Blue Ridge Health representatives discuss services they provide to local families with Rotary

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Members of the Blue Ridge Health staff who serve Polk County provided a presentation at last week’s Rotary Club of Tryon meeting. 

Rebecca Mathis, director of community engagement and outreach, explained that Blue Ridge Health has two facilities in Polk County serving the medical and dental needs for anyone in the area. In its clinics, BRH staff will see all patients: with or without insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. 

Mathis stressed that the organization’s mission is “To provide quality healthcare that is accessible and affordable for all.”

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Linda Davidson, medical director for behavioral health, told the club about the work BRH is currently doing to support Polk County students and about the new facility BRH will be opening at Polk County Middle School in January. 

Many students are trying to cope with adverse childhood experiences like physical or sexual abuse, neglect, drug addiction or other household dysfunctions. These experiences can have a dramatic effect on how well students perform in school. 

By providing counselling sessions with licensed clinical social workers and a health center in the middle school, BRH will partner with Polk County Schools to help the area’s students perform better in school.

Supporting students in the area is important to the Rotary Club of Tryon, representatives said. The club currently works with Polk Central Elementary School in the Reading is Fundamental Program and with high school students on college scholarships. 

The club was excited to hear about the new services Blue Ridge Health is bringing to the area, representatives said. 

The Rotary Club of Tryon meets at noon on Thursday in the Tryon Presbyterian Church. Those interested in learning more may contact the club’s president, Fred Hartley, at 423-341-4965 or hartleyfred46@gmail.com.

– Submitted by the Rotary Club of Tryon