Mountain Valley Marks 40 Years of Serving Surry County, NC

Courtesy of Mountain Valley

For more than 40 years, Mountain Valley, a local hospice and palliative care organization located in Surry County, NC, has been dedicated to making difficult moments as comfortable as possible. The nonprofit organization accomplishes this through a wide scope of services, as well as through a team of dedicated providers, compassionate team members and volunteers committed to supporting patients and their families. 

“We’re not just coming to work. We’re coming to serve,” says Tracey Dobson, Mountain Valley president and CEO. “Our team is here because we believe in our mission.” 

Courtesy of Mountain Valley

Mountain Valley was formed in 1983 in the basement of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Mount Airy, NC. Since then, it has grown to include two hospice care centers located in Dobson and Yadkinville, four palliative care offices with teams specializing in serious illness services, and at-home hospice services serving an average of over 800 patients across 18 counties in North Carolina and southern Virginia. 

In addition, Mountain Valley provides a convalescent transport vehicle to move patients between settings. This vehicle is operated by EMTs specially trained to assist hospice patients. 

“The van is crucial to ensure that our patients get the right care at the right time,” says Mountain Valley Chief Clinical Operations Officer Jenna Campbell. “And since the EMTs are hospice-trained, they’re more focused on the comfort of the patient, who might be confused or scared. They’ll sit with the patient and hold their hand. That makes a difference.” 

Courtesy of Mountain Valley

As a prominent health care employer in the region, Mountain Valley works with area community colleges and other educational institutions to offer internships and other potential career opportunities, introducing a younger generation to the meaningful work of hospice and palliative care. 

“Through these partnerships, students interested in end-of-life care are paired with experienced hospice professionals who guide and mentor them as they begin their careers in this deeply fulfilling field,” says Chief Human Resources Officer Angie Cagle. 

Mountain Valley also utilizes volunteers to assist with such services as weekly phone calls to make sure that at-home patients have everything they need. 

“Hospice is a calling, and over the last few years we’ve seen more and more people join our team who have the heart for our mission,” Campbell says. “Our team members meet our patients where they are; it’s not about what’s convenient for us. Our team is here to serve our patients and their families.” 

For more information about Mountain Valley, visit mountainvalleycares.org.