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SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at CarolinaEast Medical Center is officially open!

January 25^th was a celebratory day for CarolinaEast Medical Center as an official Ribbon Cutting marked the opening of the new SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at CarolinaEast Medical Center.  Hundreds of guests and supporters from the medical community, local leaders and partners, and SECU Foundation representatives were on hand for the event.  The opening of the three-story cancer facility brings exciting news to residents in the coastal Carolina region – expanded patient care, treatment options, and prevention programs close to home.  The member-funded SECU Foundation first announced its support for the initiative in 2017, providing a $3.5 million grant to assist CarolinaEast Foundation with construction efforts.

Jo Anne Sanford, Chair of the SECU Foundation Board of Directors, spoke briefly during the event on behalf of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members.  She remarked, “The collaboration and perseverance of CarolinaEast Health System representatives and the medical community, along with the many partners and donors, have helped make this beautiful facility a reality.  You recognized the growing need for comprehensive cancer care in this region and your commitment to action, despite any obstacles encountered, carried you to the finish line.  SECU members share your strong commitment for the health of the people and communities of our state, which is exemplified through the Foundation’s grant for this initiative.”

CarolinaEast Health System’s unique partnership with UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill will enable the Cancer Center to provide comprehensive care at a much higher level than previously offered and will limit the number of patients who must transfer to neighboring institutions for specialized treatment.  Reports from CarolinaEast Medical Center show that four of the top twelve North Carolina counties with the highest incidence rates for cancer directly border Craven County.

“This is a milestone day in the history of CarolinaEast Health System, New Bern, Craven County, and the entire coastal Carolina region as we are seeing our first patients in the SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at CarolinaEast Medical Center.  This has truly been a team effort, as seen through our over 800 community donors providing over $10 million.  I believe that speaks highly to the people here and the type of community that we live in,” said Ray Leggett, President and CEO of CarolinaEast Health System.

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