Ballad Health Provides Updates Post-Flooding in Kingsport
Kingsport, TN – The recent impact of Hurricane Helene has led to significant challenges for the Kingsport community, but there’s good news on the horizon! Ballad Health has announced a series of important updates that are sure to bring some comfort to those affected by the flooding.
Resumption of Elective Surgeries
One of the most anticipated announcements is that the boil water notice affecting Kingsport has officially been lifted! This means that both Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital are set to resume elective surgeries starting Friday, October 4. This decision is a huge relief for patients who had to put their procedures on hold. It’s a testament to the continuing recovery efforts in the area.
Classes Making a Comeback
In addition to the resumption of surgeries, classes at Ballad Health will be back on schedule! All courses, including CPR, AHA training, and Epic Education, which were canceled the week of September 29, will resume as normal starting Monday, October 7. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to get back into training, ensuring they are prepared to provide the best care possible.
Community Support Initiatives
Recognizing that many team members and residents are facing hardships, multiple assistance funds have been launched through the Ballad Health Foundation. The Team Member Emergency Fund is open for donations to support individuals affected by this disaster. If you’re looking to help, you can make a donation through your Paid Time Off (PTO) by following details in the Human Resources section of Ballad’s memo.
Moreover, the Patient Assistance Fund is also available for patients in need, while the Disaster Relief Fund offers a chance to support those with the greatest needs. If you want to contribute, you can easily donate by texting “disasterrelief” to 44834.
Donation Bins – Every Bit Helps!
Donation bins have been set up outside hospital gift shops, and the community is encouraged to donate various essential items. Here’s a quick list of requested items:
- Adult diapers and pads
- Baby formula, diapers, and wipes
- Bottled water
- Cleaning supplies
- Feminine hygiene products
- Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
- New bedding, clothing, socks, and shoes
- Nonperishable food
- Manual can openers
These donations aim to support team members, vulnerable children, and families through various programs and those with emergency needs.
Medical Response Unit Established
A Medical Response Unit is now operational in Erwin, located in the auditorium parking lot of Unicoi County High School. This unit is providing 24/7 first aid, minor illness and injury triage, and stabilization services. By Thursday, October 3, they had already seen 45 patients, reinforcing the importance of accessible medical services during this critical time.
Guidelines for Safe Clean-Up
For those involved in cleanup efforts, safety is paramount. It is crucial to ensure that your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. If you’re working in muddy areas, consider wearing a mask to avoid potential toxins in the air. Also, be aware that bee hives may have been disturbed, so keep EpiPens and Benadryl on hand if you have allergies.
Just a reminder, with the recent flooding, there’s a possibility of increased mosquito activity. To prevent bites, wear loose-fitting clothing and consider using insect repellent if working outside.
Essential Services Update
In other updates, Sycamore Shoals Hospital has resumed all services as of October 2 with surgeries beginning the following day. Unfortunately, Greeneville Community Hospital still has all services suspended aside from emergency care, but they are still providing obstetric services.
If you are a team member in need of assistance, the Human Resources team is here to help you navigate available support options. You can reach out at any time for guidance regarding referrals and financial aid.
Wrapping Up
In these challenging times, it’s essential for the community to stand together. With surgeries resuming and ample ways to assist each other, Kingsport is on the road to recovery. Stay safe, reach out for help when needed, and remember that every little bit counts when it comes to lending a helping hand during a crisis.
