JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Ballad Health said on Saturday that concrete barriers placed outside its facilities are one part of increased security measures due to “a purported national threat to hospitals by a terrorist organization.”

A Ballad Health spokesperson shared with News Channel 11 communication sent by leadership to company employees regarding the alleged threats. The communication included two emails—one from CEO Alan Levine to all staff and another from Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) CEO Kenny Shafer to his staff.

The messages detail that the added security measures are precautionary due to the nationwide security threat, which was communicated to Ballad through “law enforcement channels.”

The message to team members from Levine said that the exact details of Ballad’s emergency plan will not be released due to security reasons, but it includes the addition of concrete barriers, vehicle checkpoints in Ballad parking lots, and enhanced security inside facilities.

“This information will likely frighten the public – and members of our own teams – as it is more widely reported,” the message from Levine to Ballad employees states. “This is what terrorism and other bad actors seek to do.”

The communication to employees said the enhanced security procedures went into effect on Friday.

The two email communications from Ballad leadership can be viewed below:

Good morning:

Some of you may have seen or read about a purported national threat to hospitals by a terrorist organization. This threat has been communicated to us through law enforcement channels, and has been made public in various social media outlets.

We take any threat seriously, and we always endeavor to protect our team members, our patients and our visitors.

This morning, the senior team of Ballad Health met to implement our enhanced safety plans with our priority focus – again – to ensure the safety of our team members and patients/visitors. We also have consulted directly with our region’s law enforcement leadership, each of whom has been extremely diligent and helpful. For security reasons, I will not share details here about our plans. We rely upon the advice of law enforcement and military experts as we take our actions. You will likely see some ramped up security precautions at certain facilities in coming days, and some of the precautions will not be as visible.

More information will be provided to you through hospital leadership as we cascade information to each hospital. This information will share with you steps you can take to help protect each other and our patients in the event an incident occurs, and to the degree it is appropriate, we will share other steps we are taking. Clearly, we do not want to publicize some of the steps we are taking, as those are being done for the purpose of protecting you and our patients.

AS ALWAYS: IT IS IMPORTANT WE ALL REMAIN VIGILANT as to our surroundings. If you see something that seems unusual, please notify your security team at the hospital. Do not attempt to deal with a situation on your own, but rather, please rely on the trained security teams we have put in place.

This information will likely frighten the public – and members of our own teams – as it is more widely reported. This is what terrorism and other bad actors seek to do. It is important we remain focused on our mission of honoring our patients by providing the best possible care. Our calling is a special one, and every time health care professionals are called to serve, we always step forward – putting others ahead of ourselves.

I sincerely regret having to send an email like this. But we have always been transparent with you, because we trust you, and want you to trust the organization you have committed to working with as we care for our communities.

Alan

Alan Levine, Ballad Health CEO

Following the companywide email sent by Levine, JCMC’s CEO Shafer sent the email below to all JCMC team members–adding that several other hospitals in the system would be following the same procedures:

Good morning,

Following last Friday’s update from Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine about a nationally reported potential security threat to certain hospitals, we want to assure you that Johnson City Medical Center is taking steps to enhance security and ensure the safety of our team members, patients and visitors.

While 24/7 security and thorough surveillance of our facilities has always been a top priority, in the abundance of caution we will be reinforcing safety procedures beginning Friday, March 28 with an enhanced safety plan at the hospital. Several other Ballad Health hospitals are following this same strategy, also effective on Friday.

Security enhancements in place

• Increased security presence: Additional security personnel have been deployed throughout the facility, including at entry points and high-traffic areas, to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Restricted entry points: To better control access and ensure a secure environment, we have closed certain entrances, including the Heart Hospital entrance and Niswonger Children’s Hospital entrance. Access will now be limited to these entrances: main, emergency department, surgery, radiation oncology and 408/410 building.
• Traffic pattern changes: The VA entrance and the radiation oncology entrance will be closed.
• Vehicle checkpoints: Security teams are conducting screenings at key access points, including the emergency department parking lot and secondary parking areas. Larger vehicles will be stopped and reviewed before being allowed entry.
• Concrete barriers: These will temporarily be placed at key public entrances to the building.
• Enhanced surveillance: Our security team is actively monitoring all hospital entrances and high-traffic areas through upgraded surveillance measures.
• Why this is important: Restricting entry points allows us to closely monitor who is coming in and out of the facility, reducing potential risks and ensuring that everyone entering the hospital has a valid reason to be there.

What you can do

• Wear your ID badge: It is extremely important that all team members wear their badge in order to gain access to the facility without any delays.
• Park in designated team member parking areas: With some public access points temporarily restricted, it is crucial that we do not use public parking spaces. Please park in the parking garage or other designated team member areas. 
• Remain vigilant: If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to hospital security by calling 423-431-6811. Do not engage; let our trained professionals handle the situation.
• Follow access guidelines: Please use designated entry points and be prepared for security screenings where applicable.
• Stay informed: We will continue to provide updates as needed through hospital leadership.

We understand these measures may cause some inconvenience, but they are essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. We take all threats seriously, and our No. 1 priority is the safety of our team members, patients and visitors.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to our shared safety.

JCMC CEO Kenny Shafer

According to Ballad, the security measures are only precautionary due to the nationally reported security threat to hospitals. Ballad Health did not specify when the added security measures would end.