RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services celebrated a major milestone in healthcare modernization today with the official launch of an Epic-powered electronic health record system across all 13 state-operated healthcare facilities. The ceremony took place at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, marking the culmination of a multi-year, $70 million initiative.
Comprehensive Care for Vulnerable Populations
The new system serves facilities that provide critical medical and behavioral treatment for adults and children with mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and neuro-medical conditions. The electronic health records went live across all state-operated facilities on August 1, 2025.
“This new electronic health records system is about giving our patients the safest, most coordinated care possible and improving our state’s behavioral health system,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By modernizing how we manage health information, we can ensure our providers and partners have the right details at the right time to deliver high-quality care.”
Enhanced Patient Safety and Care Coordination
The Epic system enables authorized providers across healthcare facilities to access patient health data, including test results, medications, and medical history. This accessibility allows medical teams to make more comprehensive, informed decisions while reducing delays and eliminating unnecessary repeat tests.
The system also incorporates safety features that flag potential drug allergies, harmful interactions, and other medical risks before they become problems for patients.
Local Impact at Cherry Hospital
Timothy Miller, CEO of Cherry Hospital, emphasized the direct benefits for patient care. “At Cherry Hospital, our mission is to provide excellent psychiatric care to individuals with the greatest need and the fewest resources,” Miller said. “By implementing electronic health records, our staff can spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on what matters most—caring for our patients.”
The new technology is expected to improve communication among care teams, streamline administrative processes, and strengthen the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality psychiatric services.
Legislative Support and Long-Term Vision
The implementation traces back to 2021 when Senator Jim Burgin sponsored Senate Bill 538, which directed NCDHHS to implement electronic health records across state psychiatric hospitals. Burgin noted that electronic records were the top request when he first visited Cherry Hospital seven years ago after his election.
“Folks that have been in a state health facility will have their records available at any facility that uses the Epic system,” Senator Burgin said. “This will lead to better healthcare for all North Carolinians.”
Patient Access Through MyChart Portal
As part of the Epic implementation, some state-operated facilities will provide patients with access to their health data through the MyChart online portal. Patients and residents over age 18, or their legal guardians, can view comprehensive health information in one location, including medications and test results from visits to multiple healthcare organizations.
Industry Partnership
Dan Murray, Epic Implementation Executive, called the NCDHHS implementation “a key milestone for state-operated healthcare,” expressing enthusiasm about bringing cutting-edge technology to support both staff and patients at these critical facilities.
The system rollout represents a significant step forward in North Carolina’s efforts to modernize its behavioral health infrastructure and improve outcomes for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.
