Haywood Regional Medical Center annual report highlights investment in care, community

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) today published its community benefit report for the 2025 calendar year, highlighting the hospital’s continued commitment to supporting the health and economic vitality of Haywood County and the surrounding region as part of its mission of making communities healthier®. The report outlines the hospital’s investments in patient care, access, facilities, workforce development, community partnerships, and support for individuals in need.

“Haywood Regional Medical Center is proud to serve our neighbors, families and friends across Haywood County and western North Carolina,” said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, HRMC’s chief executive officer. “Healthcare is personal, and our team remains focused on providing high-quality care close to home while continuing to invest in the services, technology, and people needed to meet our community’s needs. This report reflects the meaningful impact our hospital has both within our walls and throughout the region.”

The 2025 report showcases HRMC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen access to care through the addition of new providers in orthopaedics, family medicine, wound care, and women’s care. The hospital also invested more than $5.4 million in capital improvements, including an outpatient MRI machine, new patient beds for the hospital’s ICU, and a transurethral waterjet ablation robotic system.

In 2025, HRMC donated more than $26.9 million in charity and other uncompensated care, reflecting the hospital’s continued commitment to caring for patients regardless of their ability to pay. The hospital also invested in community benefit programs, including financial and in-kind contributions, professional development, tuition reimbursement, community health services, and physician recruitment.

As one of the region’s major employers, HRMC distributed a payroll of more than $79.1 million for approximately 1,070 employees, supporting both local families and the broader economy. The hospital also paid more than $17.3 million in local and state taxes, contributing to essential public services and community infrastructure.

Together, HRMC’s charity and uncompensated care, community benefit programs, and taxes paid totaled more than $45.2 million in economic impact for 2025.

The report also highlights Haywood Regional’s ongoing support for local organizations and community events, including the Canton Labor Day Festival, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Health Fair, Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, Haywood County Schools, Haywood County Department on Aging, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Haywood County MLK Association, Pisgah High School and Tuscola High School student sponsorships, Power of Pink 5K, The Salvation Army, and many more.

“We are honored to be part of this community and grateful for the trust patients place in our care every day,” said Shugart. “Our providers, employees, and volunteers are the heart of Haywood, and their dedication makes this work possible. As we look ahead, we remain committed to advancing care, improving lives, and being a strong community partner for the people we serve.”