ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — AdventHealth is inviting residents across Western North Carolina to attend a series of public listening sessions this month as part of its plan to expand hospital services in the region.

The sessions will take place in Buncombe, Graham, Madison and Yancey counties, with a focus on gathering community feedback and sharing updates about the proposed addition of 129 acute care beds to AdventHealth’s approved hospital site in Buncombe County. If approved, the expansion would bring the total number of beds at the facility to 222.

“This hospital is more than a location, it’s a promise,” Brandon Nudd, president and CEO of AdventHealth Hendersonville and AdventHealth Polk, said in a news release. “It’s a commitment to bring more not-for-profit, whole-person care to Western North Carolina. These additional beds will allow us to meet the growing needs of our region and deliver the high-acuity, compassionate care our communities deserve.”

The listening sessions will be held in accessible public spaces such as libraries, community centers and senior centers. Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the hospital design, provide input to AdventHealth leaders, learn about the health system’s plans for expanded services and submit letters of support for the certificate of need (CON) application.

Scheduled sessions include:

  • Yancey County: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 7, Yancey County Senior Center
  • South Buncombe: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 20, Skyland/South Buncombe Library
  • Weaverville: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 26, Weaverville Community Center
  • Candler: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 27, Enka-Candler Public Library

Community support has been a key factor in previous stages of the project, leading to state approval of earlier CON applications for a 67-bed hospital and an additional 26 beds.

“We’re building on a legacy of whole-person care that spans more than a century,” Victoria Dunkle, director of communications and public relations, said in the news release. “These sessions are about listening to our community and ensuring that the care we provide truly reflects what matters most to the people of Western North Carolina.”

More information about the listening sessions and instructions for submitting letters of support can be found here.