause of cancer death among U.S men, it is treatable when detected early enough. Education is key is the prevention of prostate cancer so thank you for helping us share this information with our community.

Getting in the Immunization routine: Regular vaccinations support individual and community health

August 28, 2018

With summer drawing to a close, it will soon be time to focus on getting back into more “normal” routines. After-school practices, homework, carpool duties and the like become the order of the day once more. But there’s another routine that shouldn’t be ignored amid all of the excitement of a new school year – immunizations. August is National Immunization Awareness Month and serves as a great reminder of the important role that regular immunizations play in making communities healthier.

Harris Women's Care welcomes Anne Karner, FNP

August 10, 2018

Swain Community Hospital is pleased to welcome certified nurse midwife Anne Karner to Harris Women’s Care. Karner has practiced in the region for the past eight years, delivering babies and caring for families from Jackson, Swain, and Macon counties.

Hospital celebrates Swain County Schools’ Health Successes

June 22, 2018

Swain Community Hospital celebrated the health and fitness of Swain County Schools’ faculty and staff by presenting a wellness award for $5,000 at the schools’ annual end-of-year staff celebration at Swain County High School.

Hospital welcomes Community Health Coordinator with mission of ‘Making Communities Healthier’

May 18, 2018

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are pleased to welcome Chelsea Burrell as wellness outreach coordinator for the hospitals. In her role, Burrell is responsible for designing wellness programs for the communities served by the hospitals. In addition, Burrell serves as the organization’s primary regional wellness liaison, interacting with local health departments, health advocacy groups, and local employers as the hospitals deliver on the mission of ‘Making Communities Healthier’.

Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals Name 2018 Mercy Award Winner

May 15, 2018

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently announced that Toby Moore has been recognized as the hospital’s 2018 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

The Heart of the Patient Experience

April 23, 2018

The mission of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital is Making Communities Healthier, and that starts with providing the highest quality care possible to you, our neighbors in this wonderful community we call home. A big part of delivering healthcare you can count on is creating positive experiences for our patients and their families – starting from the moment you walk through our doors.

March 2018 Blood Drive

March 16, 2018

BRYSON CITY – Swain Community Hospital, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 23. The blood drive will be held in the American Red Cross blood bus at the east end of the hospital.

Is It Time for a Colonoscopy? What to know about colorectal cancer and how to protect yourself

March 06, 2018

Do you remember when you used to put on your favorite bell bottoms and disco dance the night away? If you do, then it’s probably time to think about a routine colonoscopy screening. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, excluding skin cancers. And the vast majority of these cases occur in people 50 and older.

Go Further with Food; Get the most out of what you’re eating and reduce food waste

March 06, 2018

“You are what you eat.” We’ve all heard it, and many of us have jokingly used the common saying amongst one another. But there really is a kernel of truth there. Eating healthy can help us be healthy. There’s never a bad time to talk about healthy eating, but March is an especially good opportunity because it’s National Nutrition Month® – a time to focus on making smart food choices, establishing healthy eating habits and ensuring that we are doing what we can to reduce food waste

Job Fair at Harris Regional Hospital: February 6 from 4-7pm

January 23, 2018

SYLVA – Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital will hold a job fair from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6 in the lobby of the new Harris Emergency Department, located at the front of Harris Regional Hospital.

Santa to come to Swain Community Hospital

December 05, 2017

BRYSON CITY – Swain Community Hospital will welcome Santa Claus to the main lobby 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 16th. Milk and cookies will be served. Everyone is invited to attend the event.

Job Fair 2017

November 16, 2017

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital will hold a job fair from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 in the lobby of the new Harris Emergency Department, located at the front of Harris Regional Hospital.

Health Insurance Marketplace Now Open for Enrollment

November 16, 2017

On November 1, open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began. As you may recall, the Health Insurance Marketplace has been offering expanded access to low-cost healthcare coverage for people without health insurance, or for those who are interested in exploring more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage, since its inception in 2013.

October 2017 Blood Drive

October 20, 2017

BRYSON CITY – Swain Community Hospital, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, October 30. The blood drive will be held in the American Red Cross blood bus at the east end of the hospital.

Be Your Own Breast Friend

October 04, 2017

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. And with October designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is a great time to bring attention to this disease. At Harris Regional Hospital we want all of the women in our community to understand their risk, be alert to the signs and symptoms and recognize the crucial role that healthy lifestyles and early detection play in fighting breast cancer.

Hospital leaders earn national safety credential

September 28, 2017

SYLVA and BRYSON CITY -- The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) recently recognized Lee Ann Manthorne, DO, who serves as Chief of Medical Staff for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, and Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, each as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).

Protecting Yourself and Our Community from the Flu

September 05, 2017

For many of us, September is a time for getting back into routines and looking forward to the cooler weather just around the corner. Unfortunately, September also means that flu season is right around the corner.

Solar Eclipse 101: Everything you need to know before the big day

August 07, 2017

For months, news streams across the country have been filled with commentary about The Great American Solar Eclipse that will cross over 14 states in August. And for good reason. The natural phenomenon is rare in and of itself, requiring perfect alignment of the earth, moon, and sun, and, according to scientists, often occurs over water sources or other locations uninhabited by humans.

Back to school is a great time to head back to the doctor

August 02, 2017

Nothing screams “back to school” like taking your kids for an annual physical or routine vaccinations. And while it may not be the brightest part of summer, pediatricians with Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals says it’s essential.

Swain Specialty Clinic at Swain Community Hospital to hold open house May 11

May 05, 2017

Swain Specialty Clinic will hold an open house 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11.Swain Specialty Clinic includes Harris GI Associates, Harris Women’s Care, and Harris Surgical Associates and recently expanded to a new space in the medical office building on the hospital campus on Hospital Hill.

April 2017 Blood Drive

March 28, 2017

Swain Community Hospital, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, April 10. The blood drive will be held in the American Red Cross blood bus at the east end of the hospital.

Swain Community and Harris Regional Hospitals Achieve New Status as Accredited Chest Pain Center

February 13, 2017

Swain Community and Harris Regional Hospitals have received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology. This comes as great news to our communities as Harris and Swain continue to stay committed to the needs of our community and having the education, skill set and awareness to care for higher acuity cardiac events.

When It Comes to Your Heart, Play Smart!

February 01, 2017

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, one in four people die of heart disease every year. That’s why it’s important to play smart with your heart. And there are a couple of simple, practical things you can do to stay on top of your heart game.

Swain Specialty Clinic opens new space at Swain Community Hospital

January 25, 2017

BRYSON CITY – Swain Specialty Clinic, the longstanding group of specialty physician practices at Swain Community Hospital, has expanded to a new space in the medical office building on the hospital campus on Hospital Hill. Swain Specialty Clinic is located next to Senior Life Solutions and the outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation office and Swain Pain Center.

Harris Surgical Associates expands to Harris Regional Hospital Medical Park of Franklin and Swain Community Hospital

January 19, 2017

FRANKLIN and BRYSON CITY – Harris Surgical Associates, a Duke LifePoint physician practice owned and operated by Harris Regional Hospital, is pleased to announce an expansion to Harris Regional Hospital Medical Park of Franklin and Swain Community Hospital, The expansion will provide patients access to pre-operative and post-operative appointments close to home.

Blood Drive

January 02, 2017

Swain Community Hospital, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, January 30. The blood drive will be held at the east end of the hospital.

Senior Life Solutions: Providing resources for seasonal depression

December 12, 2016

The staff of Senior Life Solutions, an intensive outpatient program providing psychiatric services at Swain Community Hospital, will provide education to the community 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, December 15 in the main lobby of Harris Regional Hospital and Thursday, December 22 in the main lobby of Swain Community Hospital.

Hospitals’ Patient Safety Officer earns national safety credential

November 16, 2016

The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) recently recognized Tiffany Brackett, Director of Quality and Regulatory for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).

Swain Community Hospital: 24-hour Emergency Access (Media Statement)

November 11, 2016

Swain Community Hospital is committed to delivering high-quality care close to home for the people of western North Carolina. To do this, we regularly evaluate our services to ensure that we are providing access to the care our community members need, when and where they need it.

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Do You Mammo?

September 30, 2016

In 2016, more than 246,000 American women will develop invasive breast cancer – that’s one in eight women. They will become part of more than 2.8 million people who are living with a history of breast cancer, whether that means they are currently in treatment or have completed treatment. While breast cancer incidence rates have been declining since the year 2000, those numbers remain too high.

Hospitals’ Chief Nurse earns patient safety credential

September 23, 2016

The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) recently recognized Anetra Jones, chief nurse executive for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).

Western Carolina University, Harris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital announce five-year exclusive partnership; hospitals become official healthcare provider for Catamount Athletics

September 08, 2016

Western Carolina University, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital today announced a five-year partnership for athletics stemming from The Ascent Partnership created last fall. With the agreement the hospitals become the exclusive healthcare provider for Catamount Athletics, covering all sports, athletes, and seasons.

Five Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy During the Hustle and Bustle of the School Year

August 01, 2016

The dog days of summer are coming to a close, and that means it’s time to get ready for the hustle and bustle of another school year – trading in Saturday afternoons at the pool for homework, ballgames and that seemingly never-ending to-do list around the house. As we countdown to the start of the new school year, Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospital’s want to offer five quick tips to help keep your family healthy and happy.

Harris Regional Hospital to Expand Cardiology Services

July 01, 2016

Asheville Cardiology Associates to close Sylva office - Harris Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint hospital, has announced plans to significantly expand cardiology services in Sylva, Jackson County, and the surrounding region with the addition of needed diagnostic, treatment, and monitoring services, as well as stress testing and echocardiography, seven days a week.

Understanding Care Options

June 09, 2016

Now that school is out and summer has unofficially kicked off it’s a good idea to take a moment to understand the healthcare options available in our community should you or your family need care.

National Hospital Week Celebrates Healthcare from the Heart

May 09, 2016

For one week every year, the nation’s healthcare leaders pause to celebrate and recognize the millions of healthcare professionals – from dieticians to physicians, administrative support to engineers – who make safe, high quality, compassionate healthcare available in communities across the country

Take Care of the Skin You’re In: May is Melanoma Awareness Month

May 03, 2016

During the month of May, the spring season is in full bloom, and summer is just around the corner. This time of year, many people begin to spend more time outside, enjoying longer daylight hours and abundant sunshine. While this might seem harmless, it’s important to take care of the skin you’re in and protect it from the sun’s damaging rays.

Celebrating Our Nurses during National Nurses Week

May 02, 2016

Across the country, there are millions of nurses united by a deep desire to care for others in their greatest times of need. They are the compassionate faces at the bedside and the healing hands that work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives safe, quality care.

Colorectal Cancer: Know the Symptoms, Know the Risks

March 01, 2016

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the U.S. While more than 130,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancers are expected to be diagnosed in 2016, the overall incidence and death rates associated with this disease have been on the decline for more than a decade. Effective screening in the form of colonoscopies is the primary driver of these declines, which is why it is recommended that all men and women begin routine testing at the age of 50.

Zika Virus: FAQ's and helpful Information

February 25, 2016

Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika.

Minutes Matter: Knowing the Signs of Heart Disease Can Save a Life

February 01, 2016

When a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. In fact, the first few minutes are critical in determining the short-term and long-term outcome for the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the people who die from heart attacks, about half will die within an hour of their first symptoms.

Keep the Happy in Your Holidays: Tips to Help You Make the Most of the Season

December 09, 2015

Take it one day at a time. Often, the anticipation of the holiday is worse than the actual holiday. Instead of spending the days leading up to the holiday worrying about how you will manage, find ways to keep your mind busy. Pick up a new book, try out a new hobby or take that painting class you’ve always wanted to try.

Physician Practice Unveil New Identities to Reflect Affiliation with Harris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital and Duke LifePoint Healthcare

July 24, 2015

Sylva and Bryson City, North Carolina (July 22, 2015) – Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, both Duke LifePoint hospitals, announced that their employed physician practices will feature new names that highlight their association with the hospitals. The name changes will also reflect their affiliation with Duke LifePoint Healthcare, as each practice will be labeled ‘A Duke LifePoint Physician Practice’.

National Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment continues, important deadline approaches

July 10, 2015

Sylva, NC – Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are continuing to remind individuals without health insurance coverage that the national Health Insurance Marketplace is currently open for enrollment and re-enrollment. For those wishing to have coverage begin or continue starting January 1, 2015, the enrollment or re-enrollment deadline is Monday, December 15.

Harris Regional Hospital to host wellness education event on healthy eating and fit lifestyle

July 10, 2015

Sylva, NC – Harris Regional Hospital will host a wellness education event centered around healthy eating and living a fit lifestyle on Tuesday, January 6 from 6-7pm in the main lobby at Harris Regional Hospital. The event is part of a year-long series of wellness events held in partnership with Jackson County Department of Public Health the first Tuesday of each month.

Increase in Flu Causes Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital to Start Visitation Restrictions

July 10, 2015

Sylva & Bryson City, NC – Due to the rising number of flu cases in our surrounding communities and facilities, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital have begun limiting visitors to the hospitals in order to reduce the risk of transmitting the flu to our patients, visitors, and staff. Restrictions will apply to visitors 12 years old and under and any visitor with symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, sore throat, etc.).

Harris Regional Welcomes First Babies of 2015

January 02, 2015

Harris Regional Hospital was pleased to welcome twin girls Sangelina and Klarajane Hernandez on Friday, January 2, the first babies born at the hospital in 2015.