Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC), in partnership with Haywood Community College (HCC), hosted a special Lunch and Learn event yesterday on the HCC campus, the first in the educational series to be held at the college.

The interactive session, led by general surgeon Joshua Rudd, DO, offered community members a detailed look into chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), vein health, treatment options, and other vascular conditions.

CVI occurs when vein walls or valves in the leg veins are not working effectively, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, aching, varicose veins, and skin changes. Dr. Rudd discussed causes, risk factors, and advanced treatment options for CVI and related conditions, giving attendees a deeper understanding of how venous health impacts overall wellness.

“This type of education is so important for our community,” Dr. Rudd said. “Many people suffer silently with vein-related conditions, not realizing that effective treatments are available. Bringing these conversations into the open helps reduce stigma and empowers people to seek care.”

The Lunch and Learn series is a monthly program offered by Haywood Regional Medical Center at no cost to the community. Each session provides timely, relevant health information from local experts on topics that directly affect western North Carolina residents.

“We are grateful to Haywood Community College for hosting this session and for the ongoing partnership we share,” said Sue Shugart, chief executive officer for HRMC. “Together, we are committed not only to improving the health of our community but also to strengthening the healthcare workforce for our county.”

The collaboration between HRMC and HCC includes initiatives such as training programs, professional development opportunities, and workforce pipelines designed to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.

The Haywood Vein Center treats CVI and other vein-related conditions discussed in the program. More information is available at MyHaywoodRegional.com/vein or by calling 828-452-8346.