KINGSPORT –
Holston Valley Medical Center’s outpatient campus will be named to honor Eastman Chemical Company for its generous charitable commitment to Project Platinum, Wellmont Health System’s sweeping expansion and renovation of the hospital.
Eastman Chemical Company Foundation has pledged $1.5 million for Project Platinum through the Wellmont Foundation, a gesture that reflects the historical partnership between Kingsport’s largest employer in Eastman and its largest hospital in Holston Valley.
In appreciation of the gift, Wellmont will name the outpatient campus on Stone Drive the Eastman Outpatient Campus.
“Eastman Chemical Company is pleased to partner with Holston Valley Medical Center on this important initiative,” said Norris Sneed, president of Eastman Chemical Company Foundation. “Holston Valley is very important to our community, and we are pleased with the commitment the hospital has made to ensure quality care remains a priority for the people of our community.”
Eastman’s contribution is a key element in Wellmont’s plan to essentially transform Holston Valley into a new hospital. Project Platinum is a $100 million project featuring significant renovation and expansion of existing buildings and construction of a new patient tower. A new, convenient entrance to the hospital will provide access from Stone Drive and connect the Eastman Outpatient Campus to the main Holston Valley campus.
“Without strong support and community leadership, non-profit health care would not be a reality in our community,” said Todd Norris, executive director of the Wellmont Foundation. “Healthcare philanthropy has become even more critical in our ability to strengthen our hospitals. We are grateful for Eastman’s contribution. ”
There is tangible, historical symmetry in Eastman’s decision to partner with Holston Valley for the betterment of the community. From its earliest days, Eastman has provided integral support for Holston Valley. Hospital walls are lined with a host of names of Eastman leaders who have helped shape the past and present of the hospital.
And now, Eastman is helping shape Holston Valley’s future.
“You can look back through the years and see the indelible ties between Eastman and Holston Valley,” said John Williams, chairman of the Wellmont Foundation board of governors. “This is another example of Eastman’s leadership stepping up to the plate to help make our community’s hospital – a hospital we’re proud of – even better.”
Those who drive past the Eastman Outpatient Campus can see from Stone Drive that the future is now for Holston Valley. Ongoing construction is proof positive Project Platinum is well under way.
“As we move toward an even brighter future at Holston Valley with all the improvements of Project Platinum, it’s gratifying to know we have a community partner like Eastman,” said Blaine Douglas, Holston Valley’s president. “I’ll be proud to drive along our new entrance in the near future and see the sign for Eastman Outpatient Campus.”
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