Carolina Nursing suffered a heartbreaking loss over the weekend with the sudden passing of Wayne Long, CEO of Well Care Home Health and long-time volunteer and visionary leader on the UNC School of Nursing Foundation Board of Directors.
The School of Nursing was the beneficiary of Wayne’s entrepreneurial vision on many fronts, not the least of which is the innovative Well Care Home Health Leadership Scholars Program that was established through his company in 2016 and welcomed its first scholar this fall.
“Wayne was an amazing mentor, leader, and colleague,” said Dr. Meg Zomorodi, the UNC School of Nursing faculty liaison for the Well Care Scholars Program. “His work ethic and dedication to patient care were inspiring. He was the type of leader who would let me be innovative, oftentimes telling me that he was going to ‘wind me up and watch me go.’ I grieve for my Well Care Home Health family, but also recognize that because of his leadership, his team is strong and his legacy will live on. I am thankful he was able to see us name our first Well Care Home Health Leadership Scholar, as it is another example of the ripple effect of his leadership.”
“The UNC School of Nursing Foundation wishes to convey our sincerest sympathies and warmest care to Wayne’s loved ones in this time of loss,” said Bill Self, President of the UNC School of Nursing Foundation. “We shall miss Wayne’s enthusiasm, innovative thinking, and genuine care and concern for nursing in general, and Carolina Nursing in particular.”
Wayne will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him. We are grateful to have been among that number.
Please see the Well Care Home Health statement on Wayne’s passing for more information on his life and memorial arrangements.