HICKORY, NC (August 13, 2026) – Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, and Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) have announced a new partnership to provide Red Hawk student-athletes with on-campus athletic training and coordinated orthopedic and sports medicine care, helping them stay healthy, recover safely and perform at their best.

As the Official Healthcare Provider for the Red Hawks, Frye Regional will provide on-site athletic training services through its Sports Medicine program, while FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery will deliver specialized orthopedic and sports medicine care. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Michael Simhachalam will serve as team physician, joined by Dr. Reid Russell, team orthopedic surgeon. Together, they provide expert evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation planning for sports-related injuries, while collaborating closely with Frye Regional’s athletic trainer to ensure seamless care when physician evaluation is needed.

Frye Regional Chief Executive Officer Lindy White and CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw announced the partnership during a special event on campus.

“Student-athletes perform at their best when they have access to exceptional health care close to where they train and compete,” said White. “This partnership allows us to provide expert athletic training and orthopedic care while investing in the health, safety and long-term success of Red Hawk student-athletes.”

The partnership expands access to specialized orthopedic and sports medicine care while reflecting Frye Regional’s and CVCC’s shared commitment to supporting student-athlete health, safety and success.

“At CVCC, we’re committed to creating an environment where students have every opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College. “We are grateful to partner with Frye Regional Medical Center in supporting our Red Hawk student-athletes. Together, we’re strengthening the support system that allows our students to compete with confidence, achieve their academic goals, and prepare for success long after graduation.”

A certified athletic trainer with Frye Regional’s Sports Medicine program will serve as the primary on-campus health care resource for Red Hawk student-athletes. She will be present at practices and competitions, providing injury prevention, immediate evaluation, emergency response, rehabilitation support and coordination of specialty care. Her presence on-campus provides student-athletes with timely access to care, promoting safe participation and coordinating specialty treatment when needed.

“Athletic trainers are often the first point of care for injured athletes,” said Dr. Simhachalam. “They build trusted relationships with student-athletes and play a critical role in injury prevention, evaluation and recovery. Working closely with physicians, they help identify concerns early, coordinate treatment and support athletes throughout recovery and guide a safe return to competition.”

Together, Frye Regional and CVCC are building a program that expands access to high-quality athletic training and orthopedic care while fostering a culture of health, safety and performance. By combining clinical expertise with a shared commitment to education, the collaboration will help Red Hawk student-athletes stay healthy, compete confidently and thrive both on the field and in the classroom.

To learn more about Frye Regional Medical Center’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine program, visit FryeMedCtr.com/orthopedics or call 828.304.2548.

About Frye Regional Medical Center

A part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Frye Regional Medical Center has served the health and medical needs of the residents of the Catawba Valley region since 1911 with a commitment to delivering high quality and compassionate care with a focus on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Frye Regional Medical Center includes a 355-bed acute care hospital, home to the Frye Heart Center, Cancer Center, General and Bariatric Surgery, Emergency Services, Advanced Orthopedics, Neurosciences, Women’s Birthing Center and Inpatient Rehabilitation. The system also includes the Frye South Campus, an inpatient adult behavioral health treatment center designed to provide therapeutic stabilization. Frye Regional also offers the region access to more than 110 primary care and specialty care providers through the FryeCare Physicians Network. Learn more at FryeMedCtr.com.

About FryeCare Physicians Network

FryeCare Physicians Network offers preventive, diagnostic and treatment services in a compassionate environment—close to home. The network includes more than 110 experienced providers in a range of specialties, including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, family and internal medicine, infectious disease, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, pulmonology, and vascular surgery. Learn more at FryeCarePhysicians.com.

About Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Community College empowers students to transform the communities of our region and our state by providing exceptional learning experiences, premier workforce development, and engaging personal enrichment. Learn how you can SOAR at cvcc.edu.

Photo caption (L-R): Dr. Michael Simhachalam, Sports Medicine Specialist, FryeCare Orthopedics & Neurosurgery; Nick Seiler, MA, LAT, ATC, Regional Manager of Sports Medicine & Community Outreach and Lindy White, Chief Executive Officer, both of Frye Regional Medical Center; Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, President; Nicholas Schroeder, Executive Director of Student Life & Athletics; and Tisha England, Athletic Director, all of Catawba Valley Community College.