TO: Ballad Health All
FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
DATE: Sept. 27, 2024, as of 8:30 p.m.
TITLE: Severe weather emergency; updates to hospital closures
ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members.
Earlier today, thanks to the heroic efforts of first responders, community leaders and the Ballad Health team, all patients and team members were rescued from severe flood waters at Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee.
No one remains at the facility. Affected patients have been transferred to Johnson City Medical Center, and their families have been updated. The hospital remains closed until further notice. Ballad Health will assess the damage once flood water recedes and provide updates on the status of the facility. We will ensure all current and future patients can access care at neighboring facilities.
Ballad Health’s Corporate Emergency Operations Center will remain open through Saturday, Sept. 28.
Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton safely evacuated 39 inpatients and has suspended operations except the Emergency Room, which will remain open for local, incoming patients. Current inpatients were transferred to other hospitals throughout the health system.
Support for team members
We encourage team members affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene to reach out to the health system’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Ballad Health is working to connect team members affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene through EAP. All benefit-eligible team members and their dependents have access to the Ballad Health Employee Assistance Program, which includes access to the Ballad Health Foundation Team Member Assistance Fund. The fund is reserved to help team members experiencing a crisis. The EAP also offers counseling and other behavioral health services for team members and their dependents.
Additionally, counseling and other behavioral health services are available through the Ballad Health EAP. Team members should call 423-302-3480 for assistance.
Questions
For questions, contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at BalladhealthcorporateEOC@balladhealth.org.
