UNC Health Blue Ridge

10/03/2025

Today, we proudly joined the statewide White Ribbon Campaign in honor of Tylee Craft, a powerful initiative led by the North Carolina Lung Cancer Advocates in partnership with the Lung Screening Program at UNC Chapel Hill.

As one of the top 8 lung screening programs in North Carolina—and currently holding the highest volume of screenings across the entire UNC system—we are deeply committed to early detection and saving lives.

We were honored to welcome former NFL player Chris Draft as our special guest speaker. His inspiring message of hope and resilience culminated in the presentation of a white ribbon to a lung cancer survivor, symbolizing survivorship, strength, and the life-saving power of early screening.

Together, we stand for awareness, advocacy, and action.💙

10/02/2025

Effective Monday, October 6, 2025, Drew Thomas, FACHE will assume the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

Thomas, who has been serving as the Chief Ambulatory Officer, assumes the COO role as part of an organizational update that recognizes his expanded responsibilities in overseeing day-to-day operations and advancing strategic initiatives.

“This change reflects the important leadership Drew has already been providing across our healthcare system,” said Gary Paxson, CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge. “His experience, vision, and commitment to excellence will continue to strengthen our ability to serve patients and our community.”

Thomas has been with UNC Health Blue Ridge since 2012, contributing to significant growth, operational improvements, and a continued focus on patient-centered care. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and a Master of Business Administration from The Ohio University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Board-Certified Healthcare Executive. Drew and his wife, Holly, live in Valdese with their three children.

10/02/2025

Stay healthy this flu season without even leaving your car. Blue Ridge Medical Group is offering convenient drive thru flu shot clinics at select locations. Just drive up, roll down your window, and get vaccinated in minutes. Quick, easy, and safe for the whole family.

🩺 Cajah's Mountain Medical Associates
📅 October 4 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-728-8224

10/01/2025

Join us for a White Ribbon Ceremony Celebration!

This event, in Honor of Tylee Craft, is part of a statewide recognition campaign led by the North Carolina Lung Cancer Advocates, in partnership with the Lung Screening Program at UNC Chapel Hill.

We are proud to share that UNC Health Blue Ridge has been recognized as one of the top 8 lung screening programs in the state and we currently hold the highest volume of lung screenings within the entire UNC system.

We hope you will join us and special guest speaker Chris Draft!

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: Noon
Location: UNC Health Blue Ridge - Valdese Lower Atrium
720 Malcolm Blvd., Valdese, NC 28690

09/30/2025

Your Medical Journey Starts Here — at UNC Health Blue Ridge!

Are you ready to train where excellence meets compassion? Our Graduate Medical Education Residency Program in Morganton, NC offers:

✅ ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine Residency
✅ Hands-on training in both inpatient & outpatient care
✅ Focus on rural medicine & healthcare disparities
✅ Supportive faculty & personalized mentorship
✅ Competitive salary & benefits
✅ Access to cutting-edge facilities & simulation labs
✅ A vibrant community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Whether you're drawn to the challenge of rural healthcare or the beauty of western North Carolina, UNC Health Blue Ridge is where your career can truly thrive.

Learn more & apply: unchealthblueridge.org/careers/graduate-medical-education.

UNC Health Blue Ridge offers medical residency education in Internal Medicine, and fellowship training in Gastroenterology, in beautiful western North Carolina.

09/29/2025

Today is the day when we being limited public access across our Morganton and Valdese locations, enhancing safety across our campuses. This change supports patient safety, infection control, and emergency response.

Open Entrances:

• Main Entrance
• Emergency Department
• Outpatient Surgery
• Cancer Center (Valdese)
• Medical Office Building (Morganton)

All other entrances will be closed to the public. Clear signage and staff assistance will be available to guide visitors.

This change reflects UNC Health Blue Ridge’s unwavering commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of the community it serves. Learn more at: http://uncbr.org/access.

09/26/2025

Stay healthy this flu season without even leaving your car. Blue Ridge Medical Group is offering convenient drive thru flu shot clinics at select locations. Just drive up, roll down your window, and get vaccinated in minutes. Quick, easy, and safe for the whole family.

🩺 Lenoir Family Medicine
📅 September 27 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-580-4660

🩺 Cajah's Mountain Medical Associates
📅 October 4 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-728-8224

09/25/2025

At UNC Health Blue Ridge, we stand together to raise awareness, offer hope, and support those affected by su***de. Mental health matters — and every life is worth saving.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7, free, and confidential.

Together, we can break the stigma and build a community of compassion and care. ***dePrevention

09/23/2025

This year’s Putting for the Pink was a great day of purpose and community!

We’re proud to share that this year’s event raised over $27,000, helping fund around 180 free mammograms for women in our region.

A big thank you to our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and congrats to Tim, Moore, Chris, and Sammy from Pepsi of Hickory for taking 1st place!

Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community.

Putting for the Pink was a huge success! 🎀

A big THANK YOU to all of our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who made last Friday such an amazing event.

We’re excited to share we raised more than $27,000 this year. These funds will provide around 180 free mammogram services for women in our community—helping ensure early detection and lifesaving care. 💗

Congratulations to Tim, Moore, Chris, and Sammy with Pepsi of Hickory for taking 1st place! 👏

Together, we’re making a difference. Thank you for your support!

09/23/2025

UNC Health Blue Ridge is enhancing safety across our campuses.

Starting Monday, Sept. 29, public access will be limited to select monitored entrances at both Morganton and Valdese locations. This change supports patient safety, infection control, and emergency response.

Open Entrances:
• Main Entrance
• Emergency Department
• Outpatient Surgery
• Cancer Center (Valdese)
• Medical Office Building (Morganton)

All other entrances will be closed to the public. Clear signage and staff assistance will be available to guide visitors.

This change reflects UNC Health Blue Ridge’s unwavering commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of the community it serves. Learn more at: http://uncbr.org/access.

09/19/2025

Congratulations to our most recent DAISY Award winner, Briana Rentz, RN!

Her nomination stated: "Briana is one of the most patient, kind, and hardworking nurses I have ever had the privilege of working with. She had a patient not doing well and she stayed at the bedside for hours providing the patient with excellent care, comfort, and reassurance for the family. She was calm, focused, and completely devoted to their patient's well-being."

Thank you Briana for your commitment to care in our community!

09/18/2025

Stay healthy this flu season without even leaving your car. Blue Ridge Medical Group is offering convenient drive thru flu shot clinics at select locations. Just drive up, roll down your window, and get vaccinated in minutes. Quick, easy, and safe for the whole family.

🩺 Table Rock Family Medicine
📅 September 20 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-580-1400

🩺 Lenoir Family Medicine
📅 September 27 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-580-4660

🩺 Cajah's Mountain Medical Associates
📅 October 4 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📞 Call to schedule: 828-728-8224