Ballad Health Issues Status Updates Following Disaster Impact in Appalachian Highlands

Photo bycourtesy of Ballad Health

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (October 1, 2024) — Ballad Health’s Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) remains active as the Appalachian Highlands region grapples with the aftermath of severe weather, including flooding, high winds, and widespread power outages. The ongoing disruptions have prompted the healthcare system to adjust operations across its facilities, particularly in affected areas such as Unicoi and Johnson counties.

Systemwide Service Updates

In response to storm-related challenges, Ballad Health has issued several key updates:

• Canceled Classes: All scheduled classes for September 29, including clinical education, CPR, and Epic training, have been canceled. New team member onboarding classes will continue as planned.
• Phone System and Network Restored: Phone services have been fully restored across most Ballad Health facilities, except Johnson County Community Hospital. The behavioral health crisis line, Respond Hotline, has also resumed operations at an updated number, 1-800-366-1132.
• Medical Response Tent in Erwin: A 24/7 medical response tent has been set up at Unicoi County High School in Erwin, Tennessee. The tent provides first aid, triage, and stabilization for minor illnesses, injuries, and trauma-related cases. Located at 700 S. Mohawk Drive, it offers a crucial healthcare option for residents in the flood-impacted area.

Facility and Service Disruptions

• Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton will resume inpatient services on Wednesday, October 2, after suspending operations and evacuating 39 patients due to rising floodwaters. Surgical procedures will recommence once utilities stabilize in Carter County.
• Greeneville Community Hospital (GCH) remains largely suspended, with inpatient services transferred to Holston Valley Medical Center. Emergency obstetric services are still being provided for active labor or urgent cases, and the hospital’s emergency department remains open for patients experiencing an emergency.
• Laughlin Healthcare Center in Greeneville successfully evacuated 33 residents to Wexford House in Kingsport due to ongoing utility and water supply issues. The center will remain closed until local infrastructure is stabilized.

Virtual and Telehealth Services

Despite the widespread service disruptions, Ballad Health Medical Associates offices, except those in Unicoi County, will reopen. Patients who cannot attend appointments are encouraged to contact their physicians. For added convenience, 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care and Telehealth services remain available at BalladHealth.org/telehealth.

Safety Warnings and Boil Water Advisory

Ballad Health urges caution in areas impacted by boil water advisories, including Johnson, Carter, and Unicoi counties. Residents are advised to follow health and safety guidelines to avoid illness from contaminated floodwaters, which may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli. The public is also warned to avoid Unicoi County Hospital, where a propane leak has rendered the facility unsafe.

Event Postponements

Due to the severe weather, several upcoming events have been postponed, including the Niswonger Children’s Hospital steel-topping ceremony, originally set for October 4, and the Abingdon Center for Early Learning ribbon-cutting, scheduled for October 8. Ballad Health will announce new dates for these events when conditions permit.

Ongoing Challenges in the Region

The Appalachian Highlands have been hit hard by this wave of severe weather, with heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds contributing to infrastructure damage and power outages. The National Weather Service has forecast continued rain for parts of the region, complicating recovery efforts. Ballad Health’s emergency response includes ensuring patient safety, maintaining healthcare accessibility, and working with regional utilities to restore normal operations.

For more information, individuals can contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at BalladHealthCorporateEOC@BalladHealth.org or visit the Ballad Health update website.

Sources:

• National Weather Service
• Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
• Ballad Health Website