Harmony Center for Women

Join us along with Dr. Molly Haas for a 30-minute virtual health talk on August 28, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Learn about the Mediterranean diet and why it’s more than just a trending diet.

Dr. Haas will explore the science behind the Mediterranean diet, share practical tips for incorporating this diet into your daily life, and answer your questions on how this approach can support a healthier lifestyle. With simple tips and practical advice, you’ll learn how to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable.

Bring your questions and discover how this tasty, straightforward approach to eating can help you feel your best.

Register for this health talk in the comments ⬇

It takes a lot of resources to run a healthcare system, and all of it comes through our Materials Management Department at Watauga Medical Center.

This efficient and resourceful group work hard behind the scenes to keep us running smoothly. That’s why Surgical Services chose them to receive the Carolina Care APPle Trophy for August. Thank you to this group for keeping us organized and efficient. 🫶🍎

We’re Hiring! Join our team at UNC Health Appalachian. We are looking for Food Service Workers to help feed our patients, visitors, and staff. 🍞🍗🥗

✨ What We Offer:
• Competitive pay and benefits
• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• 403(b) Retirement
• Paid time off
• Student loan refinancing, college savings and tuition reimbursement
• Full and Part-time positions
• Start pay is $15 per hour (with no experience) + benefits

Apply through the link in the comments ⬇

We couldn’t agree more with this review of The Rehabilitation Center in Linville! The Rehabilitation Center is a fantastic place to complete physical or occupational therapy. Whether you are recovering from surgery, or you need help managing arthritis, balance, or any other musculoskeletal therapy this team is dedicated to helping you regain your independence and enhance your quality of life.

Your child’s pediatrician might’ve told you about Gardasil. This vaccine helps protect against HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a common virus linked to several cancers, including cervical cancer.

Safe and effective, it is recommended for everyone – both males and females - nine to 26 years old. Check out the link in the comments to find out more information about the HPV Vaccine. 💉💪

Did you know you can ask for an estimate before seeing your primary care provider?

While some estimates are available in MyUNCChart, for routine, in-office procedures the office manager, registration supervisor or front desk staff should be able to provide you with a cost estimate for most in-office procedures if you call 3-5 days before your appointment. 📞

While this estimate will only be based on the information they have at the time, it will give you an idea of what to expect.

You may also call UNC Health Appalachian at (828-262-4111 select option 3) Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 PM and speak with their estimate team.

For more information about requesting estimates as well as other tips to help you Know Before You Go, visit the link in the comments ⬇

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟
on Jessica Biggs, RN, BSN
Baker Center for Primary Care

Jessica Biggs began working as a Medical Assistant for UNC Health Appalachian in 2015 at Baker Primary Care Center where she worked while in nursing school. Once she completed her degree, she worked in the Emergency Department for several years and then transferred to Outpatient Surgery. Now she’s back where she started as the Triage Nurse for the Baker Primary Care Center.

This role involves triaging patients by phone or when they walk in. “I assess the patient's needs and determine what course of action needs to take place. I work closely with staff and providers to provide the best care for our patients,” she said. “I manage refill requests and provide help where needed throughout the office.”

She says what she loves most about her job are the relationships she’s built there with her co-workers and patients. “I love helping people and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Knowing that I've made a difference in someone's life or something as simple as making their day a little better or easier brings me happiness,” she says.

When Jessica isn’t at work, she loves being outside hiking, traveling and spending time with her family and significant other, who, between the two of them have “four children, four dogs, and one lucky cat.”

She also enjoys concerts, live music, festivals, reading, and shopping. And if all of that isn’t enough to keep her busy, she has just enrolled with Frontier Nursing University to begin working toward her Family Nurse Practitioner degree this fall.

We are looking for dedicated Environmental Services Workers to help us maintain a clean and safe environment for our patients, visitors, and staff.

✨ What We Offer:
• Competitive pay and benefits
• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• 403(b) Retirement
• Paid time off
• Student loan refinancing, college savings and tuition reimbursement
• 1st and 2nd shift opportunities
• Differential pay for Night Shift
• Full and Part-time positions
• Start pay is $15 per hour (with no experience) + benefits

Apply today and contribute to a healthier High Country!

For more information, visit the link in the comments ⬇️

🇺🇸 Congratulations to Christine Toth, one of our dedicated Pharmacy Technicians, on becoming a U.S. citizen last week! 🇺🇸

Christine moved to the U.S. from the Philippines on a fiancé visa at 23 and has since navigated the complex journey to naturalization—a process that took seven years. For six of those years, she’s been a valued member of the Watauga Medical Center team, starting in Environmental Services and now working in our Pharmacy while pursuing her goal of becoming a registered nurse. The Pharmacy Team was thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with her! 🎉🇺🇸

We're thrilled to receive such positive feedback! 🥰

We strive to bring Avery County state-of-the-art technology paired with compassionate care. With our comprehensive imaging services, our patients enjoy convenient and easy access to the care they need, when they need it.

From Heart and Vascular Imaging and 3D Mammography to Nuclear Medicine, DEXA, and CT scans, Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital is here to meet all your imaging needs.

Our Outreach Specialist Lyndsi Richardson, along with team members from Central Scheduling, the Lab, and the Rehabilitation Center, had a fantastic time today at the Watauga County Schools Health Fair!

We were there to schedule mammograms, offer lab services, and share information about our programs and services. It was a pleasure supporting the dedicated teachers and staff as they embark on the 2024-2025 school year! ✏️✂️📚📓

Are annual physicals really necessary for your child? 🤔

Absolutely! Beginning the school year with a healthy start sets your child up for success.

Whether your child is playing a sport or not, annual physicals allow providers to screen for heart-related problems ❤, assess vaccine status 🩹, complete a vision and hearing screening 👂, address any potential developmental or behavioral concerns, and so much more.

Check out the link in the comments to find out more about the benefits of this important exam ⬇

Congratulations, Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital for receiving an “A” rating for patient outcomes!

Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital Earns “A” for Patient Outcomes August 7, 2024 Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the Lown Institute for excellence in patient outcomes, receiving an “A” grade on the 2024-25 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. Cannon Memorial Hospital achieved this honor through strong perfor...

This month we’re happy to recognize Junior Volunteer Olivia Peviana, who began volunteering with us this summer after moving to Boone. She spends most of her time volunteering in the cafeteria, in the Gift Shop and at the front desk at Watauga Medical Center.

“In the cafeteria I help with restocking drinks, cleaning the tables, and taking out the trash. At the front desk, I help guide patients around the hospital when needed. In the gift shop I help ring up customers and making sure everything is neat,” she says. “I love interacting with patients and people in the hospital. I think it's such a wholesome experience when you can be of help and make people's day
feel a bit better.” 🥰

Olivia is no stranger to volunteer work. She volunteered at another hospital prior to moving to the High Country. She also volunteers as a junior coach for Girls on the Run and at a local elementary school for STEM camps. A rising 12th grader, she enjoys running and spending time with her three dogs. 🐕‍🦺

She encourages other young people to volunteer. “This is a great way to get involved in your community, so I highly encourage any high school students and others to join.” 🙌

Volunteers and Junior Volunteers play an integral role in helping our patients, visitors, and staff. They serve in a variety of areas throughout the healthcare system.

Find out how you can become a volunteer through the link in the comments. ⬇

🚓 UNC Health Appalachian Hospital Police Officers Jayden Poe and Rick Ruppert proudly participated in National Night Out at Watauga High School last night. They had a great time meeting everyone and connecting with the community at this enjoyable event. 🚓

📢Attention Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists:📢

We have some employment opportunities you need to know about.

In addition to a 403(b) retirement and comprehensive benefits package, we offer student loan refinancing, college savings, and tuition reimbursement. We would love to have you on our team!

For more information, visit the link in the comments⬇

Wow! 😮 Driving nine hours one way speaks volumes about confidence in the care Dr. Steven Anderson at AppOrtho Orthopedic & Sports Medicine provides.

Having trouble researching healthcare pricing for hospital-based services?

Since 2021, all US hospitals are required to publicly post charges for hospital-based procedures, services, supplies, prescription drugs, and diagnostic tests, as well as fees associated with equipment or facilities used during a patient’s appointment or inpatient stay. Hospitals are also required to display at least 300 shoppable services.

Standard Charges and Shoppable Services for UNC Health Appalachian facilities (Watauga Medical Center, Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Healthcare) can be found here: https://apprhs.org/estimate-your-healthcare-cost/

You may also call 828-262-4111 and request an estimate for hospital-based services including lab work and imaging.

Check out the link in the comments for more information to help you understand your insurance as well as other tips to help you be your own healthcare advocate.

You're not going to believe this, but there are a lot of preventative care services that are free if you have insurance. These might include preventative lab work, screenings, vaccines, and an annual physical.

But first, you need to know your insurance.

• Know how to contact your insurance either by phone or website to answer your questions. 📞
• Make sure the provider you select is in-network. 🩺
• Know your co-pay
• Know your deductible
• What preventative care does your insurance cover? 💉
• Learn the terminology 🤔

Check out the link in the comments ⬇ for more information to help you understand your insurance as well as other tips to help you be your own healthcare advocate.

You never know where you might see our Outreach Specialist Lyndsi Richardson. 👀She travels throughout the High Country communities representing UNC Health Appalachian. Today she spent the morning in Mountain City, Tennessee at the Johnson County Senior Center's Health Fair telling them about the amazing team at AppOrtho Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

🌟Employee Spotlight🌟
on Jessica Ramsey Key, CCMA

Jessica Key has worked for UNC Health Appalachian for seven years and is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and transcriptionist for Dr. Earwood at Elk River Medical in Banner Elk.

“The part I love most about my job is being able to help those in our community,” she says. “In our practice the majority of our patients are elderly and I feel truly blessed to be able to help and advocate for that part of the community.”

Jessica loves to spend her days off surrounded by her family. She also enjoys going to yard sales.

She says, “I am blessed to be saved by the grace of God. I have a wonderful husband, Jeremiah Key, a beautiful little girl, Hadlee Jean and a precious baby on the way. My sweet mom, Jan Ramsey, worked as an RN for the organization for many years prior to her battle with cancer. She truly inspired me to be involved in healthcare and I pray I can make a true difference just like she did.” ❤

A listeria outbreak has been reported in several states recently, linked to consumption of deli meats. As a reminder to our community and especially our expecting patients and families, listeria infection can be especially dangerous in pregnancy increasing the risk of miscarriage, early labor, and stillbirth. It is recommended to avoid cold cuts and deli meats in pregnancy. If you do choose to eat these foods, you can heat to steaming immediately before consumption to kill listeria. We wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy!

A link to a CDC news post is in the comments. ⬇️

Let’s be honest – who is dreading (or putting off) getting a colonoscopy? 🙋‍♀️

According to these two recent Appalachian Gastroenterology - AppGastro reviews, colonoscopies aren’t so bad after all. If you’ve been putting off your colonoscopy, consider this your reminder to schedule that appointment today.

The Patient Transport Team at Watauga Medical Center are rock stars! 🤩 Everybody raves about how great they are. It’s no surprise they were recognized this month for their exceptional .

Join us in welcoming Greg Edwards, PMHNP to the team at Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health in Linville. 🎉

Congratulations to ⭐️Dr. Barbara Wood⭐️ at the Rehabilitation Center for recently receiving a STAR Award from our Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.🎉

We’re proud to present a Star Award ⭐️ to Physical Therapist Dr. Barbara Wood, for her unwavering dedication to her patients at the Rehabilitation Center in Boone.

Star Awards are given to employees following a donation made in their honor. It's a meaningful gesture to recognize the dedication of individuals who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care. 🫶

Do you know of a healthcare employee or department deserving of recognition? Learn more about how you can honor their commitment by nominating them for a Star Award: https://apprhs.org/recognize-nurses-or-staff/

Please help us welcome Sharon Spears, MSN, FNP-BC to the team at Watauga Surgical Group. 🎉

Dr. Donna Denier from the Heart and Vascular Center spoke about heart care at the Watauga Women in Leadership Coffee Connections yesterday.

Often women are so busy caring for everyone around them that they neglect their health. Dr. Denier reminded the group to take care of themselves because heart disease is the leading cause of death for women as well as men. ❤️

Harmony Center for Women updated their address.

Harmony Center for Women updated their phone number.

From providing care during pregnancy and delivery to routine gynecologic care, we're proud that our team of Certified Nurse Midwives does so much for Women's Health in the High Country.

https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/busting-7-myths-about-midwives/

Busting 7 Myths About Midwives | UNC Health Talk Midwives are trusted providers who can care for you throughout all stages of life.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Happy National Midwifery Week to our Certified Nurse Midwives who work at Harmony Center for Women and Baker Center for Primary Care. 🎉

They are Carrington Pertalion, CNM; Heather Jordan, CNM; April Greene, DNP, CNM; and Nancy Griffith, FNP, CNM.

Together they have 95 years of experience providing care for women!

Please take a few moments to complete this short 3-5 minute survey regarding women’s health in the High Country. This survey is anonymous and will help us better understand the needs in our area.

https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8pI5aYyUo31lZ8W

We are proud of all of our providers and their passion to serve the women of the High Country.

Women Supporting Women United by their passion to serve women of all ages, April Greene, Nancy Griffith and Dr. Courtney Damian provide compassionate medical care to the women of the High Country.

We have updated our COVID-19 visitor guidelines in all our facilities. Take a moment to read them if you plan on visiting soon.

Updated ARHS COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines Updated COVID-19 visitor restrictions for hospitals and medical offices, effective June 28, 2021.

Every day is Women's Day here at Harmony, but today we are especially thankful to be able to serve the women of our High Country community. https://apprhs.org/women/

Women's Health Services Your health is our priority. At Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, we provide a comprehensive array of services to meet the needs of women throughout every stage of life.