Blue Ridge Regional Hospital celebrates 70th birthday with pride being hometown hospital

As we reflect on all we have to be grateful for this holiday season, I remain profoundly thankful for the stellar Blue Ridge Regional Hospital (BRRH) team and for our supportive community.

Every team member at BRRH gave their all one year ago as we faced the great challenges of Hurricane Helene. This is typical of our staff and caregivers, but even during this stressful time, they put our patients and families first — even when some of their own homes were damaged and their lives uprooted.

It is this selflessness and dedication that everyone who works in healthcare exhibits regularly, but it’s even more meaningful in the midst of a crisis, and afterwards. We came together to care for patients, despite a lack of technology, connectivity, and even electricity and water. Likewise, our community came together to support us and each other as we navigated unknown territory in the aftermath of a natural disaster unlike any other we have experienced.

Another special thing about our team and our community is that many of our team members are community members themselves, so it’s not unusual for our providers to be caring for their own friends, family, and neighbors. We are a close-knit community, and that is why our BRRH team so often feels like “family” as we deliver care.

I am proud of our hospital team because, whether we are caring for patients during normal conditions or exceptional ones, they strive to provide the highest degree of care to our patients. This true in diverse situations, from when a woman visits us for a routine mammogram to when a patient has an unexpected health emergency that requires a trip to our Emergency Department. The team is truly ready for anything.

I would also like to express my gratitude for the vital assistance that HCA Healthcare provided to us so that we could keep treating patients during and after the storm. HCA Healthcare provided food and medical supplies, fuel, water, and more so we could keep functioning and serving patients and families. HCA also donated $1 million toward relief efforts after Hurricane Helene, and their nonprofit, the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund, exists to offer financial assistance to staff hit with crises, like those who sustained losses as a result of the hurricane.

The caring people who volunteer their time and energy here at BRRH also deserve many thanks. They help our staff with a wide variety of projects and help keep our patients comfortable while offering them emotional support.

Our long and rich partnership with our local emergency medical services (EMS) team enhances our care so that we can treat patients efficiently and promptly. Time is of the essence with so many medical emergencies, like when a patient experiences a heart attack or stroke.

I also have gratitude for our hospital Board of Directors and Medical Staff Executive Team, who provide me with valuable guidance and consultation about BRRH’s present and future. They are all inspiring examples of what investment in our hospital and community look like.

Finally, BRRH celebrated our 70th birthday on Thursday, November 6th. Back in 1955, many local families made generous donations to support the building and establishment of BRRH, and we remain grateful. Their gifts gave birth to BRRH, and we became the hometown hospital for the citizens of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, as well as the surrounding area — a position that we will always consider an honor.

While we had our initial celebration on Nov. 6, the festivities are ongoing and we invite you to come by Entrance A of the hospital any time between 9am and 4pm through November 20th and enjoy these fun, interactive features celebrating BRRH’s 70 years of service to our communities:

• Be Part of History: The 2055 Time Capsule! This is a rare opportunity for the community to write a personal message, prediction, or hope for the area. The capsule will remain open for messages until November 20th and will be formally sealed toward the end of the month. It is set to be opened in the year 2055, when Blue Ridge Regional Hospital proudly celebrates its 100th Anniversary, creating a tangible legacy for the next generation.
• Vintage Flashback: The 1955 Photo Booth — Step literally back in time! Our custom-designed photo booth isn't just a picture — it's a portal. You'll be transported straight to the year our hospital opened, 1955, to capture a fun, free, vintage-style snapshot. Step inside and become part of our opening day celebration.

Our community is our reason for being — in other words, we wouldn’t be us without you. I wish all of our community members a happy, healthy, and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Tonia W. Hale, DNP, MAOM, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. Hale is a proven leader with almost 40 years of progressive healthcare experience. A native of East Tennessee, she holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Walters State Community College, a baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum University, and a doctor of nursing practice degree in executive leadership from East Tennessee State University. Ms. Hale is currently a resident of Burnsville.