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For three decades, FirstHealth of the Carolinas has been dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered health care across the Sandhills region. Since its inception in 1995 to today’s cutting-edge advancements, FirstHealth has grown into a comprehensive health care system and trusted provider of world-class care to the communities it serves.
1995
The Birth of FirstHealth: A Vision for Regional Care
In the early 1990s, Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst and Montgomery Memorial Hospital in Troy faced a pivotal moment. Both hospitals recognized that health care was changing and collaboration was the key to providing sustainable, high-quality care in rural communities. That shared vision led to the formation of FirstHealth of the Carolinas in 1995.
A New Health System Takes Shape
Charles T. Frock, who became the first CEO of FirstHealth, recalls the strategic planning that shaped the system’s future:
“As we looked ahead, we knew we needed to develop as a health care system, not just a hospital. Our goal was to serve the entire Sandhills region and provide comprehensive care beyond acute hospital services. We focused on efficiency, innovation and ensuring access to quality care for all patients, regardless of economic status. Creating FirstHealth allowed us to build a strong, integrated network while maintaining deep community connections.”
For Montgomery Memorial Hospital, the merger with Moore Regional meant access to critical resources and expanded services. Kerry Hensley, who served as administrator of Montgomery Memorial, reflects on the impact of this partnership:
“Before we became part of FirstHealth, access to services in Montgomery County was a challenge. Becoming a critical access hospital within the system ensured that we always had emergency physicians available and could focus on community health—not just acute care. The commitment FirstHealth has shown to Montgomery County has been tremendous, and this partnership has strengthened our ability to serve local patients.”
Expanding Services and Meeting the Community Needs
Over the years, FirstHealth has continued to grow, adding essential services and facilities to better serve the region. Here’s a look back at some of the pivotal moments over the last three decades:
1995
Dental Care Brings Smiles to Families
FirstHealth Dental Care opens its doors to care for underserved children. More than 28,000 children have benefited from this dedicated service that now offers dental care in Moore and Montgomery counties.
FirstHealth Opens Medically Based Fitness
FirstHealth Fitness opens first medically based fitness center in Pinehurst. FirstHealth Fitness has grown to eight locations across the Sandhills, which includes the Cancer Wellness Center at the FirstHealth Cancer Center.
Specialized Care for the Region’s Tiniest Babies
FirstHealth expands neonatal care with the establishment of a neonatal intensive care unit at Moore Regional to provide intensive care for premature newborns. FirstHealth has continued to expand Women & Children’s services in the region with specialized providers and clinic locations, maternal fetal medicine program and plans to build a dedicated women’s pavilion on the Moore Regional campus.
1996
FirstHealth EMS
FirstHealth begins offering Emergency Medical Services in Montgomery County. FirstHealth EMS now serves Montgomery, Lee, Chatham and Richmond counties.
1997-2000
In Love and Service
The community raises $11 million through the Foundation of FirstHealth’s In Love and Service campaign to fund the construction of tremendous growth on the Moore Regional campus:
• Nursing tower
• Comprehensive cancer center
• Emergency department
• Parking deck
1998
High-Quality Care at Home
FirstHealth opens FirstHealth Home Care, which now provides the highest standard home care to patients in Moore, Richmond, Montgomery, Lee, Hoke and Scotland counties.
1999
Critical Access Designation
Montgomery Memorial Hospital becomes a designated Critical Access Hospital, ensuring financial stability and continued access to care for rural communities.
First Bariatric Procedure
Moore Regional Hospital performs its first bariatric surgery, marking the start of a life-changing program for patients with obesity.
2001
Expanding in Richmond County
FirstHealth acquires Richmond Memorial Hospital, later renamed FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond bringing specialty care closer to residents in Richmond County.
2003
Emergency Care in Richmond County
Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond opens new $4.8 million emergency department.
Specialized Hospital Care
FirstHealth begins Hospitalist program with 24/7 dedicated specialized care for patients in the hospital.
2007
Expansion in Specialty Care
Specialty Centers Building opens on Moore Regional campus housing the Chest Center, Pain Clinic, Infectious Diseases Clinic, Bariatric Center, Outpatient Behavioral Services and Wound Care& Hyperbaric Center.
Advancements in Robotic Surgery
FirstHealth begins robotic surgery at Moore Regional with da Vinci surgical robot. FirstHealth now has multiple robotic surgery systems at FirstHealth, allowing surgeons to provide minimally invasive general, gynecologic oncology, gynecology, thoracic, urology, orthopaedics and bariatric surgery.
2008
Around-the-Clock Neurosurgery & Spine Care
A collaboration with UNC establishes 24/7 neurosurgery and spine care in the Sandhills, providing access to advanced specialty care locally.
2011-2012
Stepping Stones Campaign
The Foundation of FirstHealth’s Stepping Stones Campaign, which was the largest fundraising initiative in its history, supported the Reid Heart Center, FirstHealth Hospice Campus and the Clara McLean House.
- Reid Heart Center- The state-of-the-art Reid Heart Center consolidates specialty services under one roof, offering innovative treatments like TAVR and MitraClip procedures.
- FirstHealth Hospice Campus- The 30-plus acre Hospice Campus opens with a Hospice House, Chapel and Grief Resource and Counseling Center.
- Clara’s House Welcomes Guests- The Clara McLean House welcomes its first guests, offering a comforting, caring and affordable place to stay for FirstHealth out-of-town patients, families and caregivers.
2012
FirstHealth Establishes Convenient Care Clinics
FirstHealth begins offering convenient care services to fill the void between a true emergency and preventive care from a primary care doctor. FirstHealth operates nine Convenient Care Clinics throughout the Sandhills.
2013
Hoke County’s First Hospital
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke opens, bringing inpatient care and a 24/7 emergency department to Raeford.
2016
FirstHealth Acquires Sandhills Regional
FirstHealth acquires Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet and renamed it Moore Regional Hospital-Hamlet. However, a shift in patients’ visits to other FirstHealth facilities resulted in the consolidation of all hospital-based clinical services on the MRH-Richmond campus. FirstHealth still offers many services in clinics throughout Hamlet.
2017
FirstHealth Switches to Epic EHR
FirstHealth completes the successful conversion to Epic, an electronic health record system.
2018
Lee County Expansion
A new medical office building and fitness center opens in Sanford, offering convenient, primary and specialty care, outpatient imaging, fitness and rehabilitation services.
2019
FirstHealth On the Go Makes Seeing a Doctor Easier
FirstHealth launches FirstHealth On the Go providing people with virtual access to health care providers through the convenience of a phone, tablet or computer. In 2024, FirstHealth On the Go moved to MyChart offering an improved, all-in-one experience for accessing virtual care, appointment requests, test results and more.
2020
COVID-19 Response
FirstHealth heroes rise to meet the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic while continuing to provide exceptional care.
2022
Serving Cumberland County
FirstHealth establishes a Convenient Care and specialty clinic to care for patients close to home in Cumberland County.
2023
FirstHealth Cancer Center
The four-story, 120,000-square-foot center brings a full spectrum of cancer care to one location, enhancing accessibility for patients across the region. Community support was key in the center becoming a reality. The Building the Dream campaign – a $30 million fundraising effort led by The Foundation of FirstHealth – paid for almost half of the $68 million construction project.
2024
New Chatham County Clinic
FirstHealth Family Medicine-Pittsboro welcomes patients in Chatham County and expands to offer specialty care services to the community.
Services Expand in Whispering Pines
FirstHealth expands in Whispering Pines with a new facility offering convenient care, family medicine and 24-hour fitness.
2025
Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
When Mickey Foster became CEO of FirstHealth in 2019, he inherited a system already known for excellence. Under his leadership, FirstHealth has continued to expand its reach while maintaining its independence.
“Since joining FirstHealth, I’ve been incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Foster said. “We have been named one of the ‘Top 100 Hospitals’ in the nation three years in a row and more than any other hospital in North Carolina, and we continue to expand services in key areas. The new hospital in Montgomery County, set to break ground in 2025, is just one example of our commitment to rural health care. We’re also planning a major expansion at Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke, which will allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of that community with the save level of quality and compassionate our patients expect.”
As FirstHealth looks to the future, initiatives like FirstFutures, which aims to address the state’s looming health care workforce shortage, will play a critical role in ensuring that the system remains strong for generations to come.
“We can build all the facilities we want, but without a strong workforce, what good is a health care system?” Foster said. “FirstFutures is our investment in the future, helping young people in our communities find a path into health care careers.”
A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Possibilities
Today, FirstHealth remains steadfast in its core purpose To Care for People with compassion and innovation. From its origins as a single hospital to its current status as a regional leader in health care, the organization continues to evolve while staying true to its core
values.
“I am very proud that FirstHealth has remained independent, and I am committed to preserving that independence,” Foster said. “The quality of our care, our patient experience, and our strong organizational culture will continue to drive our success and ensure that FirstHealth
remains a trusted leader in health care for years to come.”
