General News
Cape Fear Valley Health has been recognized as a 2025 Well-Being First Champion by ALL IN: Well-Being First for Healthcare, a national initiative focused on improving the well-being of the health care workforce and advancing mental health support across the industry.
The Well-Being First Champion designation is awarded to health systems that demonstrate a commitment to supporting clinicians by removing stigmatizing language and barriers related to mental health care from credentialing and licensing applications. The recognition highlights Cape Fear Valley Health’s efforts to foster a culture where physicians and providers can prioritize their well-being while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.
“Working in health care is both deeply meaningful and inherently demanding,” said Sam Fleishman, MD, chief medical officer at Cape Fear Valley Health. “Each day, our physicians and providers navigate complex clinical challenges while supporting patients, families, colleagues and care teams. The responsibility is great, and the emotional and professional demands can be significant. Sustaining personal well-being, managing stress and prioritizing self-care are essential not only for individual success, but for maintaining the strength and resilience required to care for others.”
Cape Fear Valley Health’s licensure and credentialing applications were independently verified through the ALL IN initiative to ensure they are free from intrusive or stigmatizing language related to mental health treatment. The designation affirms the organization’s commitment to creating an environment where clinicians can seek care without fear of stigma or professional consequence.
In addition to this national recognition, Cape Fear Valley Health continues to support team members through programs focused on clinician well-being and retention, including participation in the North Carolina Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-Being Consortium (NCCPRW). The consortium provides resources, collaboration opportunities and evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing burnout, strengthening resilience and improving professional satisfaction among health care providers.
“As part of this recognition, our licensure and credentialing applications have been independently verified as free from intrusive or stigmatizing language related to mental health treatment,” Fleishman said. “More importantly, it affirms our belief that caring for those who care for others is a fundamental responsibility of our organization. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being, strengthens resilience and supports providers in both their professional and personal success.”
ALL IN: Well-Being First for Healthcare is a coalition of leading health care organizations committed to improving workforce well-being nationwide by reducing barriers to mental health care and promoting supportive workplace cultures.
Cape Fear Valley Health continues to invest in programs, resources and initiatives designed to support workforce resilience, recognizing that caregiver well-being is directly connected to patient safety, quality outcomes and community health.
Pictured from left are Sam Fleishman, MD, Enterprise Chief Medical Officer for Cape Fear Valley Health; Girum Feyissa, MD, Chief of Staff for Cape Fear Valley Health; Emmanuel Aka, MD, Hospitalist Physician Executive for Cape Fear Valley Health; Sandra Carr Johnson, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the Cape Fear Valley Health Provider Network; Michael Ruzek, MD, Chief Quality Officer for Cape Fear Valley Health; and Toks Folarin, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Harnett Health.
