<body><div>With August upon us, it’s time to start getting our kids ready to go back to school, enjoy the final days of summer, and prepare for the crisper days — and beautiful colors — of autumn.In August, we recognize Health Unit Coordinator Appreciation Week, which takes place from August 23-29, as well as Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) Appreciation Day, August 23rd. HUCs play a critical role in hospitals, including Blue Ridge Regional Hospital (BRRH). Some of the pivotal tasks they perform include interacting with the public and communicating clearly with physicians, nurses, and other hospital personnel, as well as patients and families.HUCs also have the critical job of keeping patients’ electronic health records and charts up to date. Though this may sound like a routine task, patients’ charts are constantly evolving as their conditions change, recoveries progress, and they prepare to return home.HUCs are responsible for yet more logistical coordination, because they coordinate and schedule patients’ admissions to the hospital, transfers if needed, and discharges. They also oversee patient tests, transport, transfers from one facility to another if necessary, and arranging patients’ consultations with specialists. The Outpatient Infusion HUC schedules appointments, helps communicate to provider offices, and obtains orders, and we also have HUC coverage in our Acute Care Department.Additionally, they offer crucial support to our nurses by closely monitoring our inventory of equipment and supplies and checking that documentation is completed. To round out their significant, diverse responsibilities, HUCs may also help track cardiac monitors, stay updated with patients’ room assignments and where they are at any given time in the hospital, whether that’s getting a test done or having a consultation with a provider, and more.We highly value these team members at BRRH because they help providers do their work efficiently, offer needed comfort to patients and their families, and ensure that the patient experience is as seamless as possible.August 31st is also National Overdose Awareness Day, and BRRH is involved in efforts to reduce overdoses in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties by participating in — with the other hospitals in the Mission Health and HCA Healthcare network — annual “Crush the Crisis” events, where community members can dispose of unwanted, unused prescription medications safely. Beyond this event, additional drop-off locations include inside the Police Department in Spruce Pine, outside the Sheriff’s Office in Avery County, and upstairs in the courthouse, on the left at the door, in Yancey County.Last month I was happy to introduce our new providers, primary care physician and sports medicine specialist Dr. David Geurkink and Anna Geurkink, PA, who have moved to Western North Carolina with their children. Dr. Geurkink will begin serving patients on August 24th at Mauzy Phillips Center, and Anna Geurkink will be focusing on primary care at our Yancey Clinic. She is scheduled to start on September 8th. Additionally, McKenna Heusser, PA, began at our Yancey Clinic on July 27th as a primary care PA. You can reach the Yancey Clinic to make an appointment by calling 828-682-0200, and to reach Mauzy Phillips Center, please call 828-766-3555.Recognizing our Health Unit Coordinators is just one way we can make our community aware of the many devoted team members who make BRRH what it is — a place you can depend on for the very best care, close to home. Our vigilance around overdoses is also something we are committed to and proud to partner with law enforcement and EMS services as we all try to reduce the number of overdoses and overdose deaths in our community.Tonia W. Hale, DNP, MAOM, BSN, RN, is Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nursing Officer of Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. Hale is a proven leader with almost 40 years of progressive healthcare experience. A native of East Tennessee, she holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Walters State Community College, a baccalaureate degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum University, and a doctor of nursing practice degree in executive leadership from East Tennessee State University. Ms. Hale is currently a resident of Burnsville.</div></body>

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With August upon us, it’s time to start getting our kids ready to go back to school, enjoy the final days of summer, and prepare for the crisper days — and beautiful colors — of autumn. In August, we recognize Health Unit Coordinator Appreciation Week, which takes...

BRRH Recognizes Coordinators and Raises Overdose Awareness

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With August upon us, it’s time to start getting our kids ready to go back to school, enjoy the final days of summer, and prepare for the crisper days — and

BRRH Recognizes Coordinators and Raises Overdose Awareness

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