Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

02/26/2026

We have some exciting news to share! UNC Health Appalachian has officially been named a Family Forward NC Certified Employer.

What does this mean? It means our efforts to provide competitive benefits, flexible options, and a supportive culture have been recognized at the state level.

Why this matters:
• For our staff: They deserve a workplace that respects their life outside of work.
• For our patients: Happy, supported staff provide the highest quality of care.
• For our community: We are leading the way in making the High Country a better place to live and work.

Interested in joining our team? Explore clinical and non-clinical opportunities on our careers page 👉https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/careers/

02/25/2026

🌥️ Endless gray skies. Gusty winds. Drizzle that turns to snow.

Winter in the High Country can take a toll — and for many, it brings more than just cold weather. The “winter blues” and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are common this time of year, with symptoms like fatigue, sleep changes, cravings, low motivation, and social withdrawal.

The good news? Here are practical steps you can take to boost your mood:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is common in the High Country. Are you experiencing a mild case of the winter blues, SAD or another form of depression?

02/24/2026

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt experience at Watauga Medical Center. The Emergency Department team is honored to have cared for this family during what could have been a stressful and overwhelming time.
We are grateful for the trust families place in us and are proud to serve such a wonderful community.

02/23/2026

🫀 Got a pacemaker or know someone who does? Check out these 4 essential things everyone with a pacemaker should know — from care tips to everyday living. 👇

Pacemakers can definitely improve your quality of life and patients should not delay treatment.

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟
on Lynette Hartley, RN, BSN
Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center

Lynette has worked for UNC Health Appalachian for 27 years in various roles including as a clinic nurse, infusion nurse, and supporting patient navigation. At our Cancer Center, she cares for patients every step of the way, assessing needs, drawing labs, administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy, handling triage calls, accessing ports, and starting IVs.

She says, “I love my patients and their families and the relationships and bonds that we form. Their resilience, courage, and strength encourage and inspire me each day to be the best nurse I can be. I love my teammates and am proud to work with such a great group.”

A Boone native, Lynette and her husband, Eric, have two sons, Ethan and Eli. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, exploring, and visiting National Parks. She’s also actively involved with Bethelview Methodist Church, Western Youth Network, and the Cancer Resource Alliance.

02/18/2026

This is a great opportunity for the Avery County community to participate in a conversation focused on addiction, recovery, and mental health support. 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.

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.

02/18/2026

Now hiring in Dietary Services! 🍽️

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, supportive environment and want a job with purpose, this could be the perfect fit.

✔️ $15/hour starting pay (no experience required!)
✔️ Full-time & part-time opportunities
✔️ Great benefits, paid time off & 403(b) retirement
✔️ Student loan refinancing, college savings & tuition reimbursement

Join a team that fuels healing, supports caregivers, and makes a difference one meal at a time.

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

02/17/2026

Chest pain can be scary — but not all chest pain means the same thing.

In this virtual Health Talk, Christina Swain, NP, helps educate and empower patients by breaking down different chest pain characteristics and what they can tell us about when to seek immediate medical attention — and when it may be related to something else.

Christina Swain is a nurse practitioner at the Heart and Vascular Center in Boone, North Carolina, and shares practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help you feel more confident about your heart health.

🎥 Read the blog post or watch the video here:

Is it love, heartburn, or something serious? Join Christina Swain, FNP, for a heart-to-heart conversation on chest pain and heart health during American Heart Month. Learn when to seek emergency care and what to expect from heart tests like stress tests, calcium scoring, and heart caths. Register no...

02/16/2026

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.—but early care and education can make a powerful difference. ❤️

If you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or an inactive lifestyle, it may be time to see a cardiologist. You can call the Heart & Vascular Center directly to schedule an appointment—no referral is needed unless required by your insurance.

During your first visit, you’ll have a full consultation focused on your health history, symptoms, and concerns. You’ll complete some paperwork, review medications, and discuss next steps for your heart health. Bringing medical records and a list of current medications is helpful.
Want to feel more prepared? Check out our blog post on what to expect during your first cardiology visit. 💙

Your first visit with a cardiologist will include a full consultation, health history assessment, an EKG, and physical exam. The cardiologist will then determine next steps.

02/13/2026

An infectious diseases specialist answers common questions.

02/12/2026

Join us in one of our UNC Health Appalachian cafeterias for a special Valentine’s lunch on Friday, February 13, featuring a ribeye meal for just $13.99. Can’t celebrate together at lunch? Take the love home with one of our famous goody boxes—chocolate-covered strawberries, fresh-baked cookies, or chocolate-dipped pretzels. 💕

The cafeterias at Cannon Memorial Hospital and Watauga Medical Center both serve lunch between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.