
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, pharmacies, and medical spas across Kentucky and West Virginia. ARH was formed in the 1960s when thousands of Appalachian citizens were at risk of losing their local hospitals. Today, ARH is the largest provider of care and employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia. ARH's mission is to deliver healthcare that changes lives and promotes well-being for all, with a culture rooted in the resilient spirit of Appalachia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals | 14 |
| Number of employees | 6,700–6,000 |
| Medical staff | 600+ |
| States | Kentucky and West Virginia |
| Cities | Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, South Williamson, Beckley, Hinton, Man, Pikeville, Wise |
| History | Formed in the 1960s to prevent the closure of local hospitals |
| Type | Not-for-profit |
| Culture | Trust, compassion, collaboration |
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What You'll Learn

Appalachian Regional Healthcare's history
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is an independent, not-for-profit health system that was formed in the 1960s to meet the healthcare needs of the people in Appalachia. The health system was created when the Miners Memorial Hospital Association (MMHA) announced its intention to close some of its hospitals in the early 1960s. In response, the Board of National Missions formed a new and independent not-for-profit health system, Appalachian Regional Hospitals (ARH), which purchased the Miners Memorial Hospitals.
In 1956, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and thousands of citizens in the coal communities dedicated the MMHA facilities. The system's hospitals were located in Harlan, Hazard, McDowell, Middlesboro, Whitesburg, Pikeville, and South Williamson, Kentucky; Man and Beckley, West Virginia; and Wise, Virginia.
Today, ARH operates 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky, as well as Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia. ARH also has a network of primary and specialty medicine clinics, home health services, pharmacies, and a reference lab. ARH employs nearly 6,000 people and more than 600 medical staff members within its health system, making it the largest private employer in its service area.
ARH's mission is to improve the health and promote the well-being of all people in Central Appalachia in partnership with its communities. ARH values innovation, trust, compassion, and collaboration in its work. The healthcare provider has always responded to the changing demands of rural healthcare and is committed to ensuring that the people of southeastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia have a health system that works hard for them.
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Locations of ARH hospitals
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system operating 13 or 14 hospitals and serving more than 400,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.
ARH hospitals are located in the following places:
- Barbourville, Kentucky
- Hazard, Kentucky, with 358 acute-care beds and an adjacent psychiatric hospital
- Harlan, Kentucky, with 150 beds
- Hyden, Kentucky, with 25 beds
- Martin, Kentucky
- McDowell, Kentucky, with 25 beds
- Middlesboro, Kentucky, located on the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia border
- Paintsville, Kentucky
- Prestonsburg, Kentucky, with 192 licensed beds and ten medical and specialty clinics in the Big Sandy Region
- South Williamson, Kentucky, with 113 acute beds and 35 skilled nursing beds
- West Liberty, Kentucky, with all private rooms and a complete line of services
- Whitesburg, Kentucky
- Beckley, West Virginia
- Hinton, West Virginia, in the scenic Appalachian mountains near the Virginia border
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ARH's impact on local economies
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores, retail pharmacies, and medical spas. ARH employs around 6,700 people, including more than 600 medical staff members, and generates an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million for local economies. This makes ARH the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky, as well as the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.
ARH's impact on the local economies of these regions is significant. Firstly, ARH's presence as a major employer contributes to economic growth and development in the area. The high number of employees and medical staff members means a substantial amount of income is injected into the local economy through wages and salaries. This income has a multiplier effect, as it is spent in local businesses and on local services, further stimulating economic activity and creating a cycle of growth.
Secondly, ARH's extensive network of hospitals and healthcare services attracts patients from a wide area, including southeastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. This influx of patients and their families can benefit the local economy through their use of accommodation, dining, transportation, and other services during their visits. The provision of healthcare services to the local community improves the overall health and well-being of the population, which can have positive economic implications in terms of reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and a more skilled workforce.
Furthermore, ARH's commitment to the region's healthcare needs has likely contributed to the economic stability and resilience of these communities. By ensuring access to quality healthcare, ARH helps to support a healthy and productive workforce, which is essential for economic growth and development. This is particularly important in rural and underserved areas, where healthcare options may be limited.
Lastly, ARH's role as a significant purchaser of goods and services from local businesses cannot be understated. The procurement of medical supplies, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other goods and services from local vendors and suppliers contributes to the economic well-being of the region. This creates a ripple effect, as these local businesses then have increased revenue to spend and invest in their own communities, further strengthening the economic fabric of the region.
In conclusion, ARH's impact on the local economies of southeastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia is profound. Through employment, income generation, patient services, and local procurement, ARH contributes to economic growth, development, and stability in the region. Their presence as a major healthcare provider and employer has likely had a transformative effect on these communities, ensuring access to healthcare and creating a cycle of economic prosperity.
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The culture at Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system that was formed in the 1960s when thousands of Appalachian citizens were at risk of losing their local hospitals. ARH currently operates 14 hospitals, a network of primary and specialty medicine clinics, home health services, pharmacies, and more, serving over 400,000 patients from southeastern Kentucky to southern West Virginia.
The culture at ARH is defined by its history, family, traditions, and story—embodying the resilient spirit of Appalachia. Trust is at the core of ARH's culture, with every action rooted in honesty, empathy, and integrity. This trust extends not only to patients but also to the communities they serve, fostering connections and promoting well-being for all.
Compassion is another key aspect of ARH's culture. They believe that it's not just about treating people but also about how they treat each other as a team. By bringing together a global workforce to provide local care, ARH enriches the collective strength of their team.
Collaboration is also a cornerstone of ARH's culture, with the belief that they are one family taking care of all families. They foster an inclusive team environment, embracing unique perspectives, experiences, and talents at all levels, which enhances the service they provide.
Innovation is also a key driver of ARH's culture. They adapt to the changing demands of rural healthcare, advancing the way they deliver care, and providing unique solutions to meet the diverse healthcare needs of their patients.
ARH's culture is deeply rooted in their commitment to the communities they serve, ensuring that the people of southeastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia have access to quality healthcare and improving the health and well-being of all in Central Appalachia.
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Career opportunities at ARH
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is an extensive, independent, not-for-profit health system that operates 14 hospitals, primary and specialty medicine clinics, home health services, pharmacies, and more across Kentucky and West Virginia. Employing nearly 6,000 people and over 600 medical staff, ARH is the largest private employer in its service area.
ARH offers a range of career opportunities, particularly for physicians and medical students. For instance, ARH provides an Internal Medicine residency program that equips rising physicians and medical students with the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in ambulatory, hospital-based, or subspeciality medicine.
As an employer, ARH emphasizes its commitment to the communities it serves and its rich tradition of community-based care. ARH invites prospective employees to join a medical community that embodies the resilient spirit of Appalachia, characterized by honesty, empathy, integrity, and collaboration.
Physicians at ARH are part of a global community of healthcare professionals working to advance the health of the communities they call home. ARH promotes an inclusive team environment, fostering unique perspectives, experiences, and talents at every level to enhance its services.
For those interested in exploring career opportunities at ARH, the health system provides a dedicated careers website with information on available positions and application processes.
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Frequently asked questions
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system that operates 14 hospitals and other healthcare services across Kentucky and West Virginia. ARH is not explicitly described as an academic hospital.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare was formed in the 1960s when thousands of Appalachian citizens were at risk of losing their local hospitals. The Board of National Missions created an independent, not-for-profit health system, then known as Appalachian Regional Hospitals, which purchased the Miners Memorial Hospitals. The health system changed its name to Appalachian Regional Healthcare in 1986 to reflect its diverse services.
ARH operates hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky, as well as Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare's culture is defined by its history, traditions, and commitment to the people of Appalachia. The organisation's core values include trust, compassion, and collaboration.
ARH is the largest private employer in its service area, with nearly 6,000 employees and over 600 medical staff members. They offer competitive salaries, industry-leading benefits, and sign-on bonuses.











































