Our Hospital, Our Voice

Having worked in healthcare, I understand how important a strong, financially stable hospital is to the people of Watauga County. Our hospital is not simply another business or institution—it is a lifeline for our families, our neighbors, and our entire community.

For generations, Watauga Medical Center was a true community hospital, built around the needs of the people it served. But over time, local control diminished. In 2023, the hospital reported a staggering $27.3 million loss, raising serious questions about financial stewardship, accountability, and the future direction of healthcare in our community. Eventually, local control of the hospital was lost to UNC Health Appalachian.

We cannot simply accept this as the status quo.

As commissioner, I will fight for financial stability, transparency, accountability, and a meaningful community voice in decisions affecting our healthcare system. We need leadership willing to ask the difficult questions, examine the numbers, demand transparency, and make sure taxpayer and community interests are not pushed aside.

This is not about politics. It is about stewardship.

Our hospital must remain financially viable, but financial viability cannot come at the expense of patients, employees, or the community it was created to serve. We need to make sure decisions are driven by sound financial management and quality patient care—not by bureaucracy, politics, or decisions made without meaningful community input.

Watauga County deserves a voice in its future.

As your commissioner, I will bring an independent, nonpartisan approach to this issue. I will work to protect taxpayer dollars, demand accountability from institutions entrusted with serving our citizens, and advocate for a healthcare system that remains accessible, responsible, and focused on the people who depend on it.

We cannot restore what has been lost by looking backward. But we can demand better going forward.

Our hospital. Our community. Our voice. And a commitment to putting patients and citizens first.