The most recent issue of The Enterprise contained disturbing information regarding the closure of a major employer, Pioneer Hospital. It is unfortunate that this long established institution has closed, ceasing to have emergency care through the ER Department, and primary care for hospitalization of patients.
Patrick County was and is a rural area, and does not attract major employers, and without supporting services of any nature, will again be less attractive to potential employers.
A previous issue of The Enterprise contained an article about a deceased Patrick County native, Ethelyne Fulcher Daniel (my aunt) who has education as a primary interest by donating a substantial grant to a local university.
What was not covered was her additional interest in medical/health services by the establishment of Friends of Barnabas, an organization establishing hospitals, and medical care/resources through the annual visits of medical professionals and volunteers to underserved countries such as Haiti. These visits provide numerous citizens with care and services from a local citizen who saw a need in a medically underserved area.
It is ironic that now we are a medically underserved area.
Teresa Biggs
