Emily Schabacker

Eight people, including several doctors and a kidney transplant recipient, spoke in support of the Roanoke-based health system’s plan at a hearing Tuesday in Richmond.

Carilion Clinic plans to challenge the state’s recommendation to deny its kidney transplant program, as patients in Southwest and Southside struggle with transportation to the nearest center in Charlottesville.

Officials at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare expect renovations to start this spring.

Sister Bernadette Kenny brought multiple health services to the region, including establishing the first mobile health clinic in the U.S. She died Saturday.

The University of Virginia Medical Center submitted a letter opposing Carilion’s proposal, saying that it could jeopardize UVa’s staffing levels and ongoing research initiatives.

Eligible Medicaid patients in the program area who have high blood pressure, prediabetes or diabetes will receive weekly “produce prescriptions” that they can redeem for fruits and vegetables.

The most effective way to get pregnant women into drug treatment is to offer inpatient services that provide child care, experts say. Only two such facilities exist in Virginia; another will open in Roanoke next year.

The process is complex, and there’s a lot to learn about accessing funds effectively and then reporting back to the state authority that funding was used appropriately.