As I reflect on the past year, and how it has flown by, I must start with noting that Blue Ridge Regional Hospital’s (BRRH) 70th anniversary celebration last month was a big success.
I am happy to report that we had over 100 attendees come out to celebrate with us and take a moment to reflect on the rich history of our hospital. From its founding in 1955 to today, our community has always been pivotal in propelling us forward. Of course, BRRH’s team members have also been deeply devoted to contributing to positive patient experiences for these seven decades, and as medicine has evolved amazingly over these years, so too have we.
I felt privileged to speak about my time at BRRH, our chaplain Dan Slate made moving remarks in his prayer and invocation, “Grateful Hearts, Forward Steps.” We were also fortunate to hear the rich memories of our former CEO, Mr. Keith Holtsclaw.
Our current team members were recognized for their years of service, including those who have been at BRRH for one year, five years, 10 years, 15 years, and 20+ years.
An amazing “full circle” moment occurred at the anniversary event when we recognized our current Human Resources Manager, Colby Boston’s grandmother, Mary Sue Gouge, for donating her time and money to help build our hospital. She realized our community need in 1955, and her generosity is directly connected to our current success.
Once BRRH was built, our first patient, who happened to be a child, was admitted for a tonsillectomy.
Everyone enjoyed the special activities we had planned, and many special guests from our hospital’s history and the community were there to help us celebrate. Three engaging speakers chronicled not only the illustrious history of BRRH, but what it meant — and means — for BRRH to be here in this community to care for our friends and neighbors.
We created an exciting 2055 Time Capsule project, which offers community members the chance to write a message, prediction, or hope for our community’s future before it’s sealed. The time capsule won’t be opened until 30 years from now, and people had until November 20th to add their sentiments to it.
As a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, BRRH is vital and continues to grow. We are proud that we have been able to add our Acute Care wing and the Mauzy-Phillips Center over the last couple of decades, where a wide range of services is currently delivered. These include Women’s Services, Urology, Primary Care, Cardiac Care, General Surgery, Orthopedics, a Retail Pharmacy, and some essential Outpatient Services.
In order to continue providing the best care to our community, we continue to keep our eyes on our future. This past year, we opened two new ultrasound suites, featuring state-of-the-art equipment. Because of this, we can now offer sophisticated services like high-risk obstetrical ultrasound scans and comprehensive breast imaging. This means that our community members don’t have to travel long distances to get non-invasive diagnostics.
We have also welcomed new providers as we have expanded. Our newest is pediatrician Dr. Joanna Story, who will start providing care at our Spruce Pine location in March, 2026.
We are just as intent upon looking forward to an innovative future today as our founders and community were 70 years ago. This commitment is woven through our history, and will continue far into the future.
As always, I want to say how privileged we feel to be entrusted with caring for our community. I will end with BRRH’s mission statement: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.
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.
