Behavioral health is an essential component of the healthcare system. In 2014, the US Health Resources and Services Administration labeled Avery County a Designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Area. By 2016, Cannon Hospital was only able to admit 10% of all psychiatric referrals received.
Last Tuesday, McMillan Pazdan Smith had the privilege to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in Avery County, North Carolina. The Hospital, part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), was the recipient of a $6.5 million dollar Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund grant to expand the number of behavioral health beds available to the underserved population. The groundbreaking marked the start of the first phase, an eight-bed acute care addition, which will follow with the renovation of the existing facility to accommodate 27 behavioral health inpatient beds. This is an incredibly important project for a very special community, and we look forward to the continued progress.