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

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.