Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital

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.

03/19/2026

LiveWell Avery is partnering with Uplift Appalachia to host a free, two-part training on Tuesday, April 7 at the Avery County Community Center in Newland. Learn about trauma, addiction, recovery, and how to support others.

LiveWell Avery is excited to host a two-part training in partnership with Uplift Appalachia on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Avery County Community Center (661 Vale Rd. Newland). The first part will be from 2pm – 4pm and is a training designed to better understand trauma, addiction, recovery, and how best to support our friends and neighbors who have gone through a challenging life experience. The second part will be from 6pm – 8pm is will be a more in-depth conversation with community members interested in learning how to take some of these trauma-informed principles and implement them into your organization’s work. Both sessions are completely free and open to the public. Food will be provided, so please click on the flyer for how to RSVP. Learn more about Uplift Appalachia at upliftappalachia.org. Please reach out to Sarah Price at sprice@hccog.org with any questions.

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

02/18/2026

Make plans to attend LiveWell Avery’s Dinner & Dialogue, a conversation focused on addiction, recovery, and mental health support in Avery County. The event offers a chance to connect with local nonprofit providers, learn about health and wellness resources, and share input on community needs and priorities.

📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Avery County Library Annex, Newland
⏰ 4–7 PM (drop in anytime; dinner served at 5 PM)

Family-friendly and open to all. Dinner provided by Kaye’s By the River. For more information, contact Sarah Price at sprice@hccog.org or (828) 265-5434 x141.

REMINDER:
Join LiveWell Avery for Dinner & Dialogue, a community conversation on addiction, recovery, and mental health support. Meet local non-profit providers, learn about health and wellness resources, and share input on service needs and priorities across Avery County. Family-friendly and welcoming for all, we want to hear from you! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and join us for dinner and an enlightening conversation.

- Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Avery County Library Annex, 150 Library Rd, Newland, NC
- 4:00pm–7:00pm
o A casual reception with our non-profit partners will start at 4pm – come whenever you get off work!
o Dinner provided by Kaye’s By the River will be served at 5pm!

For more information reach out to Sarah Price at sprice@hccog.org or (828) 265-5434 x141.

02/10/2026

Great job, Cannon Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, for delivering amazing care to our patients and community. 💙

We love hearing feedback like this from our patients and their families. 💙

A recent visitor shared their experience at the Cannon Memorial Hospital ER after a snowboarding injury—and even during a surge of emergencies, our team delivered exceptional, efficient care.

We’re incredibly proud of Jerry, Paige, Dr. Rogers, and our entire ER team for providing top-notch care when it matters most. Thank you to our community for trusting us—especially during a busy winter season.

02/02/2026

In addition to delayed openings today for all of our outpatient areas, all offices and services in the Sloop Medical Offices will be closed today.

These include Baker Primary Care, Outpatient Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation Center -Cannon, and Tate Clinic.

Out of concern for the safety of our patients and team members, UNC Health Appalachian will operate under an Inclement Weather Plan B on Monday, February 2. This means all outpatient offices (including outpatient surgery) will open two hours late, including:

• ARMA Medical Offices
• Outpatient Behavioral Health
• Cardiopulmonary Rehab
• The Rehabilitation Center
• The Sleep Center
• Heart and Vascular Center
• Outpatient Imaging* and Lab
• Seby Jones Cancer Center
• Wound Care Center
• All Infusion Centers

Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital remain open 24/7.

We are incredibly grateful for our essential staff, who report to work at their scheduled shift times and continue caring for our community—no matter the weather. 💙

*Note: Cannon Memorial Hospital Imaging Department (CT, Ultrasound, etc.) will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow.

Watauga Medical Center Imaging Department (CT, MRI, etc.) will operate on a regular schedule, with DEXA/Bone Density and mammography opening at 10 a.m.

01/26/2026

01/23/2026

For the safety of our patients and staff, UNC Health Appalachian will be operating under an Inclement Weather Plan C on Monday, January 26. This means all outpatient offices will be closed, and there will be no elective surgeries.

We’re actively reaching out to reschedule appointments. If you have questions about an upcoming appointment or procedure, call the office, and they’ll be happy to help.

This applies to the following:
• All ARMA Medical Offices
• Outpatient Behavioral Health
• Cardiopulmonary Rehab
• The Rehabilitation Center
• The Sleep Center
• Heart and Vascular Center
• Outpatient Imaging and Lab
• Seby Jones Cancer Center
• The Wound Care Center
• All Infusion Centers

Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital are always open. Essential staff are required to report to work at their designated shift start.

01/19/2026

“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our business and outpatient offices are closed today, Monday, January 19.

Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital remain open and available 24/7.

01/16/2026

Congrats to our amazing Crisis Team who go above and beyond with their exceptional ! 👏

12/31/2025

To help protect our patients, teammates, and visitors during a period of increased flu and other respiratory illnesses, UNC Health Appalachian is implementing temporary safety measures across our facilities.

🔹 Visitor Age Restriction:
At this time, visitors 11 years old and younger are not permitted. Children can carry and spread viruses without showing symptoms, and this season’s flu strain has been especially severe among children and teens.

🔹 Masking Requirement for Teammates:
Beginning January 1, 2026, all UNC Health Appalachian teammates—including providers and staff—will be required to wear masks when indoors around others.

🔹 Masking for Patients & Visitors:
Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask when in shared spaces such as hallways, waiting rooms, or exam rooms.

As always, please do not visit our facilities if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

These measures apply to all UNC Health Appalachian hospitals, outpatient facilities, and offices. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our community safe. 💙

12/31/2025

🎉Happy New Year! 🎉

In observance of New Year’s Day, our business office and outpatient provider offices will be closed Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Cannon Memorial Hospital, Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital, and Watauga Medical Center are always open.

Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2026! 🎆

04/04/2025

Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital has a walk-in option for those who are struggling with a mental health emergency. They're located on our campus in Linville and are open 24/7.