For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: September 21, 2007

Black Mountain Center Charts New Direction at 70

            BLACK MOUNTAIN – Adapting its core mission to reflect the changing needs of the citizens it serves, the Black Mountain Center officially becomes the Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center (BMNTC) at a special ceremony on Sept. 27.

            According to BMNTC Director Genny Pugh, the rededication ceremony honors 70 years of service to the community while recognizing the Center’s focus on treating and caring for older people with developmental disabilities as well as those with Alzheimer’s.

            “Throughout our 70 years, the staff of Black Mountain has striven to provide the people in our service area with the highest level of care,” Pugh said.  “That tradition continues with the Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center.”

            BMNTC has a long history of service to the people of western North Carolina. Originally founded in 1937 as the Western North Carolina Sanatorium, it served as one of the regional state treatment facilities for people with tuberculosis.  Later, as the hospital served people with other type of pulmonary conditions, its name became the Western North Carolina Specialty Hospital. In 1977, it became the Black Mountain Center, a state-operated mental retardation center serving people with developmental disabilities.  In 1988, a specialized Alzheimer’s Program was instituted as a part of the Black Mountain Center mission.

            The name change was adopted by legislation introduced in the last session of the General Assembly.