When the closest hospital is an hour away: rural healthcare at a crossroads

By: Nadine McGraw

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 687

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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Last February, a child with no prior history had a severe allergic reaction in a rural North Carolina middle school. EMS promptly responded and per the parent’s request, initiated transport to a large medical center in Durham, more than 30 minutes away. En route, the child’s vital signs crashed. A choice had to be made. Paramedics diverted to the closest hospital only minutes away in Roxboro. At our emergency department, she required multiple medications …

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