TO: Ballad Health All
FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
DATE: Sept. 27, 2024, As of 2:30 p.m.
TITLE: Severe weather emergency; updates to hospital closures
ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members.
Ballad Health has activated its Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) due to issues caused by severe weather. Flooding, high winds and power outages are creating problems throughout the Appalachian Highlands.
Please see below for the most current list of hospital closures and system updates.
Sycamore Shoals Hospital closed
Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton is evacuating patients and suspending operations. Current patients are being transferred to other area hospitals.
People who need care in the area should go to the next closest hospital or call 911.
Unicoi County Hospital update
As of 12:27 pm, 54 people have been relocated to the roof of the building, and seven remain in rescue boats. The hospital has been engulfed by extremely dangerous and rapidly moving water. The situation at the hospital is very dangerous, and TEMA and National Guard resources are engaged in what can only be described as a rescue operation.
Elective surgeries postponed
All Ballad Health facilities are postponing all elective surgery cases. More details will be released as they develop.
Ballad Health Medical Associates clinics
Several area clinics and urgent care offices have closed. Please call ahead before seeking care.
Questions
For questions, contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at BalladhealthcorporateEOC@balladhealth.org.
