Honors an individual or team who successfully implemented a program addressing a problem in healthcare administration, delivery or community outreach
LAUREN HAIGLER
TITLE: RN
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Lauren Haigler recognized a need among new and expectant parents for essential baby items and community resources. Inspired to help, she began planning what would become the first Community Baby Shower in 2014.
The inaugural event was held in 2015 at a park in Shallotte and served approximately 150 families. As the event grew, the Brunswick Medical Center Foundation, Community Engagement, team members, volunteers and community partners helped expand its reach and impact, transforming it into the annual Novant Health Community Baby Shower. Today, the event continues to provide families with essential items, education, and support. In 2026, more than 250 families attended the Brunswick Medical Center Community Baby Shower and received critical resources such as car seats, Pack ‘n Plays, and strollers.
Lauren’s vision has also inspired expansion beyond Brunswick County. In May 2026, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center hosted its first Community Baby Shower, serving more than 385 families.”
– Jamie Vogler, patient services manager, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
LENEICE RICE
TITLE: Program manager
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship, CFCC/UNCW
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Leneice consistently goes beyond the expectations of her role by creating and supporting opportunities that strengthen not only individual students and healthcare professionals, but the healthcare workforce and broader community of Southeastern North Carolina.
Through her leadership of the Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship (CCHF), she has built a comprehensive support system for nursing students. … Through the Interdisciplinary Health Professions Summer Summit (iHPSS), she helped create a free, hands-on healthcare exploration experience for high school students. In 2026, 62 students participated in an interdisciplinary campus experience at UNCW and Cape Fear Community College, gaining exposure to healthcare careers, simulation, leadership, teamwork and professional certifications. By introducing young people to healthcare pathways early, she is helping build a stronger pipeline of future healthcare professionals. What makes her work exceptional is her ability to see beyond the immediate responsibilities of a program.”
– Sheri Leavens, assistant dean of student success and academic advising, UNCW
CHILD FIRST TEAM
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Horizons
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “For 10 years, the Child First Team at Coastal Horizons has addressed one of healthcare’s most consequential but frequently overlooked challenges: the effect of trauma and chronic stress on the mental health and development of infants and young children. …”
Child First is one of the Coastal Horizons programs led by regional community-based family services program director Stephen Rieman (pictured above). Tiffany Salter is the assistant director and directly oversees the three Wilmington-based teams for just Child First.
“Child First is a nationally recognized infant and early-childhood mental health treatment and prevention program. … The program supports children experiencing emotional, social, behavioral or developmental challenges, as well as families affected by trauma, caregiver mental illness or substance use, domestic violence, poverty, incarceration, family separation and other sources of toxic stress. …
“Instead of requiring families already facing significant challenges to overcome transportation, childcare and scheduling barriers, Child First brings services to the child’s natural environment. …”
– Elizabeth Redenbaugh, vice president of development and external affairs, Coastal Horizons
Read more about all of the 2026 Health Care Heroes finalists
here.
