Healthy Living: Ballad Health opens first practice in Morristown

The practices are located at 1907 West Morris Boulevard, Suite B in Morristown in the Bartlette Place medical complex.

Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney said that Ballad’s two-practice opening is a “good opportunity.”

“We’re in the midst of some really steady growth here,” Chesney said. “For the past seven years or so, you’re seen growth in our infrastructure, plenty of retail and job growth and housing growth. All of this continues today and will continue tomorrow as well.”

Chesney also said that Morristown and Hamblen County sits in a unique position.

“We’re equally distant between Knoxville and the Tri-Cities,” Chesney said. “We’re kind of a hub for at least seven surrounding counties. About 55 percent of our workforce drives in to Morristown. They come here not only for jobs, but they come here to shop, eat and to get supplies. They also drive in here for their healthcare. It always stands to reason that when we grow with the opportunities for healthcare choices, this is good timing for Ballad Health to come here. We welcome Ballad Health’s skills, leadership and their expertise as we grow healthcare options for our residents here and those who use Morristown as their hub for the things they need to do.”

Ballad Health Southern Region President Lisa Carter saw the opening of the Morristown practices as a natural expansion.

“This is an exciting day,” Carter said. “With our hospital in Greeneville being the closest to this clinic site, this marks the beginning of a strong future as we open up the first location in Morristown. We’re thrilled to be here.”

Ballad Health formed in 2018, a merger of Mountain States Health Alliance (the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital and its subsidiaries) and Wellmont Health System (Holston Valley Medical Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center and its subsidiaries). Ballad was the new name chosen for the organization.

“Ballad is a name that encompasses the rich history of this region of our country,” Carter said. “We have Bristol that is the home of the birthplace of country music where ballads were formed. Ballad’s theme is ‘It’s your story, we’re listening.’ That’s what a ballad is, it’s a story and it tells about the people of this community and region.”

Part of Ballad’s listening process is to expand healthcare to the rural areas, Carter said.

“As a part of our listening, we knew that there are areas throughout our community that really need those services so patients can stay local and they can rely on clinics to receive the best possible care.”

Ballad Health Medical Associates is a network of physicians and providers that serve with the best interests of the patient, Carter said.

“These will increase access to the same high-quality healthcare found in Ballad Health Medical Associates clinics all throughout our region,” Carter said. “They have shown over and over they can provide excellent care and fantastic training sites for our clinicians as well. Investing in rural health is what we do as an organization and we’re thrilled to be here today.”

Vice President of Operations Christy Gordon told those present that Ballad is here to listen to the patient.

“At Ballad Health Medical Associates in Morristown and across the Appalachian Highlands, we’re here to listen and to be part of your family’s story,” Gordon said. “(Morristown Family Medicine) is here to meet the patient’s individual needs with a goal of working towards a healthier lifestyle for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Our providers are committed to delivering the best possible care for each of their patients and to work with their patients to develop a healthcare plan tailored to their needs.”

Morristown Spine and Rehabilitation is an extension of BHMA Spine and Rehabilitation in Rogersville with Dr. Paul Jett and Dr. Joseph Frye as providers.

“They are committed to meeting the needs of the community with interventional pain management services with a goal of reducing pain and improving muscular skeletal health,” Gordon said.

Dr. Amanda Harrell is primary health provider for Morristown Family Medicine.

“I’ve studied, lived and worked in this area since childhood,” she said. “I’m super excited to be here in Morristown and excited to be serving the patients of Hamblen and surrounding counties. I think I can speak for Dr. Jett, Dr. Fry and myself that we’re thrilled be here in Morristown helping out a great community and great people in East Tennessee. With a phone call and a short drive down the road, we can have patients able to access compassionate, comprehensive care that they need to lead healthy lives. Our entire clinical team is here to help each patient develop and listen to their individual needs, a comprehensive healthcare plan to improve their quality of life.”