WE, THE UNDERSIGNED — CITIZENS OF YANCEY, MITCHELL, AND AVERY COUNTIES — DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE OVER ONE HOUR FOR SURGICAL AND OBSTETRIC CARE. WE RAISED THE FUNDING FOR OUR HOSPITAL IN 1955 AND NOW IT IS BEING SOLD TO THE HOSPITAL CORP. OF AMERICA. WE RESPECTFULLY ASK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO EXCLUDE THE SALE OF BLUE RIDGE HOSPITAL AND RETURN IT TO THE PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITIES. IF THERE IS A SALE, WE REQUEST THAT OUR HOSPITAL’S PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO A FOUNDATION ADMINISTERED BY THE PEOPLE OF OUR COUNTIES. A FOUNDATION CENTERED IN ASHEVILLE WILL NOT APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS OUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS.