News Summary
Union, South Carolina is preparing for the grand opening of the Union Medical Center, a $55 million facility replacing the old Wallace Thomson Hospital. Serving as a hub for healthcare, the center will feature emergency services, imaging, and specialized treatments. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will include a video from Dolly Parton, celebrating her contributions to the community alongside a therapeutic healing garden funded by her donation. With guided tours starting soon, the center promises to enhance access to quality healthcare for local residents.
Excitement Builds in Union, SC for New Medical Center and Healing Garden
Union, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as the grand opening of the brand new Union Medical Center is just around the corner. This stunning new facility, which comes with a whopping $55 million price tag, is set to replace the old Wallace Thomson Hospital that dates back to 1921. It is truly a fresh start for healthcare in this tight-knit community.
A Fresh Beginning for Union Healthcare
Located on a beautiful 48-acre lot right along Highway 176, the new center is designed to provide top-notch medical services all in one place. The new Union Medical Center will feature emergency care, as well as multiple inpatient and outpatient services. Patients can also expect to access high-quality imaging and specialized services through the Gibbs Cancer Center infusion services and the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your healthcare needs!
A Very Special Ribbon-Cutting
To celebrate this fantastic milestone, a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony is happening soon. In a delightful twist, a video from the one and only Dolly Parton will be played during the event. Why Dolly Parton, you ask? Well, she has some deep roots in Union County, with her mother, Avie Lee Parton, being born in the area back in 1923. Dolly’s connection to the community runs deep, and her affection for Union is palpable.
The Healing Garden: A Place for Comfort and Reflection
What’s even more exciting is the healing garden that will grace the entrance of this new medical facility. Funded by a generous $100,000 donation from Dolly Parton herself, this beautiful garden is more than just a pretty spot. It is designed to be a therapeutic oasis, a place filled with benches, lush plants, colorful flowers, and the soothing sounds of a fountain. Parton hopes that this garden will be a haven of peace, hope, love, and comfort for patients, families, and community members alike. Picture yourself taking a leisurely stroll or sitting quietly to reflect—sounds lovely, right?
A Community Effort
The improvements don’t stop at the healing garden. The new Union Medical Center aims to bring together various medical services which were previously spread out, making healthcare more accessible to local residents. According to local OB/GYN Dr. Natashia Jeter, this new facility will significantly improve healthcare access, making it easier for everyone to get the care they need without having to travel far.
A Hub of Community and Wellness
Additionally, other enhancements include a serene chapel, a scenic 1-mile walking trail, and inviting outdoor dining areas, all made possible thanks to the generosity of donors. J. Carlisle Oxner III and Barbara Harter Rippy have also made significant contributions, ensuring this medical center serves the community in the best ways possible.
Open Doors Awaiting You
Starting Tuesday, community members will be invited to take guided tours of the new facility, which is set for a grand opening on February 11. This is a fantastic opportunity for the locals to explore what their new medical center has to offer and appreciate the thoughtful designs aimed at promoting health and wellbeing.
A Legacy of Giving
For those who may not know, Dolly Parton has a long history of philanthropy and community support. Her contributions extend beyond this garden; she has long been involved in promoting literacy through her Imagination Library, which has provided over 264 million books to children since its inception. With such a warm-hearted mission, it’s clear Dolly has a special place in her heart for the people of Union.
So, mark your calendars, Union! Exciting times are ahead as you welcome a new chapter in healthcare and community spirit, all thanks to the dedication and love of both local leaders and familiar faces like Dolly Parton.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Union County’s New Medical Center Inaugurated with Local Support
New Union Medical Center Opening February 2025
Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Dolly Parton Honors Family’s Roots
- Fox Carolina: Healing Garden Gift from Dolly Parton
- The State: New Union Medical Center Grand Opening
- Times Union: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- WDRB: Kentucky Association Donates to Imagination Library
- Wikipedia: Dolly Parton
- Google Search: Union Medical Center
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Access Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healing Garden
- Google News: Dolly Parton Philanthropy
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens 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 Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
