Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

03/20/2026

🌸 Happy First Day of Spring! 🌸
While the season brings sunshine and blooming flowers, it also signals the start of allergy season for many. 🤧 Did you know more than 81 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies each year? Sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue can make enjoying spring a challenge.
🌿 Simple steps like staying indoors on windy days, washing up after being outside, using antihistamines or nasal sprays, and even exploring local honey can help.

Struggling with allergies despite trying home remedies? UNC Health Appalachian offers same-day clinic visits and can connect you with treatments or specialists to manage your symptoms effectively.

Read more for tips to enjoy spring without the sneezes.

Learn how to manage seasonal allergies with practical relief tips, common triggers, and treatment options—plus when to see a provider for extra support.

03/19/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟
on Breanna Walter, RN, BSN
Emergency Department

Breanna has been part of UNC Health Appalachian for over three years. As a Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department, she leads her team by providing excellent patient care, supervising staff, delegating tasks, and serving as a clinical resource.

Breanna loves supporting her amazing team and says she’s lucky to work alongside some of the best co-workers. Outside of work, she enjoys family time with her husband and four-year-old daughter, reading, camping, and creating new memories.

03/18/2026

We’re Hiring: Registered Ultrasonographer

Join our team as a Registered Ultrasonographer and help provide high-quality care for our patients every day.

Position Details:
• Pay starting at $33.59/hour
• Full-time position
• Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more

Apply here: https://pm.healthcaresource.com/CS/appalachian/ #/job/7879

03/17/2026

Shoutout to Ryan, who spent his snow day ❄ volunteering in the cafeteria at Watauga Medical Center! From greeting everyone with a smile to supporting our dietary team, he truly made the day brighter for all.

Thanks for your kindness and hard work, Ryan! 😊

03/17/2026

We’re proud to recognize four outstanding UNC Health Appalachian team members who earned the Mountain Mover Award for the fourth quarter of 2025: Alexis Beamer from AppInternal Medicine, Paige Miller from Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital, and Molly Glen and Jimmy Phillips from Watauga Medical Center.

One of Alexis’ coworkers remarked: “Alexis is consistently there for her patients and is deeply committed to providing exceptional patient care. She works collaboratively with providers and co-workers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those she serves.”

Paige Miller, works in the Emergency Department at Cannon Memorial Hospital. The co-worker who nominated her for this recognition, said: “Paige makes a meaningful impact on patients and staff every single day through her dedication, compassion, and steady presence in the Emergency Room at Cannon.”

A young patient’s mother nominated Molly Glen from Watauga Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Department for this recognition, saying: “[Molly] was patient, kind, and most importantly, didn’t give up when things weren’t easy.”

Jimmy Phillips, manager of the Cardiopulmonary Department, also received recognition after a nomination from a co-worker, who said: “Jimmy has consistently gone above and beyond by making himself available to his staff whenever he is needed. In addition to fulfilling his management responsibilities, he readily provides guidance, support, and clinical advice to ensure the highest level of patient care.”

Congratulations to Alexis, Paige, Molly, and Jimmy! Your dedication and commitment truly make a difference.

The Mountain Mover Award honors our non-nursing team members who demonstrate excellence in performance, creativity, innovation, leadership, customer service, teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, continuous learning, community involvement, and a positive attitude.

Each quarter, one employee is selected from the following areas to receive this award:
• Avery Healthcare Market (Cannon Memorial Hospital and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health)
• Watauga Medical Center
• Appalachian Regional Medical Associates

03/16/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about gut health and why it matters more than you might think. 💙

In a Here’s to Her Health podcast, AppGastro’s Olivia Wilkins, PA-C, shares how your gut impacts far more than digestion. From supporting your immune system and balancing hormones to influencing mood (90% of serotonin is made in the gut!), your microbiome plays a powerful role in your overall health.

Taking care of your gut is also part of protecting your colon health. Regular screenings are one of the most effective ways to prevent and detect colorectal cancer early.

🎧 Tune in to hear more about gut health, screening options, and Olivia’s fun “This or That” questions (including why coffee might actually be good for your gut!).

Listen to the full episode here or where you get your podcasts: 👉

Olivia Wilkins, PA-C discusses the importance of a healthy gut in the latest Here'sToHerHealth podcast episode.

03/12/2026

Nutrition advice is everywhere—but not all of it is true.

From “carbs are bad” to “you need a detox,” nutrition myths can make healthy eating feel confusing and overwhelming.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down common nutrition myths. Read the full blog to get the facts and fuel your body the right way.

We are debunking a few common nutrition myths and learning how to identify reliable information in the future.

03/11/2026

We’re hiring Respiratory Therapists! 🫁

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of patients every day. We’re looking for compassionate, skilled respiratory therapists who are ready to grow their careers in a supportive healthcare environment.

• Pay starting at $31/hour
• New grads welcome
• Full-time opportunities
• Days, Nights & Mid-shifts available

Benefits Include:
✔ Comprehensive health benefits
✔ Paid time off
✔ 403(b) retirement plan
✔ Opportunities for professional growth

👉 Apply today and start your career with us.

https://pm.healthcaresource.com/CS/appalachian/ #/results?whereControl=radius&radiusDistance=150&radiusUnit=mi&radius%5Bselection%5D%5Bdistance%5D=150&radius%5Bselection%5D%5Bunit%5D=mi&Department=Cardiopulmonary

03/10/2026

Tomorrow is Registered Dietitian Day, and we are happy to celebrate our incredible Registered Dietitians who help our patients. Their expertise makes a lasting impact every single day.

Join us in thanking our amazing RDs for the care, knowledge, and dedication they bring to our community. 💚

03/10/2026

Join us on April 11 at Brookshire Park for NAMIWalks. Our “ARBH and Friends” team will be there representing Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital. 💙

We’re walking to raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental illness, and support a future where everyone affected by mental health conditions can live healthy, fulfilling lives with the support of a caring community.👟✨

Register at the event or online at: https://www.namiwalks.org/highcountry

Join us April 11th at Brookshire Park for NAMIWalks from 10am-12pm!

03/09/2026

Young the Giant. Holmes Center. March 26.

Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable night in Boone!

🎟️ goapp.st/YTG26