"Over the next six months, Governor Musgrove will work side by side with our hospital administration and staff to educate consumers, health care partners and providers, as well as leading public officials about our hospital," said Tri Lakes COO Ray Shoemaker in a news release.

"We recognize the commitment this former governor made to health care during his time in public office. We know that he is well-versed in issues in that affect providers, hospitals, and most importantly, our consumers our patients," the COO said in the news release.

"Together, we will underscore the availability of quality health care close to home. Together, we will remind key decision-makers of the importance of keeping quality health care facilities operating in our communities, especially those communities that serve rural populations," Shoemaker continued.

"Many of you have heard the story of my first grade teacher coming to the hospital to make sure I learned to read. The rest of the story tells of doctors and nurses who insured my recovery from what could have been a fatal case of pneumonia. You may remember the role of a local hospital in Magee the night of my car wreck while I was serving as lieutenant governor, but you may have not heard the story of the care my mother received in her battle with cancer," Musgrove stated.

"Our local hospitals are a critical link in our health care delivery system from the beginning through the end of our lives, across this state and across this country. I am honored to serve my hometown and Tri-Lakes Medical Center as a spokesman and a supporter. Reinforcing the hospital’s efforts during the coming months to educate consumers and policy-makers alike provides us a unique opportunity to elevate the awareness of area residents and Washington insiders who have such an influence on health care in our state."