Johnston Health Foundation

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we’re celebrating all the dogs who bring so much joy, love, and unconditional companionship into our lives and giving a special shoutout to our friends at Red Barn Rescue Pups. Red Barn Rescue is a proud UNC Health Johnston Derby Day sponsor and does incredible work giving dogs a second chance at finding loving families.

08/24/2026

The new school year is underway in Johnston County! We loved seeing Foundation Board Member and Johnston County Superintendent Dr. David Pearce out visiting schools and welcoming students back.

We’re proud to have Dr. Pearce’s leadership and commitment represented both in our public schools and on the Johnston Health Foundation Board. We also didn’t know about his musical talent! Maybe we’ve found our next UNC Health Johnston Derby Day performer...

Wishing every teacher, staff member, and student a wonderful school year ahead!

“Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb…” was the tune selected by this student as he was joined by Superintendent Pearce during a Benson Elementary School visit!

Nothing beats receiving first day instruction from the Superintendent!

Things are off to a great start here in JCPS! 🍎📝✂️🚌

08/21/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our Board Chair, Jason Wenzel, on being selected by his peers for inclusion in the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Real Estate Law!

This well-deserved recognition reflects Jason’s outstanding professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the communities he serves. We’re grateful for the leadership and commitment he brings to Johnston Health Foundation and to the work we do.

Congratulations, Jason!

Narron Wenzel, P.A. is proud to announce that Managing Partner Jason W. Wenzel has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Real Estate Law.

Best Lawyers is regarded as one of the oldest and most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. Recognition is based entirely on peer evaluations, meaning lawyers are nominated and assessed by other attorneys in their practice area rather than through a paid submission or application process. Inclusion on the list is considered a significant honor precisely because it reflects the esteem of one’s own colleagues and competitors.

Wenzel has practiced law since 2002 and focuses his practice on commercial real estate, corporate and business transactions, commercial lending, leases, and like-kind exchanges. He earned his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and his B.A. in Economics and Political Science, magna cm laude, from Albion College, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina and before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and he currently serves as President of the 13th Judicial District Bar/Johnston County Bar Association.

This recognition adds to a career of professional distinctions for Wenzel, who is also AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was previously named a North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Narron Wenzel, P.A. congratulates Jason Wenzel on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued dedication to clients throughout Raleigh, Smithfield, Benson, and the surrounding communities.

08/19/2026

A day built around connection, courage, and fun.

Camp Courage returns September 12 at Sonlight Farms in Kenly, giving local kids a space made just for them, filled with campfires, games, and new friends who understand exactly what they're going through.

The Hospice Fund helps make this day possible every year. Registration closes September 1, so don't wait to save a spot.

https://form.jotform.com/261655991508165

Backpacks are packed and the school year is starting back up. For kids who have experienced the loss of a loved one, that transition can bring up a lot of feelings, even alongside all the usual first-day excitement.

Camp Courage gives these kids a space built just for them. A day outdoors at Sonlight Farms in Kenly, filled with campfires, games, new friends, and peer support from other kids who understand exactly what they're going through.

Registration closes September 1, and spots are filling up.

Sign up: https://form.jotform.com/261655991508165

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day — a day to celebrate the organizations and donors who make a difference in our communities.

Introducing Impact Insights, a new series highlighting how your generosity is making a difference in Johnston County.

During fiscal year 2026, Johnston Health Foundation invested more than $1.31 million in patient programs and services that remove barriers to care, support healing, improve lives and strengthen our community.

Over the coming weeks, we'll take you behind the numbers and share the stories of lives changed because of donors like you.

Because every dollar has a purpose.

Because every gift has an impact.

08/05/2026

We're proud to celebrate Dr. Eric Janis, whose 30 years of cardiac care in Johnston County have changed lives far beyond the exam room. Dr. Janis has served on the Johnston Health Foundation board for 5 years, and his generosity as a donor has helped make advanced healthcare more accessible close to home. Thank you, Dr. Janis, for your leadership and heart.

Read his story: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/538194505/

For 30 years, Dr. Eric Janis has helped shape heart care in Johnston County.

When he arrived in Smithfield in 1996, cardiac services were limited. Today, patients have access to advanced cardiac care close to home, in part because of his commitment to the community and to local healthcare access.

Read his story of leadership and service in the latest issue of CONNECT: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/538194505/

07/31/2026

The only thing better than a birdie? Making a difference. ⛳

Rally your foursome for the 2026 UNC Health Johnston Golf Classic on Friday, September 18, at The Neuse Country Club in Clayton.

From on-course contests and great prizes to a beginner's clinic and a 50/50 drawing, it's a day you'll want on your calendar. Even better, every swing provides free health screenings, youth wellness scholarships, support for patients in need and hospice care close to home.

Team availability is limited. Register today: johnstonhealthfoundation.org/golf

07/29/2026

🎄🌴 Did someone say Christmas in July?

We're already dreaming of twinkling lights, beautiful holiday displays, and the magic of UNC Health Johnston Festival of Trees 2026 in the Johnston Medical Mall all December long.

Decorating a tree is a wonderful way to showcase your creativity, highlight your business, or shine a light on a local nonprofit making a difference in our community.

✨ Register today at johnstonhealthfoundation.org/festivaloftrees and help support patients, programs, and services across UNC Health Johnston.

07/18/2026

Join us in congratulating Dr. Megan Kirk on being named one of the Triangle Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40!

We are especially proud to celebrate Dr. Kirk as a valued member of the Johnston Health Foundation Board of Directors. This well-deserved recognition reflects her exceptional leadership in emergency medicine, dedication to advancing patient care, and commitment to serving our community.

Congratulations, Dr. Kirk, on this outstanding achievement! We are grateful for your service to patients, our community, and our Foundation. Read more below.

Congratulations to WEPPA physician and Medical Director Dr. Megan Kirk on being named to the Triangle Business Journal's 2026 40 Under 40 list!

This recognition celebrates young professionals making an outstanding impact through leadership, innovation, and service. Dr. Kirk was recognized for her exceptional leadership in emergency medicine, dedication to advancing patient care, and service to her community.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Kirk on this well-deserved honor! Read the full press release here: https://weppa.org/weppa-physician-and-medical-director-dr-megan-kirk-named-to-triangle-business-journals-2026-40-under-40/

07/10/2026

We're proud to celebrate this exciting new chapter as the Clayton and Smithfield radiation oncology clinics become part of UNC Health Johnston, bringing advanced, image-guided radiation therapy even closer to home. For many patients, healing involves more than medical treatment. Through the Johnston Health Foundation's Angel Fund, we help ease the financial burden of cancer care so patients can focus on what matters most: getting well.