News

Blue Ridge health center opens Brevard facility

BRCHS and Transylvania County officials cut ribbon for Brevard health center.

By Bill Moss, Published: November 10, 2012

BREVARD — Blue Ridge Community Health Services (BRCHS) has opened the Brevard Health Center, a new facility targeted at underserved patients in Transylvania County.

Elected officials and key community partners celebrated the opening of the facility on Nov. 8 and heard remarks speakers Jerry Maier, BRCHS Board Chair; Dr. Shannon Dowler, Chief Medical Officer; and Mike Hawkins, chairman of the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners.
Located at 89 Hospital Drive, the center has had extensive renovations including installation of state-of-the-art medical exam rooms, dental exam rooms and behavioral health consult rooms.
The Brevard Health Center staff includes a family physician and a nurse practitioner, clinical support personnel, a part-time dietitian and a practice manager.
A dentist, hygienist and dental assistant provide dental services. BRCHS currently employs a psychiatrist and a counselor, who will provide behavioral health services to Brevard Health Center patients.

BRCHS began in 1963 with the mission "to enhance the health of individuals and families within the community, with emphasis on the underserved." In 2011, the organization served over 17,000 individuals. Approximately 600 of those patients were from Transylvania County, where officials estimate some 7,000 people are underinsured or uninsured. The creation of the Brevard Health Center grew out of a desire to meet this need.