CommWell Health of Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner has completed a major renovation and reconfiguration of its healthcare facility in Sampson County in time for its 50th anniversary. The updated campus strengthens access to primary care, dental, and behavioral health services for residents in this rural community while creating new jobs in the healthcare field.
The Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner campus serves approximately 10,000 patients with approximately 35,000 visits per year. The project supports a wide range of services including pediatrics, infectious disease care, specialty services, laboratory and x-ray services, and a pharmacy.
In 2020, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $500,000 to support the renovations of the Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner campus that resulted in significant economic benefits. The project created 47 new jobs, including four healthcare provider positions, with an average wage of more than $55,000. Many of these new roles support clinical operations, registration, and patient care teams that keep the integrated health model running smoothly.
CommWell Health’s Chief Executive Officer Pam Tripp said the effort was part of a long-term strategy to modernize the Newton Grove campus, which has served the community since the late 1970s.
“This project is the result of intentional planning by our leadership and board,” Tripp said. “We wanted to create a campus that reflects the future of healthcare in rural North Carolina, where patients can receive the highest quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services in one connected space.”
The renovation project was the result of a strategic planning process by the senior leadership, who had the understanding that a project this big takes time, resources, and patience.
“We received federal funding and funding from the Cannon Foundation as well,” said Chris Vann, CommWell Health’s Senior Director of Development and Government Affairs. “We phased the implementation of the plan. We had to find the right fit with our mission and vision and the mission of our funding partners.”
The organization redesigned its facility to improve collaboration among care teams. Traditional provider offices were replaced with shared team rooms that make it easier for medical and behavioral health professionals to consult with one another. The model allows for same-day coordination when a patient needs additional support, strengthening the quality and continuity of care.
“This new setup keeps communication flowing and ensures patients receive the right care when they need it,” said Vann. “It also supports our philosophy that everything we do at CommWell Health is about teamwork. Nothing of significance is ever accomplished alone.”
The campus transformation is also helping develop the region’s future healthcare workforce. CommWell Health maintains strong partnerships with secondary schools and universities to offer students hands-on learning opportunities. The organization has seen a direct connection between students who train at CommWell Health and those who later accept employment within the organization.
Tiffany Horne, CommWell Health’s Senior Director of Nursing is a resident of the community she serves.
“Having someone who grew up in the community serving our patients adds a level of trust,” said Horne. “We often work with farmers, their families, and farm workers, who live and work in this community. We are there for the patient 110%, meeting them where they are.”
Located in the heart of an agricultural area, the Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner facility continues to play a vital role in supporting the health and economic stability of the surrounding rural communities. By combining job creation, education, and access to care, CommWell Health is ensuring that families across southeastern North Carolina have the resources they need to live healthier lives close to home.