Ballad criticized, praised at COPA public hearing

Published by WJHL, Reporter Jeff Keeling – June 12, 2023

The hearings give the public an opportunity to comment on how Ballad is performing in the four main areas the merger was supposed to create improvements in: health care cost, quality and access, and the overall health of the population.

Alvarado said the hearing was very important and that TDH wanted community members to express their opinions.

“It’s important that we get this unprecedented process right,” Alvarado said. “We’re a model not only for Tennessee and Virginia, but the entire nation is watching to see how this process plays out.”

Carter Countians were out in force just weeks after learning Sycamore Shoals Hospital’s ICU would close. A handful of county commissioners spoke, including Angie Odom. Odom said the latest service line change was part of a pattern that was slowly eroding care in the county.