Compassionate Care Earns UNC Rockingham Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center Recognition Among Nor

EDEN, N.C., October 2, 2026 – For residents of UNC Health Rockingham’s Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, quality care means being known, valued and supported by a team that treats the center as their home. That commitment has earned the center recognition as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 by Newsweek.

The 121-bed center ranked No. 3 in North Carolina among nursing homes of similar size. The recognition considers quality, professional recommendations, accreditation and the experiences shared by residents and families.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe, respected and cared for by people who truly know them,” said Jeff Strickler, president of UNC Health Rockingham. “Our teammates bring that commitment to every conversation, every care plan and every day spent with residents and their families. This recognition reflects the exceptional care they provide.”

That care begins with listening. Teammates learn each resident’s preferences, routines and goals, then work with residents and families to provide support that feels personal. Whether someone is recovering, needs ongoing skilled nursing care or is making the center their home, the team focuses on comfort, dignity and connection.

Sara Hazlewood, administrator of UNC Rockingham Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the everyday moments of care that matter most to residents and their loved ones.

“Our residents guide everything we do,” Hazlewood said. “We want each person to feel known and cared for, and each family to feel reassured that their loved one is in compassionate, capable hands. I am proud of the way our teammates create a true sense of home while providing the skilled care each resident needs.”

Newsweek developed the 2026 rankings with global data intelligence firm Statista. The evaluation combined quality measures with perspectives from health care professionals, residents and families.

“Choosing care for a loved one is deeply personal,” Strickler said. “Families should be able to find trusted, compassionate care close to home. We are honored by this recognition, but what matters most is the difference our teammates make in the lives of residents and families every day.”

The complete rankings and methodology are available through Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 rankings.

About UNC Health Rockingham

UNC Health Rockingham is a nonprofit, 108-bed community hospital preserving excellent, compassionate and trusted care where it is needed most: close to home. As a cornerstone in Eden, N.C., and a major employer, UNC Health Rockingham serves people throughout Rockingham County and in neighboring Southern Virginia areas. In addition to inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency care, the hospital offers diagnostic and treatment services, provides screenings and tests, and leads wellness initiatives. More information about UNC Health Rockingham may be found at uncrockingham.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erica N. Vernon

erica.veron@unchealth.unc.edu

(336) 627-8510