Blue Ridge Medical Center (BRMC) has formally submitted a request for $3,999,500 in Congressional Direct Spending (CDS) funding through U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) to support the relocation and modernization of its Emergency Department (ED) and Clinical Laboratory.
The proposed project will reposition the hospital’s Emergency Department and Laboratory services to improve patient flow, enhance safety, and strengthen emergency preparedness for Fannin County and the surrounding North Georgia region.
“As the only hospital serving our community, BRMC plays a critical role in ensuring timely access to emergency and diagnostic care,” said Gary Poquette, chief executive officer of BRMC.
“This project will significantly improve efficiency, patient privacy, and clinical outcomes while positioning our hospital for long-term sustainability as a Critical Access Hospital.”
The $3,999,500 project will:
•Relocate and modernize the Emergency Department to improve throughput and capacity;
•Enhance patient privacy and infection control standards;
•Upgrade clinical laboratory space to improve turnaround times for critical diagnostics;
•Improve integration between emergency and diagnostic services; and,
•Strengthen infrastructure resilience for disaster response and public health emergencies.
The current configuration of the Emergency Department and Laboratory limits operational efficiency and creates challenges for patient flow during peak volumes. The proposed relocation will allow BRMC to better meet growing community demand and ensure compliance with modern healthcare design standards, Poquette said.
Congressional Direct Spending allows members of Congress to support high-priority community projects through the federal appropriations process. If approved by Congress, funding would be administered through the appropriate federal agency. The decision will be made in November/December 2026 with final distribution of funds in Summer/Fall 2027.
“Senator Ossoff has been a strong advocate for rural healthcare access,” added Gary Poquette, CEO of BRMC.
BRMC recently transitioned to Critical Access Hospital status, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining essential healthcare services for the region. The ED and Laboratory relocation project represents a key strategic investment in preserving local access to high-quality emergency and diagnostic care.
For more information about BRMC, visit blueridgemc.org.