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Peachtree – The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history ended with legislation that included $3 million in funding for upgrades to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, which serves Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C., District 11) requested the funding, which was included in the federal appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. President Donald Trump signed the bill on Nov. 12, reopening the federal government and directing this funding to Erlanger Western Carolina and other hospitals.
This federal funding will enable Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital to expand the impact of its medical facility in the region, enabling it to provide health care to rural populations on a larger scale and with greater efficiency, hospital officials announced.
Specific details related to facility improvements will be released later, although Representative Edwards’ gave a glimpse of funding impacts, saying it would create 20,000 additional square feet of patient care areas, laboratory space, and radiology services.
“The people I represent in western North Carolina face challenges accessing the highest quality health care in our rural communities,” Edwards said.
“That’s why, as a House appropriator, I directed federal funding to add a new clinic at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. … Western North Carolinians deserve consistent, high-quality health care, and this clinic serves as an important step toward reaching that goal.”
Stephanie Boynton, market president and CEO of outreach, said, “Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital will be able to deliver even higher quality healthcare to more Carolinians thanks to Congressman Edwards’ successful efforts to direct federal funding to our rural health facilities.
“I am grateful to Congressman Edwards for using his position of leadership in Congress to prioritize access to health care in western North Carolina.”
New chief of staff
In addition, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital has appointed Dr. Terry Fokakis, DO, as its chief of staff, serving as a senior physician who oversees clinical operations, the medical staff, and the quality of patient care.
“Fokakis is a board-certified family medicine physician who brings proven experience, deep commitment to patient care and a collaborative leadership style that will continue to strengthen the partnership between the medical staff and hospital administration,” the hospital announced in a release.
Fokakis practices full-spectrum family medicine, with pediatrics, adults including women’s health and psychiatric care. He also serves when needed in the Emergency Department at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.
He earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences before attending William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Miss., for medical school. Before his appointment to Erlanger, Fokakis completed a family medicine residency at McLennan County Medical Education & Research Foundation in Waco, Texas
“My goal over the next couple of years is to help our small hospital grow into a place where the community can trust that they are getting high-quality care with a small-town feel,” he said.
“This transformation has already started with the recruitment of good Emergency Department providers, an excellent hospitalist medical director, an endocrinologist and a new general surgeon. When I finish my role as the chief of staff, I hope that the staff and community will be proud of the progress we have made.”
Dr. Jeff Martin of Cherokee County, the previous chief of staff, was also praised by the hospital for his distinguished service, exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to the medical staff and patients. He served as chief of staff for Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital from April 2023 to June 2025.
During his tenure, the hospital realized significant achievements, including:
- advancements in clinical quality and patient safety initiatives;
- strengthened alignment between the medical staff and hospital administration;
- recruitment and retention of key providers to enhance local access to care;
- successful accreditation outcomes and recognition for excellence in quality performance;
- reinforced leadership and mentorship fostering future physician leaders.
About Erlanger
Erlanger is a nonprofit health system based in Chattanooga, Tenn., affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. The seven-hospital system includes the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, children’s hospital, Level IV NICU, kidney transplant center, 24/7 stroke care and other essential services.
Children’s Hospital at Erlanger provides trauma, critical and inpatient care. Erlanger is the sole provider of tertiary care services spanning a 50,000 square-mile region encompassing southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, northern Alabama and western North Carolina.
The health system comprises seven hospitals and emergency departments, provides medical services for six helicopters and offers care at all of life’s stages. With a history of more than a century, Erlanger continues its founding mission to compassionately care for people.
Details: Visit erlanger.org.