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Eugene Woods: Advocate Health Expands Rural Commitment with $100M Investment in Yadkin Valley

Eugene A. Woods/jnj.com

Jul 10, 2025, 14:01

Eugene Woods: Advocate Health Expands Rural Commitment with $100M Investment in Yadkin Valley

Eugene Woods, Chief Executive Officer at Advocate Health, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“We’re doubling down on our commitment to rural care—with a bold step forward this week.

Since 2005, nearly 200 rural hospitals across the U.S. have closed. At Advocate Health, we believe your ZIP code should never determine your health outcomes. That’s why we’re investing in rural communities—bringing care closer to home and building a healthier future for all.

Across our six-state footprint—from Macon, GA to Marinette, WI—nearly 1 million rural patients trust us to deliver high-quality care.

They rely on:

Local doctors and nurses who understand their communities
Virtual care that eliminates hours of travel
Career opportunities that strengthen local economies

And this week, we’re proud to welcome Hugh Chatham Health to the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist family.

Based in Elkin, NC—a town of just over 4,000—Hugh Chatham Health serves the Yadkin Valley, a region rich in agriculture and community spirit.

We’re investing $100 million to expand access and services, including:

Women’s and children’s health
Heart and vascular care
Cancer treatment
Virtual care
And more

We’re also launching the Yadkin Valley Wellness Foundation with a $30 million investment to support long-term community health and wellness.

This is a milestone for Hugh Chatham Health, for Atrium Health, and—most importantly—for the people of the Yadkin Valley.

And it’s just one more way we’re using our scale, innovation, and deep local partnerships to ensure every patient, in every community, gets the care they need to thrive.”

Eugene Woods: Advocate Health Expands Rural Commitment with $100M Investment in Yadkin Valley