LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) – The Healthy Highlands Program has a new leader in Sandra McHenry, M.D.
McHenry began her duties in late March and is working out of an office at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. The Healthy Highlands Program is funded through grants from the Virginia Department of Health and the YMCA of the USA.
A Kentucky native and a resident of Clifton Forge, McHenry also works as an associate professor at Mountain Gateway Community College and will continue teaching there until the end of the spring semester. She has taught anatomy and physiology at the college for the past six years.
“I’m excited to be part of the Healthy Highlands initiative and to begin partnering with other organizations in our area to better educate residents on health care issues and disease prevention,” she said.
McHenry received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Kentucky and her medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She completed her residency in neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina and her fellowship in electrophysiology, also from the Medical University of South Carolina.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have someone with Dr. McHenry’s credentials leading our Healthy Highlands Program,” said Alleghany Highlands YMCA CEO Jennifer Unroe. “Dr. McHenry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, and we’re excited to see her address some of the issues that are critical to the health and well-being of residents throughout the area.”
McHenry and her husband, Dennis, an employee at Ingevity with over 30 years of experience in the carbon industry, have three children. James resides in Blacksburg, while Chris lives in Milwaukee. Their daughter, Megan, is a senior at Alleghany High School. After practicing clinical neurology for several years, McHenry homeschooled her children before returning to work at the local community college.
In her duties, McHenry will manage the operations of the Healthy Highlands initiative. The program includes promoting vaccinations, reducing health risks and reclaiming health for residents of the Alleghany Highlands.
“This position brings together my experience as a clinical provider and as a health care educator,” she said. “I’m really excited to offer my experience and knowledge in an effort to make the Highlands a healthier community and to help people make positive, healthy changes in their lives.”
For more information on the Healthy Highlands program, email McHenry at smchenryahymca@gmail.com.
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