The Transylvania Partners for Democracy (TPD) will hold a public forum in the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library, Thursday evening, August 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The subject of the evening session is The Uncertainty of Health Care in Transylvania County.
At the public forum on August 28, everyone will have the opportunity to hear from three local experts, Rik Emaus, Richard Hudspeth and Andrew Jones, discussing some of the potential consequences of this legislation as well as other policies with an emphasis on the effects in Transylvania County, followed by a question-and-answer session. At the beginning of the forum, award-winning historian and professor emeritus Dan T. Carter will provide a short overview.
Rik Emaus is a retired physician and healthcare executive. Having served as Chief Executive of two medical groups of over 200 providers each, he has extensive business and healthcare experience. He is certified by the American College of Physician Executives and has a Masters in Medical Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Richard W. Hudspeth is the current CEO of Blue Ridge Health (BRH), a non-profit, community-based health organization headquartered in Hendersonville and over a dozen locations across Western North Carolina. Dr. Hudspeth joined BRH as Chief Medical Officer in 2015 and became CEO in 2016. He completed his BA at Duke University and his MD at University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Andrew R. Jones is an investigative journalist with the Asheville Watchdog, with a special focus on health care, including its quality and ease of access. He previously covered Buncombe County government and health care at the Asheville Citizen Times. He is originally from Indiana.
Terry Decker, a former US Air Force Russian linguist and analyst, educator and specialist in organizational development will moderate the panel.
Transylvania Partners for Democracy welcomes the support of all, regardless of political or party affiliation. If you would like to become an official member of the organization, please fill out the membership form here. If you would like more information about TPD or would like to make a donation to support our activities, then please visit our website.