Mission Health and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital recently held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for the hospital’s new $6.7 million emergency department in Highlands, N.C.

Emergency department improvements include 6,800 additional square feet, a dedicated behavioral health patient treatment area, special space for trauma or sexual assault victims, separate space for patients with contagious diseases, private consultation rooms and a waiting area with architectural features that make the most of the surrounding mountain scenery.

The project is a component of Mission Health’s Future Ready initiative, a plan for the future of healthcare across western North Carolina that exceeds half a billion dollars in investments.

Design Strategies served as architect on the new ER, and JR Vannoy Construction served as general contractor.