Ballad Health leaders, Kingsport community celebrate Indian Path Community Hospital 50th anniversary

Ballad Health leaders, Kingsport community members and former team members gathered on Thursday to celebrate Indian Path Community Hospital’s 50th anniversary.

Rebecca Beck, chief executive officer of Indian Path and Holston Valley Medical Center, and Dwight Owens, chief operating officer and administrator of Indian Path, joined Monty McLaurin, former chief executive officer, and Bob Feagins, chief communications and development officer for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, to speak during a public event held on the hospital campus to celebrate the momentous occasion. Current and former team members, as well as community members, who attended were treated to cake and refreshments.  

“For five decades, we’ve embraced new technologies and innovations, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” said Beck. “But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to serving this community, as a place where compassion and medical expertise go hand in hand. I’m deeply honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with the generations of team members, physicians, and patients who have made Indian Path what it is today."

Founded in 1974, the hospital has remained a cornerstone of the community, providing an array of high-quality healthcare services to serve the needs of Kingsport residents. The hospital, which originally cost $8 million to build and took three years to complete, hosted more than 7,000 people during the hospital’s open house on Feb. 24, 1974, despite national gas shortages due to an oil crisis at the time.

Indian Path was named after a Native American trail that ran through the east side of what is now Kingsport, and artifacts uncovered during the digging of Indian Path’s construction are now displayed within the hospital.

“Indian Path has a rich history rooted in dedication to serving the people of Kingsport, and I was honored to be part of that legacy during my time as CEO,” said McLaurin, who retired in 2019 following a successful career that included a 15-year tenure in Kingsport.

“From the very beginning, this hospital was built with the vision of providing exceptional care to a growing community, and it has stayed true to that mission. During my tenure, I witnessed firsthand the incredible teamwork and commitment of our team members, who continuously went above and beyond for our patients. The hospital’s growth and progress through the decades is a testament to those who have worked here and supported us. I’m proud of the strides we made together.”

Since its founding, Indian Path has played a pivotal role in healthcare for the region, hosting the area’s first corneal implant surgery in 1975 and becoming the first hospital in Sullivan County to use a laser in eye surgery. 

Through the years, Indian Path has continued to grow and expand its services, always keeping its focus on state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care. Most recently, Ballad Health invested $8 million into renovating the Barbara Humphrey’s Family Birth Center, further enhancing patient care and experience.

“Indian Path Community Hospital has seen tremendous growth during the past 50 years, evolving from a small facility into a leading healthcare facility in our region,” said Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, chief medical officer at Indian Path and Holston Valley.  

“We've expanded our services and adopted the latest medical technologies to ensure that we are meeting the ever-changing needs of our patients. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for the families we serve. Our recent investments in areas like the Family Birth Center are just one example of how we are constantly working to improve the patient experience. We look forward to continuing this legacy of care and innovation for many years to come."

Feagins praised the hospital’s impact on the Kingsport community, "Indian Path has been a vital part of Kingsport for the past half-century, contributing not only to the health of our citizens but also to the economic vitality of our region,” he said. “The hospital’s presence has fostered growth, innovation and collaboration. We are incredibly proud to celebrate 50 years of excellence with a partner that has been integral to our community’s success."

In September 1998, Indian Path became part of Mountain States Health Alliance, which was formed as a nonprofit entity after Johnson City Medical Center purchased six for-profit hospitals in the region. In 2018, Mountain States merged with Wellmont Health System to form Ballad Health.

Through 50 years, the seven-story facility has grown to include 178 operating beds and offers an array of services including emergency services, lung nodule clinic, surgical services and family birthing services. The hospital’s services received national recognition in 2023 when it was named in the top 10% in the nation for patient safety in surgical care and gastrointestinal care by Quantros, Inc.'s CareChex® awards.

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