Danville and Pittsylvania County residents have peace of mind when it comes to health care, as they have access to the quality care provided by Danville Regional Medical Center and a corps of community volunteers at the ready for emergencies, thanks to the Danville Lifesaving Crew.

Danville Regional Medical Center
Danville Regional Medical Center began in 1884 with 28 women and a vision, and the hospital continues to lead the way in health care for Pittsylvania County and the entire Dan River Region.

In 2008, the hospital and Duke University Heart Center announced their renewed relationship, ensuring enhanced quality and services for cardiovascular care. Also known as the Heart Center of the Piedmont, the program includes the development, support and delivery of inpatient and outpatient cardiac services, cardiovascular surgery, diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization, vascular surgery, vascular intervention, and other cardiac diagnostic procedures and medical services.

Throughout the affiliation agreement that will run through 2017, the Duke Heart Center will provide quality oversight for DRMC, with both organizations working to help expand cardiac services in the region.

Meanwhile, DRMC in 2009 made headlines yet again with an announcement to begin medical residency programs through a partnership with the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

In addition, Danville Regional has undergone nearly $7 million in facility improvements in recent years, including additional patient floors, expansion of the Center for Radiation Oncology, renovation of inpatient rehab and a new Wound Healing Center.

The hospital has also received a technology upgrade that includes a 64-slice CT scanner, new anesthesia and laboratory equipment, digital mammography at Danville Diagnostic Imaging Center, and 3D/4D ultrasound technology at Piedmont Women’s Health Specialists.

Furthermore, the hospital has placed an intense focus on physician recruitment for primary care and sub-specialists, welcoming many new physicians with specialties ranging from nephrology and neurology to orthopedic surgery and psychiatry. The medical center has also welcomed a team of highly trained hospitalists – physicians responsible for the comprehensive care of hospitalized patients.

Danville Life Saving Crew
The Danville Life Saving Crew, established in 1945, is a volunteer organization providing free emergency response when local residents call 911. The crew is headquartered on Christopher Lane, with an additional station on the north side of town. Funded largely by corporate donations, the crew also hosts a charity golf tournament each August to help cover its annual operating budget of approximately $500,000.

To recruit new members and to educate members of the community about how the crew operates in responding to emergencies, a ride-along program is offered. The program is available for medical and fire and rescue professionals in the area, as well as for citizens 16 years old and above who have no emergency response training.