Ballad Health supports Buchanan County flood recovery efforts, accepts donations at area hospitals
In light of the recent flooding and devastation in Buchanan County, Ballad Health is supporting recovery efforts by opening drop-off locations in its hospitals for community donations of supplies.
All resources will be sent to Buchanan County, where flood water inundated communities on the night of July 12. The devastation left structural ruin of up to 150 homes in its wake. Initially, more than 40 people were reported missing, but authorities say all have been located.
“When news about the flooding broke, Ballad Health team members were immediately asking what they could do,” said Shannon Showalter, chief executive officer for Ballad Health operations in Wise, Lee and Dickenson counties. “When our community needs help, we step up and support them.
“We are thankful for the goodwill of people in the Appalachian Highlands, and Ballad Health is honored to expedite resources and efforts to aid our Buchanan County neighbors in an incredible time of need.”
Ballad Health team members will be able to drop off donations at any of the health system’s 21 hospitals, and the public can drop off donations at any Ballad Health hospital in Virginia. A complete list of Ballad Health hospitals in Virginia can be found here.
Drop-off locations will be inside the hospitals’ main entrance at the registration desk. Needed items include:
- Cleaning supplies such as bleach, disinfectants, rubber gloves, rubber boots, heavy-duty trash bags, shovels, paper towels, propane tanks for gas grills, generators, gas cans, funnels, buckets and mops
- Hygiene items
- Water and sports drinks
- Nonperishable food items
Along with community donations, Ballad Health will donate several pallets of cleaning and hygiene products for residents in Buchanan County.
The flooding was officially declared a state of emergency, and as such, Commonwealth officials continue to assist with response and recovery, with local lawmakers also pledging support as needed.
“Southwest Virginia rallies behind Buchanan County, and we will continue helping throughout the recovery,” said Sen. Todd Pillion, DDS, of Virginia’s 40th District. “I applaud the community-led effort to help, and Ballad Health’s support behind the disaster response is appreciated. The Ballad Health team responded to the needs of the flood victims and recovery efforts with no reservation.”
“Healthcare workers have an unwavering spirit of generosity. Together, we can help the people of Buchanan County build back after this devastating loss,” said Sen. Travis Hackworth of Virginia’s 38th District. “The people of Southwest Virginia are resilient, and it’s humbling to see organizations like Ballad Health step up to help our neighbors.”
While Ballad Health does not have a hospital location in Buchanan County, its work in the community extends beyond medical care. Last year, the health system partnered with Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia – minutes away from communities impacted by the flood devastation – in a Medical Legal Partnership (MLP).
The partnership keeps the needs of Southwest Virginia residents top-of-mind, understanding how physical environment and access to resources have a profound impact on individual health outcomes.
“Appalachian School of Law is proud to be a member of the Buchanan County community, and we stand with our friends and neighbors and want to be a resource for Grundy and the impacted areas,” said Keith Faulkner, president and dean of Appalachian School of Law. “It is a privilege to have other regional partners such as Ballad Health join us in responding to the need, for the greater good of our local community and our region.”
As flood recovery and rebuilding efforts continue in Buchanan County, so does the need for assistance. In addition to the drop-off boxes at Ballad Health hospitals, the United Way of Southwest Virginia is accepting financial contributions. Please visit the United Way of Southwest Virginia website to make a gift.
