Greenville, N.C.-based ECU Health will eliminate 31 positions tied to North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots program following the end of government funding, a spokesperson for the health system confirmed to Becker’s.
The layoffs will take effect March 31, 2026, and affect roles supporting HOP through the nonprofit organization Access East and ECU Health.
“As a result of the discontinuation of government funding as of July 1, 2025, for North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOP), 31 positions supporting the program at Access East/ECU Health are no longer funded and will be eliminated effective March 31, 2026,” the health system said in a statement. “The health system is committed to supporting every team member through this transition, and we are actively exploring other internal opportunities for those impacted where possible.”
The HOP program — launched as part of the state’s Medicaid transformation efforts — focused on addressing social drivers of health such as housing, food, transportation and interpersonal safety as part of integrated care delivery.
