Blue Ridge Medical Center was established in 1985 to address the health care needs of residents of Nelson County, Virginia, a rural county where nearly half the residents were at or below 200% of the poverty level.
While the area was designated as a health provider shortage area (HPSA) and medically underserved area (MUA), health care services were extremely limited. Primary care services were provided by the local health department and there was no nearby hospital for secondary or tertiary care. Beginning in 1983, Sarah Jane Stewart worked with the first group of planners to develop the concept of and support for a health center in the county.The center was initially established first as a rural health center and later became a full-service community health center.
Since then, the original one-doctor practice has grown to include 4 doctors, 4 family nurse practitioners, 1 psychiatric nurse practitioner and a physical therapist. Services include X-ray, acupuncture, behavioral health care, on-site mammograms and on-site pharmacy as well as comprehensive adult and pediatric primary care. The new facility, which is expected to open in September 2011, will also include dental services.
The center’s Rural Health Outreach Program (RHOP), established in 1991, provides comprehensive community- and school-based services, making a real difference in the lives of the people it serves and the health status of the county’s residents.
Throughout its history and expansion, Blue Ridge has remained steadfast in its mission to provide quality health care to all people in Nelson County and neighboring communities; and to improve their general health and well-being through prevention, education and treatment.
