Ballad announces two-year construction plan to build a new Unicoi County Hospital

It was featured on news programs around the world during Hurricane Helene–-workers and others on the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital being extracted via helicopter to safety after flood waters surrounded the center.

Ballad Health announced plans Wednesday to tear down the former medical facility and build their new hospital in Unicoi on 16 acres purchased by Ballad near Walmart in the Exit 34 area off Interstate 26. Ballad officials anticipate a two-year construction schedule.

“Walking through that hospital in the days after Helene is something I will never forget,” said Ballad Chief Operating Officer Eric Deaton in a prepared statement. “I saw heartbreak – but I also saw extraordinary courage and resilience. The people of Unicoi County have carried themselves with strength and grace, and it is an honor to move forward by rebuilding a facility that will provide the care they deserve.”

(IMAGE: Property of Ballad Health / Official Facebook)