Bristol, Tennessee, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Sullivan County commissioners are pursuing a partnership with the City of Bristol, Tennessee, to restore public health services in the area. This initiative seeks to enhance healthcare accessibility, marking a significant step towards improving public health for local residents. Additionally, the Healing Hands Health Fair will provide essential medical services free of charge, while recent data breaches in multiple healthcare organizations raise concerns about patient safety and cybersecurity. Local leaders continue to address the impact of Ballad Health’s operations on healthcare quality in the region.
Bristol, Tennessee — Sullivan County commissioners are exploring a potential partnership with the City of Bristol, Tennessee, aimed at reviving public health services in the Bristol area for the first time in decades. This initiative reflects a broader effort to address healthcare accessibility and improve public health in the region.
On a different note in local news, a vehicle was struck by a train on Friday morning in Bluff City, as reported by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. No further details on the incident or potential injuries are available at this time.
As public health discussions progress, the Healing Hands Health Fair is offering essential medical services to the community. In collaboration with ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Rural and Community Programs, the health fair will provide free services such as mammograms, X-rays, EKGs, and eye exams. Dr. Tom Kincer highlighted the significance of the event for uninsured community members who may hesitate to seek necessary medical care. The free healthcare event is set to continue tomorrow, but interested individuals must schedule appointments by calling 423-652-0260 extension three.
In the backdrop of these health initiatives, recent data breaches affecting healthcare organizations have raised concerns. Horizon Behavioral Health reported a serious breach impacting 49,822 current and former patients, a result of a ransomware attack that exposed sensitive information including names, Social Security numbers, and medical data. As a precaution, complimentary credit monitoring is being offered to individuals affected by the breach.
Additionally, BayMark Health Services reported a breach that affected 16,548 individuals due to a cyberattack, while Carlton County Public Health and Human Services notified 3,502 individuals regarding an email account breach that compromised personal and protected health information. The City of Bristol has also faced a breach at a third-party vendor, influencing 4,708 individuals, whose data included Social Security numbers and health insurance information. Another healthcare provider, Schewitz Psychological Services Inc., reported a potential HIPAA breach involving unauthorized access to its scheduling platform.
These recent incidents follow ongoing criticism of Ballad Health, which operates in the Tri-Cities region and has been under scrutiny for long emergency room wait times and failing to meet quality benchmarks after its merger. Tennessee and Virginia lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding Ballad Health’s monopoly and its implications for patient care. Reports indicate that Ballad’s median emergency room wait time has escalated to nearly 11 hours, significantly exceeding benchmarks outlined in its Certificate of Public Advantage agreement.
In response to rising complaints from residents about their experiences in emergency rooms, local leaders in Carter County are currently debating potential regulations for Ballad Health. Furthermore, Tennessee lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent future hospital mergers similar to the one that formed Ballad Health through the merger of Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System.
In the meantime, residents can expect partly cloudy skies in the Bristol area with a low temperature of 52°F.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the partnership between Sullivan County and Bristol?
The partnership aims to bring public health services back to the Bristol area for the first time in decades.
What services does the Healing Hands Health Fair offer?
The health fair offers free medical services such as mammograms, X-rays, EKGs, and eye exams.
How can individuals schedule appointments for the health fair?
Appointments for the health fair can be scheduled by calling 423-652-0260 extension three.
What recent data breaches have been reported in healthcare organizations?
Horizon Behavioral Health reported a breach affecting 49,822 patients, BayMark Health Services reported a breach affecting 16,548 individuals, and Carlton County Public Health and Human Services notified 3,502 individuals about an email account breach.
What concerns do lawmakers have regarding Ballad Health?
Lawmakers have expressed concerns about Ballad Health’s monopoly and its impacts on patient care, particularly regarding long ER wait times.
What is the current median ER wait time for Ballad Health?
Ballad’s median ER wait time has reportedly increased to nearly 11 hours.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Lookout
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WJHL
- Google Search: Bristol, Tennessee healthcare
- HIPAA Journal
- Google Scholar: Healthcare data breach
- WCYB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare fair
- Virginia Mercury
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee landfill
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
