Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

08/31/2026

We’re excited to recognize three outstanding UNC Health Appalachian team members who earned the Mountain Mover Award for the second quarter of 2026: Joshua Shepherd from AppOrtho, Regina Hicks from Avery Healthcare Market, and Lillian Wallace from Watauga Medical Center.

Congratulations to Joshua, Regina, and Lillian! 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

08/30/2026

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County. AppHealthCare has learned of a local birthday party in Boone that occurred on Aug. 8, where Farm Adventures was present.

Several goats at Farm Adventures tested positive for rabies at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and may have been in direct contact with people while infectious.

If you attended that party, public health officials need to speak with you to determine your risk of rabies exposure. Your risk depends on whether you had contact with the infected goats, and treatment recommendations depend on the type of exposure, according to AppHealthCare.

Read the full story in the link in the comments. Graphic courtesy AppHealthCare.

08/28/2026

Here are some expert tips on how to wear your backpack correctly to keep your back pain-free with Tricia Derrick, Physical Therapy Assistant at The Rehabilitation Center. Call The Rehabilitation Center to schedule an appointment with an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist! (828)268-9043.

08/27/2026

Join the compassionate team at UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Linville, NC!

We're looking for dedicated RNs who are passionate about providing exceptional patient care in a collaborative, mission-driven behavioral health environment.

🌙 Full-Time | Night Shift
💰 $10,000 Hiring Incentive (night shift only)
💲 Starting pay: $34.00/hour
🩺 NC RN license and BLS certification required (behavioral health or acute care experience is a plus!)

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement match, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and ongoing education and certification support to help you grow your career.
At UNC Health Appalachian, we're proud to be a Certified Family Forward Employer, offering family-friendly benefits and workplace policies that support you both on and off the job.

https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/careers/

08/27/2026

Your health deserves attention every season of life. 💙

From managing stress and staying active to scheduling preventive screenings and nourishing your body, small healthy habits can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Here are a few reminders:
✔️ Prioritize your mental health with self-care.
✔️ Stay up to date on annual wellness visits and recommended screenings.
✔️ Don't skip your yearly blood work.
✔️ Make time for regular physical activity.
✔️ Fuel your body with balanced, nutritious foods.

Ready to learn more? Check out this blog for practical tips to help you take charge of your health and wellness.

National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day, May 14th; this week encourages women to make health a priority. (1) According to the CDC, a little over 23 million women across the US admitted to…

08/25/2026

🐝 From bee stings to severe allergic reactions, knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

Join Liz Coykendall for an informative session on recognizing and managing allergic reactions, insect stings, and other wilderness-related emergencies at the High Country Wilderness Medicine Conference.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, first responder, healthcare professional, or simply want to be better prepared, you'll gain practical, hands-on skills you can use when it matters most.

📅 August 29–30
📍 Valle Crucis Conference Center

Healthcare professionals can earn CME credits.

Learn more and register at hcwmc.com

08/24/2026

Considering a GLP-1 for weight loss or diabetes management? Join us for our GLP-1 Symposium on Tuesday, August 25, from 5:30 p.m. –7 p.m. at Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.

Hear from our expert provider panel during an engaging Q&A covering GLP-1 medications, including how they work, their benefits, and what you should know before getting started.

The event is free and open to the public!

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262026484979167

08/22/2026

💧 Safe drinking water isn't always a given in the wilderness. Do you know how to find it?

Join Dr. Anthony Garzone for a hands-on session on locating, filtering, and purifying water in remote environments. You'll learn practical techniques that can help keep you safe on your next outdoor adventure.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, first responder, healthcare professional, or simply want to be better prepared, the High Country Wilderness Medicine
Conference offers real-world skills you can use when they matter most.

📅 August 29–30
📍 Valle Crucis Conference Center

Healthcare professionals can earn CME credits.
Learn more and register at 👉 hcwmc.com

08/21/2026

If you’ve been considering a GLP-1 for weight loss or diabetes, make plans to come to our GLP-1 Symposium on Tuesday, August 25 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences.

Learn from our expert provider panel during an engaging Q&A about GLP-1 medications, including their uses, benefits, and what you should know.

This event is free and open to the public.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/262026484979167