Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

We are delighted to share that Iris Paige McLeod was the first baby born at Watauga Medical Center in 2025. She arrived at 12:41 a.m. on January 1, 2025, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 18 inches long. Congratulations to her proud parents, Cassidy Vasser and Gage McLeod of Franklin, VA! 🥳 #UNCHealthAppalachian #HappyNewYear

As we close out another year, we want to take a moment to thank YOU—our patients, healthcare heroes, and community—for trusting us with your care and support. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and hopeful 2025! Let’s continue to look out for one another, prioritize wellness, and celebrate every step toward a healthier future. From our healthcare family to yours: Happy New Year! 🥳 🎉 🩵

Merry Christmas from our beautiful babies in the UNC Children's NICU! 🎄💖 These tiny warriors continue to inspire us with their strength and resilience every single day. Our hearts are full of gratitude as we celebrate this special season, surrounded by love, hope, and the amazing care they’re receiving. Wishing everyone a season filled with peace, love, and miracles! ✨ #MerryChristmas

Merry Christmas from UNC Health! 🎅🎄❄️

At UNC Health Appalachian, our commitment to the health and well-being of our community goes beyond the walls of our hospitals and medical practices. We’re excited to share that we’ve donated six video laryngoscopes to two local, not-for-profit, volunteer-based rescue squads: Watauga County Rescue Squad and Linville-Central Rescue Squad. These life-saving devices will enhance emergency services throughout the High Country and help our local rescue squads deliver even better care when it matters most. https://lnkd.in/eTkfcHEw

We’re thrilled to share that The Leapfrog Group has recognized Watauga Medical Center as a Top Rural Hospital for excellence in healthcare safety and quality. This prestigious award is one of the most competitive honors for hospitals across the United States! 🥳 🎉 🎊 #UNCAppalachian #CarolinaCare #OneGreatTeam https://lnkd.in/eR5q_7U9

We’re excited to share that Nathan Nipper has been named our new President and CEO! Since 2022, Nathan has been serving as our Chief Operating Officer and will be stepping into this role as Chuck Mantooth retires at the end of the year. Jim Deal, chairman of UNC Health Appalachian’s Board of Trustees, shared, “Nathan is a talented and passionate leader who will continue UNC Health Appalachian’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of patients in Northwest North Carolina and beyond. He is deeply committed to both our community and our organization.” Join us in congratulating Nathan on this exciting new chapter! https://lnkd.in/ewm3TDKU #UNCAppalachian #OneGreatTeam

U.S. News named UNC Health Appalachian “High Performing” for maternity care, the highest award a hospital can receive as part of its annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study.  https://lnkd.in/g9KtFhZv. #CarolinaCare #UNCHealthAppalachian #WomensHealth

Congratulations to Olivia Wilkins, Physician Assistant at UNC Health Appalachian, for being nominated in the North Carolina Healthcare Association's recent Healthcare Heroes campaign with NC State Athletics! Olivia was nominated by her husband, Austin, who shared how she saved a life. “My wife is an incredible Physician Assistant. She recently saved a cyclist’s life on the side of the road whom she found unresponsive when she was on her way home with our two kids in the car. She did CPR for 10 minutes before EMS arrived and administered a shock with the defibrillator. The man had had a heart attack while cycling, but was able to be stabilized and is now alive and well. When she is not saving people on the side of the road, she is caring for her patients at Appalachian Gastroenterology. She is compassionate and kind and always seeks to care for both the person as a whole as well as their illness.” Thank you for all you do, Olivia! We are so thankful for you. #CarolinaCare

We are thrilled to introduce Kara Fore-Flores, DNP, AGNP-C, as the newest member of our team at Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center! We are excited to have her on board. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to our community! #OneGreatTeam #UNCHealthAppalachian