UNC Health Blue Ridge has received a $3 million grant from the state to enhance health care in the community as part of Project Forward: Your Hospital, Your Future. The grant will help UNC Health Blue Ridge expand services, improve access to care and elevate the quality of health care for community members throughout the region. The state’s investment helped with hospital advancements, including the purchase of a dedicated CT (computed tomography) scanning machine that will be located in the new emergency department and the installation of a helipad on the rooftop of Blue Ridge’s newly opened patient bed tower, each innovation ensuring faster and more efficient critical care for patients.
A helicopter comes in for a landing on the rooftop helipad at UNC Health Blue Ridge's new patient tower. The state funding will directly benefit rural health care by improving access to essential services. The new emergency department and ICU will serve as vital resources for urgent and specialized care, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances.
In addition to expanding physical infrastructure, the investment supports health care professionals who make it possible to deliver high-quality care. UNC Health Blue Ridge is committed to investing in people — the doctors, nurses, and staff who are the heart of the healthcare system. “This state funding reflects a commitment to improving health care across our region,” said Chief Operating Officer Jon Mercer.
“With these r.