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Piedmont's Weekly Update
Date: January 2, 2026
Welcome to this week's leadership update. We're committed to keeping you informed about the important developments across our organization, celebrating our team's achievements, and sharing insights that matter to you. This weekly communication is designed to foster transparency, recognize excellence, and strengthen our community as we work together toward our shared mission of serving those who depend on us.
Federal & State Updates
Courts Temporarily Block the 340B Rebate Pilot
A U.S. federal district court judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the HRSA 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, preventing it from taking effect as planned. Although the lawsuit was filed solely by hospital associations and individual hospitals, the injunction applies nationwide, blocking the pilot entirely (i.e., for all 340B covered entities).
As of now, HRSA has only posted a brief announcement on its website confirming the pause in compliance with the court's order, with no further details available. This means the pilot cannot legally proceed on January 1, 2026. Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve!
North Carolina Receives 10th Largest Rural Health Transformation Funding Award in Nation
On Monday the federal government announced funding awards for the Rural Health Transformation program. North Carolina will receive $213,008,356 for Fiscal Year 2026 – the 10th largest award in the country.
For more info, see CMS' press release and compilation of State project abstracts. Great News for North Carolina in terms of access to health services in rural areas!
PHS Updates
IT & Technology Advances
Our technology infrastructure continues to strengthen with new KPIs focused on end-user readiness, help desk performance, and project management excellence. Smile Back customer satisfaction tracking is now live, with First Contact Resolution metrics launching in January.
Operations Milestones
Patient Access optimization continues across all sites. PHS saw increased Missed Opportunities in November with reported ICE activity and inclement weather, but recovered well into December with levels decreasing back to August benchmarks.
UDS Reporting
Uniform Data Systems (UDS) preparations are underway for 2025 reporting in 2026. Over 900 data sets containing Clinical, Quality, Financial and Demographic data will be collated in January for mid-February submission to HRSA.
IT & Technology Advances
Our technology infrastructure continues to strengthen with the launch of new KPIs focused on end-user readiness, help desk performance, and project management excellence. Smile Back customer satisfaction tracking is now live, with First Contact Resolution metrics launching in January. We're advancing preparations for both Epic and Pioneer implementations—transformational tools that will enhance our capabilities throughout 2026.
Operations Milestones
Operations teams have been working diligently to ensure Patient Access is optimized across all sites. PHS saw an increase in Missed Opportunities in November with reported ICE activity and inclement weather days – but we have recovered well into December with Missed Opportunities decreasing back to August levels.
Missed Opportunities are when an appointment goes unfilled at the end of the day – our goal is to minimize them to ensure patients get care when they want it, where they want it and PHS can also maximize revenue opportunities by not leaving them vacant where possible.
Uniform Data Systems (UDS) is here
Uniform Data Systems (UDS) preparations are underway for 2025 reporting in 2026! Over 900 data sets containing Clinical, Quality, Financial and Demographic data will be collated in January for submission in mid-February to HRSA. This is one of the most important reporting projects for all 1,500 Federally Qualified Health Centers nationwide. Stay tuned for more information as the process continues!
Board Meeting Highlights: December 18, 2025
Strategic Goal Achievements
The Chief Medical Officer reported successful completion of all 2025 strategic goals. Key accomplishments include significant progress in workforce stabilization, robust provider recruitment, and a flawless Joint Commission survey with no high-risk findings. These efforts, alongside advancements in value-based care and patient access improvements, provide a strong foundation for our 2026 Catalyst digital transformation initiatives.
PACE Program Expansion
Jeff Sumpter shared an update on the PACE Program, which maintained a stable 2025 census of 271 participants. Exciting growth opportunities have been identified in Alamance County. To achieve our 2026 objectives, the program aims for approximately 90 new enrollments, underscoring our commitment to expanding critical services and increasing our community impact.
Farewell to Marcia Bleil
Marcia Bleil, our esteemed Director of Finance, is embarking on a new chapter, transitioning out of her role effective January 23, 2026. Marcia has been an outstanding leader and partner, making a lasting impact on PHS with her expertise, dedication, and positive energy. We are immensely grateful for her contributions.
As Marcia prepares for her next adventure, she is meticulously crafting a comprehensive transition plan. She will work closely with the team to ensure seamless coverage and uninterrupted operations. We are fortunate to retain the support of our Fractional CFO, Don Holloman, and are actively interviewing trusted local firms to bolster our finance team. Simultaneously, we are recruiting for the permanent CFO role, excited to welcome new talent.
Please join us in thanking Marcia for her exceptional service and wishing her every success and happiness in the journey ahead—she has truly earned it!
The Heart of Our Mission
Honey Bunny's Reunion
Sometimes the most powerful moments happen beyond clinical care. When PACE participant R. Oglesbee care needs changed to include a stay in a care facility, the hardest part wasn't leaving home— it was being apart from his beloved Chihuahua, Honey Bunny.
During a rehab visit at PACE, Mr. Oglesbee shared his situation with Rehabilitation Services Aide Thelma W., who learned about his time away from Honey Bunny and offered to pet-sit and bring her for visits. This week, that promise became reality with a heartwarming surprise reunion at the PACE center.
Throughout Mr. Oglesbee's extended nursing home stay, Thelma stepped in with extraordinary kindness and compassion, caring for Honey Bunny and ensuring their bond remained strong.

This beautiful reunion captures the essence of who we are—a team that goes above and beyond the walls of our centers to truly care for the whole person. Thank you, Thelma, for embodying our values and showing what compassionate care truly means. Stories like this remind us why our work matters every single day.
Looking Ahead Together
As we close this first weekly update of 2026, thank you for the incredible work you do every day to serve our patients, participants, and communities with compassion and excellence. Your commitment fuels our progress and strengthens the heart of PHS. Let's carry this momentum forward with renewed energy, collaboration, and pride in the difference we make together.
Wishing you a joyful and restorative weekend filled with the people and moments that recharge you. Thank you for bringing your passion, compassion, and excellence to PHS every day—together, we're making 2026 our best year yet!
Les deseo un fin de semana alegre y reparador, lleno de las personas y momentos que los recargan. ¡Gracias por traer su pasión, compasión y excelencia a PHS cada día—juntos, haremos de 2026 nuestro mejor año hasta ahora!
With gratitude,
Daniella Jaimes-Colina, PhD, MBA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer