ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare is inviting the public to its 4th annual Burrell Day Open House on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 611 McDowell Ave. NW in Roanoke.
The organization has designated March 10 as Burrell Day, in honor of Dr. Isaac Burrell’s birthday.
The day marks both a remembrance of Dr. Burrell’s death, which the organization attributes to a lack of care and humanity, and a celebration of African American history in Roanoke.
About Dr. Isaac Burrell and the historic building
The event will be held at the Burrell Center, the former home of Burrell Memorial Hospital, which was the first Black hospital in the area.
The hospital was named for Dr. Isaac Burrell, who was denied medical treatment in Roanoke because of his race.
He died after traveling to Washington, D.C., to receive care.
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare currently operates outpatient services at the Burrell Center location.
What to expect at the open house
The opening ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m. and will include guided tours of the historic building, historical visual and audio experiences, and refreshments.
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