COVID-19

On May 11, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services declaration of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency will come to an end. As restrictions ease around the country, Blue Ridge Health remains dedicated to the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina. We thoroughly adhere to all state and federal guidelines for keeping our clinics, dental offices, pharmacies, and behavioral health sites as safe as possible for our patients and staff.

At this time, patients are no longer required to wear a mask at Blue Ridge Health unless they have specific symptoms, such as: cough, fever, congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, confirmed or suspected COVID.

Our clinics are fully open and operating as usual.

We know that the last few years have taken a toll on the physical and mental health of our patients. We encourage everyone across WNC to schedule appointments to address any physical, mental, or behavioral health needs that they may have delayed taking care of during this Public Health Emergency.

We also encourage our patients to make sure they are fully immunized and boosted against COVID-19 and its variants. Click here to find a Blue Ridge Health near you.

At Blue Ridge Health, it is our mission to improve health, inspire hope, and advance healing through access to compassionate, affordable, and quality care.

It is a mission inspired by 60 years of service to the communities of Western North Carolina, a mission that has only been strengthened by what we have all gone through since the beginning of the pandemic, a mission that honors our commitment to continuing to deliver the care you expect and deserve.

Common symptoms of COVID-19

Fever or chills

Cough

Fatigue

Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

Muscle or body aches

Loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion

Call 911 if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, having chest pain, experiencing confusion and/or having difficulty staying awake, or experiencing any other medical emergency.

Experiencing symptoms?

Contact your healthcare provider.

Take an at-home COVID-19 test or schedule an appointment to get tested at a site near you. (Let the scheduler know you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.)

Avoid contact with others. Stay away from school, work, or other public places until your provider says it is okay to resume contact.

Wash your hands frequently.

Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops often.

Call 911 if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, having chest pain, experiencing confusion and/or having difficulty staying awake, or experiencing any other medical emergency.

Provider Quotes

“Some people believe that natural immunity from getting COVID-19 is better than getting the vaccine, but studies have shown that getting the vaccine is better. Vaccines are safe and effective at building immunity without having to actually experience sickness – and there’s no way to know what the outcome will be if you become sick with COVID-19. I recommend following the CDC vaccination guidelines for the health and safety of our friends and neighbors in WNC.”

Dr. Rivers Woodward, BRH – Lake Lure

“The virus that causes COVID-19 is related to other viruses that scientists have studied, and the knowledge gained from these studies gave researchers a head start on developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, researchers had already been studying the type of vaccine – the mRNA vaccine – for decades. So really, scientists were just more prepared to create the vaccination for COVID-19 than they would have been 10-20 years ago. I definitely recommend that my patients keep up on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.”

Juana Diaz-Perez, PA-C, BRH – Chimney Rock Road

“Studies have shown time after time that the COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness during pregnancy, while having no increased risk for miscarriage or other negative outcomes for mom and baby. Pregnant women with COVID-19 infection may require more testing to monitor their pregnancies for possible complications. I recommend that women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters to have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies.”

Dr. Julie Todd, BRH – Chimney Rock Road

“Right now, the COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone in North Carolina, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Personal information about individual vaccine recipients cannot be used against them for immigration enforcement and the US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed they will avoid conducting immigration enforcement at COVID testing and vaccination sites. What matters is that we get as many people vaccinated as we can to protect the health of everyone in the community.”

Kenett Melgar, BRH Vulnerable Populations Manager

Resource section

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

NC Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS)

NC DHHS COVID-19 FAQ

Free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988 if you or someone you know needs support.