This page is a resource for employee information about COVID-19 and the steps ARHS is taking. Please direct patients and members of the public to our public facing website at apprhs.org/covid19
Communications & Media
To ensure that media inquiries are met with the most complete and accurate information possible, we ask that you direct all media emails, phone calls, and conversations to Rob Hudspeth at rhudspeth@apprhs.org or (828) 268-9052.
Visitor Restrictions
Please review the up-to-date visitor guidelines for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other ARHS locations.
FREE RelyMD Virtual Visits for Employees
RelyMD connects you with a provider anytime, anywhere – now available at no cost for ALL ARHS employees (even those not on the ARHS health plan), as well as any dependent enrolled in the ARHS Health Plan.
- Download the RelyMD app
- Create your account within the app
- Enter Employer Code ARHS on the payment page
HIPAA Compliance Requirement
We want to remind all employees of ARHS’s policy regarding accessing patient records. With the COVID 19 risk, we know that in our small community you may have friends or family impacted by the virus and you may be concerned about their health and safety.
While we appreciate the caring attitude of our staff, you should only be accessing patient information to the degree that you need that information to provide care or to perform your job.
We do randomly run access logs to see who is accessing patient records. If we cannot identify a reason a specific person accessed the record, then HR and leadership will be investigating. Disciplinary measures can occur if the record should not have been accessed.
Thank you for taking such great care of our patients and for protecting their privacy as well.
Employee Vaccines and Masking: Frequently Asked Questions
For general information about employee masking and eye protection, review the Employee Masking and Eye Protection requirements. Click on a question below to reveal the answer to these Frequently Asked Questions.A: ARHS is currently evaluating this requirement and...
Recommendations for Vaccinated Employees
With the release of the CDC’s guidelines for fully vaccinated people, we wanted to address ARHS’ guidelines.
Updated COVID Precautions & Procedures for ARHS
Updated April 6, 2022 Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) is updating our guidance to align with the CDC’s recent changes. This guidance is being updated to continue our focus on protection for healthcare personnel, patients and visitors. These updates will...
Heroes Health Initiative – supporting YOU as you care for others
You are doing so much for others, Heroes Health is to support you. ARHS employees can now join Heroes Health, an app-based intervention and research study for healthcare workers. The UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health have launched the Heroes Health...
Hope4Healers Resource for Health Care Staff
Do you or your family members need FREE emotional support from being on the COVID-19 front lines? NC licensed therapists are ready to listen!
RelyMD FREE virtual visits
The RelyMD medical team has carefully created specific COVID-19 protocols to help our patients seek remote care when experiencing flu-like symptoms, have concern over potential exposure with an infected person, or simply want to avoid healthcare facilities for non-related medical conditions.