Blue Ridge Care

07/25/2025

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. This observance highlights the unique mental health experiences and systemic barriers faced by Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as other historically marginalized groups.

At Blue Ridge Care, we know that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Culturally responsive support, safe spaces, and equitable access to care aren’t extras—they’re essential. We remain committed to walking alongside each person with dignity and compassion, every step of the way.

To learn more, the Mental Health Coalition offers insight and resources on how to better support mental health equity in our communities. Find more information and resources here: https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/category/bipoc/

If you or someone you know is in need of support, our grief counseling services offer a compassionate, welcoming space for all. Learn more here: blueridgecare.org/griefcounseling

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07/16/2025

This is wonderful news! We look forward to working with Blue Ridge Care in strengthening the vital services they provide in our community.

We’re thrilled to announce that we received a $20,000 grant — a national award from AARP Foundation and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses — to support our project: Establishing a Healthy Work Environment for Blue Ridge Care Hospice RNs, a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to recruitment and retention.

With this funding, we’ll collaborate with our educational partners at Laurel Ridge Community College and Shenandoah University to recruit quality RNs. We will develop a clinical ladder for RNs, enhance documentation and precepting processes, and offer supportive enrichment workshops — all with the goal of helping our hospice RNs thrive. 💙

📖 Read the full press release here: https://brhospice.org/blue-ridge-care-receives-20000-award-for-innovative-proposal-to-strengthen-the-nursing-workforce/

07/14/2025

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the strength, identity, and dignity of people with disabilities, and to reflect on the work still needed to create a truly inclusive world.

It’s no coincidence this month was chosen for the celebration. On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law—landmark civil rights legislation that transformed our nation’s approach to accessibility and inclusion.

At Blue Ridge Care, we believe accessibility is a human right. This video from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation offers a powerful glimpse into the everyday barriers that still exist—even in cities considered among the most accessible—and reminds us how far we still have to go.

🎥 Watch here: https://ow.ly/aSeE50WplBp

📢 Let’s keep widening the circle of inclusion—together.

07/11/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that we received a $20,000 grant — a national award from AARP Foundation and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses — to support our project: Establishing a Healthy Work Environment for Blue Ridge Care Hospice RNs, a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to recruitment and retention.

With this funding, we’ll collaborate with our educational partners at Laurel Ridge Community College and Shenandoah University to recruit quality RNs. We will develop a clinical ladder for RNs, enhance documentation and precepting processes, and offer supportive enrichment workshops — all with the goal of helping our hospice RNs thrive. 💙

📖 Read the full press release here: https://brhospice.org/blue-ridge-care-receives-20000-award-for-innovative-proposal-to-strengthen-the-nursing-workforce/

07/08/2025

Today, on International Paramedics Day, we recognize the courage, compassion, and calm that paramedics bring to moments of crisis—often being the first to arrive and the last to leave. 💙

To every paramedic who responds with heart, skill, and strength: thank you. Your care makes a life-changing difference—every single day.

We're especially grateful for the EMS professionals and volunteers across our service area. Your partnership and commitment help make extraordinary care possible throughout our communities.


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07/04/2025

Freedom takes many forms — the freedom to live with dignity, to make choices about your care, and to be supported through every chapter of life.

On Independence Day, Blue Ridge Care celebrates those freedoms and the resilience of the people and communities we are honored to serve.

Happy 4th of July! 🎆🦋

07/02/2025

🦋 Community. Connection. Conversation. 🦋

Thank you to everyone who joined us at MCBC, Wi******er for last week’s Project Talk Workshop — a powerful space to talk about what matters most: how we want to be cared for. Advance care planning brings clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.

With many in attendance, the room was full of thoughtful questions and honest conversation.

Huge thanks to Mt. Carmel for the warm welcome and meaningful partnership. Trusted spaces like this help make hard conversations possible — and powerful. 💙

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06/30/2025

Grief doesn’t take a summer break — and neither do we. 🦋

This July, the Center for Hope & Healing continues to offer in-person and virtual grief support for children, teens, adults, and families across our community.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Call 540-313-9275 to learn more.

We’re grateful to partner with Holistic Horsemanship Services 501 C3 to offer equine grief support sessions — a powerful way to connect, heal, and grow.

06/26/2025

🦋 Immigrant Heritage Month, established in 2014, celebrates the countless contributions immigrants have made to the rich tapestry of American culture and society.

At Blue Ridge Care, we’re proud to honor this legacy by fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and compassion for everyone — our patients, participants, families, team members, volunteers, and the community as a whole. 🦋

We value and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and lived experiences that strengthen our culture and community.

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06/21/2025

🌈 Camp Kaleidoscope 2025 was a beautiful day of healing, connection, and care — all made possible through the vision and leadership of Tina Thomas, Children and Family Grief Support Coordinator, and the incredible team at the Center for Hope and Healing. 💙

This year’s camp welcomed 20 campers (ages 6–14), 17 adult participants, 19 staff members, and 7 volunteers. Through expressive therapies like music, art, equine experiences, and nature-based activities, campers found space to grieve, connect, and grow.

We’re deeply grateful to all who made this day possible — through time, partnership, and generous support:

🦋 Wegmans in Loudoun County
🦋 Bank of Clarke in Wi******er
🦋 United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley (grant support)
🦋 Holistic Horsemanship Services 501 C3
🦋 Nancy McGovern with Corner of the Sky
🦋 New York Life Northern Virginia Agents
🦋 Blue Ridge Care Volunteers and Staff
🦋 Clarke County, Virginia Parks & Recreation
🦋 Mattie's Soft Serve Frozen Custard
🦋 Chick-fil-A Pleasant Valley Road
🦋 Scrappy Apple

Camp Kaleidoscope reflects the mission of the Center for Hope and Healing — and the heart behind our work. 💛

06/19/2025

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

It’s a day that reminds us that freedom in the U.S. was not granted all at once — and that the fight for equity and justice continues.

At Blue Ridge Care, we pause to honor this moment in history, reflect on the enduring strength of Black communities, and recommit ourselves to the work of building a more just and compassionate future.