In a significant move for health care in Blount County, both the Blount Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and the Blount County Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to approve a letter of intent with Prisma Health, a South Carolina-based company.
This decision, hailed as monumental by many, came after considering three finalists. Board members and commissioners noted that all finalists made compelling offers, but Prisma Health stood out.
“One of the things that really distinguished Prisma was putting the patient first,” said Blount Memorial Hospital Interim CEO Jonathan Smith. “That’s something we emphasize a lot, and we saw a strong alignment there. Additionally, we were impressed by their technological advancements.”
Blount Memorial and Prisma are now expected to finalize the deal promptly following Thursday afternoon’s unanimous vote. Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential benefits for the community.
“I hope it means great things are coming, and I truly believe they are. This is as monumental as the day in 1946 when the resolution to build the hospital was passed,” Mitchell said. “This partnership has the potential to elevate health care in Blount County, ensuring our citizens receive the best possible care.”
The journey to this point has been lengthy, but the hospital now seems poised for significant improvements in serving the area.
“This has been a collaborative process between the Blount County Commission, the Blount County Government, and the hospital board of directors,” said Blount County Commission Chairman Jared Anderson. “There was a widespread recognition that we needed a partner for our independent local community hospital. The changing nature of the health-care market made seeking a partner crucial for capital investment, economies of scale, and ensuring the hospital continues to serve the community in the future.”
The Blount County Commission’s unanimous vote on the non-binding letter of intent sets the stage for the future of Blount Memorial Hospital. The meeting room erupted in applause following the vote, reflecting the excitement surrounding this new partnership.
The two parties are now entering a period of exclusive negotiations. A further vote will be needed to fully approve the partnership, expected to take place sometime in November.
