Medical Response Tent opens in Erwin

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATES

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Ballad Health’s Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC) remains active due to ongoing issues caused by severe weather throughout the region. Flooding, high winds and power outages continue to create problems throughout the Appalachian Highlands.

Following regionwide devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Ballad Health is working with the Unicoi County Emergency Operations Center, Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department, Madison County Fire Department and EMS from Jackson-Madison County in Western Tennessee to open a Medical Response Unit.

Located in the auditorium parking lot of Unicoi County High School in Erwin, the site provides 24/7 first aid and triage for minor illnesses and injuries, including:

• Basic treatment of infections
• Stabilization and transfer for trauma and serious conditions
• Respiratory infections
• Skin infections

“Our attention is first and foremost on the well-being of our friends in Unicoi County,” said Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine. “With the hospital being closed, our focus is on immediate emergency care and first aid for the public and for first responders. Thanks to the swift action of the local Emergency Management Agency and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, our request for this Medical Response Unit was approved and mobilized.” 

Ballad Health and its partnering organizations will operate the Medical Response Unit in coordination with local Emergency Medical Service to ensure patients are cared for in the proper setting. The Medical Response Unit is not a permanent solution, and Ballad Health leadership is considering longer-term solutions.

“Ballad Health will not abandon Unicoi County, and we are staying right here to support them during this difficult time,” added Levine. “Right now, access to emergency care is most critical, and we are grateful for our friends from Jackson-Madison County who responded immediately when requested.” 

In addition to the Medical Response Unit, Ballad Health and its team members are contributing to disaster relief efforts across the Appalachian Highlands. Collection barrels have been placed in the lobbies of all Ballad Health hospitals to take donated goods, such as bottled water; cleaning equipment; new bedding; clothing, socks and shoes; and nonperishable food. The health system is also facilitating financial assistance with the Ballad Health Foundation Disaster Relief Fund that addresses the greatest needs for team members, patients and the community. The fund can be accessed online here.

“This is an unprecedented time for our communities, but the history of Appalachia – the Volunteer State in particular – has shown us time and again – from the Overmountain Men to natural disasters in other states where Tennessee was the first to respond – we take care of people who need it, and we help and protect each other,” Levine said. “The Ballad Health team stands with our communities.” 

The Medical Response Unit is located at 700 S. Mohawk Drive in Erwin.

For questions, please contact the Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center at
balladhealthcorporateEOC@balladhealth.org