Governor Spanberger Visits CRBH to Discuss Rural Healthcare

We recently welcomed Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to Rockbridge for a firsthand look at the important role rural hospitals like CRBH play in providing quality care close to home. During her visit, Gov. Spanberger toured the hospital, met with our employees and leaders, and learned more about the opportunities and challenges of delivering healthcare in rural communities.

“We discussed recruiting clinicians, expanding access to specialty care, and addressing the unique needs of rural patients, along with legislative issues,” CRBH President Greg Madsen said. “She was very interested in understanding those challenges.”

Being part of Carilion has helped CRBH recruit new clinicians, including physicians and nurse practitioners, and connect patients with a broader network of providers and services so more people can receive the care they need close to home.

“People shouldn’t have to travel hundreds of miles for good care, and we’re able to do that and meet them at the doorstep of their community which is important,” said CRBH Board Chair Tracy Lyons. 

For our teams serving rural communities, having the governor see that work firsthand was especially rewarding. 

“It meant a great deal to our teams to have their work recognized and to share how they care for this community,” said Madsen. 

The visit reinforced the importance of continued conversations about the future of rural healthcare and the role our hospitals play in keeping communities healthy.

“We were just fortunate for her to have boots on the ground, to understand the true picture of what a rural hospital and community look like,” said Lyons.