UNC Health Blue Ridge

04/24/2026

We wrapped up Volunteer Appreciation Week by celebrating these incredible individuals at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, and what a joy it was to gather together and say THANK YOU.

Our volunteers give their time, talents, and hearts to support our patients, staff, and community every single day—and we are beyond grateful for all they do. UNC Health Blue Ridge truly wouldn’t be the same without them.

Please join us in giving a big round of applause to this amazing group of volunteers!

04/23/2026

🐉💙 Get ready to cheer and support a great cause! 💙🐉

Join us for the 2026 Lake James Dragon Boat Festival on April 25, 2026, at Lake James State Park – Paddy’s Creek Area!

UNC Health Blue Ridge is proud to be the presenting sponsor, partnering with the incredible Healing Dragons of Lake James for this exciting day on the water.

Even better? Proceeds from this race help provide free screening mammograms for under‑insured and uninsured members of our community—so every cheer makes a difference.

Bring your friends and family, and come watch, support, and celebrate strength, teamwork, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you lakeside!

04/22/2026

The celebrations continued last night as we honored UNC Health Blue Ridge teammates who have served 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50 years caring for our community.

We also recognized four outstanding individuals who have been honored with UNC Health Blue Ridge Leadership Awards.

Teammate of the Year - Kasie Ouzts
Leader of the Year - Jonathan Williams
Volunteer of the Year - Sue Petrie and Charlie 🐾
Provider of the Year - Dr. Melanie Orange

Thank you to each of these individuals for their compassion and dedication, your hard work has been an inspiration to many!

04/22/2026

Yesterday morning we were honored to recognize our UNC Health Blue Ridge teammates celebrating 5, 10, and 15 years of service!

Congratulations to each of these amazing individuals for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to caring for the community.

04/21/2026

We continue celebrating Volunteer Appreciation week by highlighting two of the best—meet Ola and Dot! Between them both, they’ve shared 40+ years of heart, service, and dedication to our community.

We couldn’t do what we do without each and every one of our amazing volunteers, and this week (and always), we’re sending the biggest THANK YOU!

🛍️ Stop by our Morganton and Valdese Gift shops, say hi to our wonderful volunteers, and find something special while you’re there!

Morganton Gift Shop Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9am–4pm
Wed & Fri: 9am–3pm

Valdese Gift Shop Hours:
Tues–Fri: 9am–1pm

Thank you, Ola, Dot, and all of our incredible volunteers—you make UNC Health Blue Ridge shine!

04/20/2026

Today’s the day! Registration for our FREE Cleared to Compete sports physicals are now open.

This event is for student-athletes in grades 6-12. Each athlete will have a medical history review; height/weight check; vision check; strength and range of motion assessment; and medical physical—blood pressure, lungs, and heartbeat assessment. These physicals, including EKG’s for rising 6th, 9th, and 11th graders, will be held on Saturday, May 18th. Register today at https://bit.ly/uncbrsports!

Saturday May 16th, 2026 A confirmation email will be sent to you after registration has been completed and reviewed.

04/19/2026

Happy National Volunteer Week!

This week, we proudly celebrate the volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to support patients, families, and care teams across UNC Health Blue Ridge. Your kindness, generosity, and dedication help create a welcoming and healing environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Thank you for the meaningful difference you make, in big ways and small, every single day. Our community is stronger because of you!

04/17/2026

Come out and join an important community conversation about youth mental health, safety, and the resources available to support our children and teens.

📅 Monday, May 4
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Patton High School Auditorium

This free event will help families and caregivers better understand how to support children and teens. Topics include:
• Recognizing signs of su***de
• Mental health awareness and resources
• BCPS Behavior Support Services
• BCPS Web Monitoring tools
• Mobile Crisis support from Catawba Valley Health Care

Together, we can build a safer, more supportive community for our children. All parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend!

04/16/2026

Cruise on over for our 2026 Cancer Survivor Celebration at Foothills Higher Education Center!

We will twist, swing, and celebrate strength with music, sundaes, and plenty of smiles. We encourage you to wear 1950s attire! This special evening is hosted by the UNC Health Blue Ridge Cancer Center and the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation.

Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 4:30 - 7:00 pm | Foothills Higher Education Center
Call (828) 580-7685 to reserve your spot!

04/14/2026

As our community evolves, so does our commitment to you.

We are excited to share our new mission and vision, centered on trust, compassion, and putting your health at the heart of everything we do.

These words guide how we care for our patients today and into the future.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/uncbrmission.

UNC Health Blue Ridge is dedicated to enhancing quality of life through top-notch care in Morganton and Valdese. Read our mission statement and core values.

04/13/2026

UNC Health Blue Ridge is offering FREE sports physicals for student‑athletes in grades 6–12 to help them get game‑day ready!

Each physical includes:
▪Medical history review
▪Height & weight check
▪Vision screening
▪Strength & range‑of‑motion assessment
▪Full medical exam (blood pressure, lungs & heartbeat)
▪EKGs will be included for rising 6th, 9th, and 11th graders.

📅 Saturday, May 16
📝 Registration opens April 20

Spots are limited, don’t wait! Get your athlete ready for a safe and successful season with UNC Health Blue Ridge.

04/10/2026

Putting for the Pink is our annual golf tournament raising funds to pay for mammography services for local, under-served women in Burke and surrounding counties. Last year over $27,000 was raised to provide approximately 160 mammograms!

We still have space for teams, so join this great cause on Friday, September 18th at Mimosa Hills Golf Club. Register today at www.uncbr.org/pfp.