Blue Ridge Health

1. Community-Focused
Healthcare

2. Blue Ridge Health – Our Mission
To provide comprehensive, quality healthcare that is
accessible and affordable for all.
Private, Non-Profit, and Community-Governed
51% (or more) of our governing board is made up of Blue Ridge Health
patients who represent the communities we serve.
Comprehensive, Quality Healthcare Services
Our team of exceptional healthcare providers offer a comprehensive range of
healthcare services to support all non-hospital healthcare needs.
Accessible Locations in High-Need Areas
Convenient locations that provide access to healthcare in the medically
underserved areas of our communities. BRH also includes supportive
services (education, interpreting & transportation) to promote patient access.
Affordable Health
Cost of care is adjusted based on the patient’s ability to pay. Because of our
unique commitment to serve all, we have a disproportionally high percentage
of low-income and uninsured patients.

3. Today, 22% percent of our patient care costs are covered by Federal Grants
Like most healthcare systems in the region, Blue Ridge Health receives some federal funds each year
to help cover the cost of uncompensated care.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), BRH applies for this federal funding every three years
in the form of a
330 grant (authorized under the Public Health Services Act).
Blue Ridge Health – FQHC
As an FQHC, Blue Ridge Health is
part of the largest “network” of
primary care providers in the
nation.
25 million individuals receive care
in a Community Health Center -
over 100 million patient visits

4. 1963 – founded in Henderson County as a part-time migrant health clinic with a mission to eliminate
health disparities in WNC
1987 – grew to become a full-time federally-qualified family practice known as Blue Ridge Community
Health Services (BRCHS)
1992 – opened a pediatric practice
1993 – the first of four school-based health centers opened in Henderson
1995 – opened a dental clinic for children
2005 – dental care for adults
2006 – behavioral health services
2009 – on-site Pharmacy in Henderson County
2012 – Transylvania County new access point location opened in Brevard
2013 – Collaboration with Pardee Hospital/MAHEC resulted in second Henderson site & Teaching
Health Center
2014 – Rutherford and Buncombe County locations opened
2016 – Polk and Haywood County locations opened. 7th Ave location opened in collaboration with
Hendersonville Rescue Mission
Blue Ridge Health - History

5. Blue Ridge Health - Service Area
7 Counties with 17 Locations
Buncombe | Haywood | Henderson | Jackson | Polk | Rutherford | Transylvania

6.  Comprehensive primary care
 Laboratory & radiology services
 Preventive services
 Prenatal, Intrapartum and perinatal
 Cancer and other disease screening
 Well child services
 Immunizations
 Family planning
 Preventive dental
 Mental health and Psychiatry
Blue Ridge Health – Services Overview
 Urgent Care
 Minor injuries
 Pharmacy
 Nutrition
 24/7 access to care
 Eligibility workers
 Case management Interpreting
 Outreach & health education
 Transportation
All services listed are required by 330 Grants. They must be provided directly or through
contract with a local provider. BRH stands out by directly providing most services at each
site. The main site provides all services.

7. Blue Ridge Health – Sylva
April 1, 2017: Good Samaritan Clinic transferred operations to Blue Ridge
Health
 Access: expanded hours (Continuing Tues night clinic; added Friday hours)
 Comprehensive Services: Primary Care, Behavioral Health, POC Testing
 Quality: the best care from an exceptional team of providers (new EMR)
 Affordable: customized care costs that prioritize the patient
Good Samaritan Services
 Nurse Care Coordination
 Medication Assistance Program (BRH & non-BRH patients)
 Translation Services
 Prescription Assistance
 Patient Navigation– connecting patients with community resources
 Charity Discount Card program
On The Horizon
 Facility Renovation: 12 exam rooms, 2 nursing pods, community room
 Onsite Pharmacy
 Pediatric Care (beginning mid-Autumn)

8. Blue Ridge Health – Services
FAMILY MEDICINE
complete physical exams | chronic disease management (diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, etc.)
| cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries | strains and sprains | acute illnesses such as cold or flu | women’s
health services | preventive medicine
DENTAL
regular check-ups and cleanings | restorative care cavities | periodontal care | root planning |
extractions | urgent dental care
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
counseling and therapy | care for depression and anxiety | panic disorders | anger issues | victims of
abuse | psychiatry | improved parenting skills | eating disorders
NUTRITION
eating disorders | group education | weight management | healthy eating
CASE MANAGEMENT
financial assistance – sliding scale | insurance application assistance | patient navigation –
connecting patients with beneficial community programs
HEALTH EDUCATION

9. 55%
24%
8%
13%
Blue Ridge Health - 2016 Payer Mix
55% - Uninsured
24% - Medicaid
13% - Private Insurance
8% - Medicare & Other Public Insurance

10. Blue Ridge Health – Community Support
Without Community Support, we could not do this work.
30,000
Last year, private donors and businesses helped provide care for nearly 30,000 community members.
While this is significant, it only scratches the surface of the healthcare needs across Western North Carolina
22%
Like most healthcare systems in the region, Blue Ridge Health is Federally Qualified, meaning 22% percent of our
patient care costs are covered by Federal Grants
4 out of 5
Four out of every five patients that walk into a Blue Ridge Health location are below the poverty level and 98% of them
are considered low-income.
$15 Million
48% of our patient care costs are paid for with private donations, private grants, and patient revenue.
Blue Ridge Health needs $15 million each year to sustain current charity care levels.
What Does This Mean?
 The number of patients given the opportunity to be healthy each year depends largely on
the generosity of our communities.
 Every dollar donated to Blue Ridge Health directly impacts the health of our community!

11. Blue Ridge Health – Community Support
Thank you for your partnership!
Harris Regional Hospital
Jackson County Department of Public Health
Eastgate Pharmacy
Western Carolina University & Southwestern Community College
Volunteers & Students
Community Support
 Area Faith Communities
 Civic Organizations
 Local and Regional Foundations
 Great Smokies Health Foundation
 Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation
 Individual Donors
Donating to Blue Ridge Health- Sylva:
 Covers the cost of care for patients who cannot afford an office visit.
 Helps to purchase supplies, equipment, and medications needed.

12. To Learn More Visit:
brchs.com
Blue Ridge Health - Keep In Touch!
facebook.com/BRCHS
Rebecca Mathis
Community Engagement
rmathis@brchs.com
828-447-4334
Joint Commission Accredited for Patient Safety and Quality –and- Primary Care
Medical Home (PCMH)
Recognized by National Committee for Quality Assurance
(NCQA) as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)