WRAL Investigates: WakeMed eyes $919 million expansion as Atrium deal faces uncertain future
WakeMed is proposing more than $919 million in new hospitals and expansions across Wake County as uncertainty continues over its proposed merger with Atrium Health.
Via WRAL. See Original Story Here
WakeMed unveiled major expansion plans as the health system waits to learn the fate of its proposed merger with Atrium Health. Records obtained by WRAL Investigates show WakeMed filed four separate applications with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for projects totaling more than $919 million in new investments.
Among the proposals, WakeMed is eyeing new hospitals in Rolesville and Wendell. If approved, the facilities could add up to 90 hospital beds in Wake County.
WakeMed also asked for state approval to expand its Raleigh and Cary hospital campuses. Those projects could add another 143 beds.
The health system is seeking to grow as its highly scrutinized merger with Atrium Health remains stalled. The two health care companies announced plans to join forces in May. Wake County commissioners paused the deal shortly afterward, following a wave of pushback from residents and state and local leaders.
WRAL Investigates sent WakeMed a series of questions about the expansion plans, including:
Will WakeMed be able to move forward with this project if the company doesn't get money anticipated from the Atrium deal?
Why did hospital system leadership feel now was a good time to propose these expansions, given the uncertainty surrounding the Atrium deal?
What would these plans mean for health care in Wake County if projects get approved? What if they don’t?
"The strategic combination is designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both health systems to enhance access, quality and long-term sustainability of care while strengthening competition in Wake County," a WakeMed spokesperson said in an email statement. "Together, the organizations intend to accelerate strategic investments in infrastructure, expand innovative programs that improve access to care across North Carolina, deepen community partnerships, and advance population health outcomes. While the combination would accelerate the implementation and delivery of the proposed capital and strategic initiatives, WakeMed remains fully capable of executing each project independently, as proposed."
WakeMed took the same position in its applications filed with NCDHHS, writing that its plans are not dependent on funding tied to the proposed agreement with Atrium Health.
Concerns among leaders about deal
Many people across Wake County have raised concerns about what the deal could mean for health care. State and local leaders have pushed back against the agreement, arguing it could drive up prices for patients.
Atrium has pointed to research it says shows hospital mergers can reduce operating expenses. The company also cited outcomes from other Advocate Health combinations, including improvements in hospital mortality and chronic disease management.
Under the deal, Atrium Health would assume the leading role in the nonprofit entity that operates WakeMed. In return, Atrium has promised to invest at least $2 billion in WakeMed’s expansion plans throughout the county. The deal would allow Atrium to enter the fast-growing Triangle market and compete with other health systems such as UNC Health and Duke Health.
Gov. Josh Stein's office sent a letter to WakeMed leadership earlier this month about the deal.
“North Carolinians rely on high-quality, affordable health care,” Stein’s office said in the letter. “WakeMed has long provided access to such care in Wake County. WakeMed’s recently announced proposed combination with Atrium Health will therefore have a significant effect on health care in Wake County and beyond. Accordingly, the proposed combination deserves close scrutiny and careful consideration.”
A spokesperson for Stein said Friday that WakeMed had acknowledged receipt of the letter but had not yet responded in writing to the questions it raised. The spokesperson said the system is “currently working to address the governor's questions about this important combination and its impact on the long-term health of WakeMed and our community.”
Wake County commissioners, who must sign off on the deal, have yet to set a date for a formal vote. Several community meetings have been held in recent months to gather feedback. Commissioners also met with WakeMed leadership to question officials directly about the potential impacts of the proposed merger.
Via WRAL. See Original Story Here
Alzheimer’s Association Encourages the Triangle Area to Take Charge of Their Brain Health
This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter is encouraging North Carolinians to take charge of their brain health.
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
RALEIGH, N.C., May 29, 2025 – This June, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter is encouraging North Carolinians to take charge of their brain health.
Today, there are more than 7 million people age 65 and older in the United States living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 210,000 in North Carolina. Two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. The brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s are thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms start, which suggests that there may be a substantial window of time in which to intervene in the progression of the disease.
Experts believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s. It’s likely the disease develops as a result of multiple factors. While not a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. Although some risk factors like age can’t be changed, as many as 45% of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure and lack of physical activity. Research shows that adopting healthy behaviors — like getting exercise and good quality sleep — can improve your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
“Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month offers the perfect opportunity for North Carolina residents to take charge of their brain health,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “We want people to know there are steps they can take to keep their brains healthy. We also want to encourage anyone experiencing memory or thinking problems to talk to their doctor. There are many possible causes — and if it is Alzheimer’s disease, there are numerous benefits to getting a timely diagnosis.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is offering five suggestions to take charge of your brain health and support the cause:
Incorporate healthy habits that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline: Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to incorporate these 10 Healthy Habits — such as challenging your mind and eating healthier foods — to help protect brain health. Whatever your age or stage of life, now is the time to take charge of your brain health.
Learn the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia: Many people equate Alzheimer’s to memory loss, and while that is one of the most common signs, there are others that can signal cognitive decline, including altered judgment, mood changes, challenges in decision-making, and planning and carrying out projects. Some memory changes can be a normal part of the aging process, but when changes start to interfere with daily living or stray drastically from the person’s normal behavior, it’s best to get it checked. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s to help people identify potential warning signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
Be proactive in addressing memory and thinking problems: Studies show many individuals experiencing memory and thinking problems often put off discussing them with a doctor. However, early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment. It also provides diagnosed individuals more time to plan for the future, participate in clinical trials and to live with a higher quality of life for as long as possible. In addition, there are now treatments that can slow disease progression for people in the early stage of Alzheimer's, making a timely diagnosis critically important. If you or a family is experiencing memory or thinking problems, it is important to get it checked. The Alzheimer’s Association offers tips and resources to help families navigate these conversations.
Help accelerate disease-related research: Clinical trials hold the key to new and better Alzheimer's disease treatments. Individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, caregivers and healthy volunteers are needed to participate in clinical trials that help advance Alzheimer's research. Today, more than 50,000 participants are needed in current Alzheimer’s clinical trials examining potential new treatments — with hundreds of thousands more needed in broader dementia research studies. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® is a free, easy-to-use service that connects interested individuals with appropriate trials.
Volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association: As an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, you can help those in your community take steps to reduce their dementia risk and recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s. Our education and support programs are flexible and easy to learn, giving you the opportunity to become a leader in the effort to end Alzheimer’s.
In June, the Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter is also offering several virtual and in-person events in conjunction with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. These programs and more can be found at alz.org/ENCMonthlyPrograms or by calling 800.272.3900.
An Era of Hope: Virtual Community Awareness Summit | June 3 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | live webinar
Learn from inspiring speakers about the progress we have made in Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment, and what it's like navigating a dementia diagnosis in this new era. Find out how we have more hope than ever before, and how you can be a part of it.
Healthy Living for your Brain and Body
Science is helping us understand how to stay mentally and physically healthy as we get older. Learn how to eat well, stay active, keep your mind sharp, and connect with others to support healthy aging.
June 17 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Durham
June 19 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | live webinar
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking and behavior problems that interfere with daily living. Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer's Association resources.
June 20 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Wendell
June 23 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | live webinar
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer's, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available, and Alzheimer's Association resources.
June 1 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. | Cary
June 10 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Durham
The Longest Day: Fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s on the day with the most light | June 20
During June, the Alzheimer’s Association is also inviting North Carolina residents to participate in The Longest Day®. Held annually around the summer solstice, The Longest Day invites participants to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice. Throughout the month and culminating on the summer solstice, June 20, The Longest Day participants will use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Participants bake, bike, hike, golf, knit, play bridge and take part in other favorite activities. Some examples of the more than 150 activities taking place across North Carolina for The Longest Day, including the Triangle:
Carnival | June 20 | 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. | TerraBella Hillsborough, 1911 Orange Grove Road, Hillsborough
Alpha Theta Rock-A-Thon | June 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 105 West Chatham Street, Cary
For more information on how to host your own fundraiser for The Longest Day, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
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About Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Established by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s and other dementia. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, available resources and how you can get involved to support the cause, visit alz.org/abam.
Fight the Darkness of Alzheimer’s by Supporting The Longest Day
The Longest Day® is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. The Longest Day participants fight the darkness of Alzheimer's and all other dementia through a fundraising activity of their choice on a day that works for them. With sports tournaments, card games, parties, baking and more, participants raise funds to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. For more information and to register, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About the Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter:
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in 51 eastern North Carolina counties. It offers opportunities to get involved and to make a difference, in addition to a variety of services including: a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs and care consultations. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, or the Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern North Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
