News Summary
Union County, Tennessee is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of the new Union Medical Center on February 11, 2025. This modern facility replaces the outdated Wallace Thomson Hospital and features a generous $100,000 donation from local icon Dolly Parton for a healing garden. Community involvement and fundraising efforts have raised over $1 million for enhancements, embodying a significant step forward for healthcare in the region.
Union County Welcomes New Medical Center with a Special Donation from a Local Legend
Union County, Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the grand opening of the new Union Medical Center on February 11, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility is not just another hospital; it’s a shining promise of better healthcare for the community, replacing the aging Wallace Thomson Hospital, which has been described as both inefficient and a constant source of repairs. The kick-off to this new chapter includes a generous donation of $100,000 from none other than local superstar, Dolly Parton.
A Family Connection
The heartwarming story of how Dolly got involved stems from a simple fax sent by her cousin, Donna Cudd. When Donna needed to send an important letter to Dolly, she reached out using a fax number she’d gotten from her brother, Dwight Puckett, who is also a musician. Their family ties run deep, as both of these talented individuals hail from the same roots—Union County and Sevierville, Tennessee. Dolly’s connection to this area is strong, having familial ties that reach back to her mother’s birthplace in Lockhart, South Carolina.
The Healing Garden
Within a day of receiving Donna’s fax, Dolly, ever the philanthropist, jumped at the opportunity to support this vital community project. She has donated $100,000 specifically for a beautiful healing garden at the new medical center. This garden is envisioned as a peaceful retreat for patients and their families, providing a serene environment for those who need a moment away from the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital.
Grand Opening Events
On February 3, 2025, just a few days before the official opening, the healing garden was unveiled during a heartwarming ribbon-cutting ceremony. Even though Dolly wasn’t able to attend in person, she still made her presence felt through a heartfelt video message, expressing her excitement for the project and the overall importance of the new medical center.
A Facility Designed for Modern Healthcare
The new Union Medical Center is a massive $55 million investment, covering nearly 100,000 square feet on a sprawling 48-acre campus located along Highway 176. It’s designed not just as a hospital, but as a comprehensive health facility offering services such as emergency care, outpatient services, imaging, and even infusion services through the Gibbs Cancer Center. With 12 inpatient beds and several medical offices on site, the aim is to have all necessary healthcare services conveniently located in one place.
Community Involvement and Fundraising Success
The Spartanburg Regional Foundation has been at the forefront of fundraising for enhancements to the medical center. So far, they’ve successfully raised over $1 million, which will be utilized to create a chapel and cozy outdoor eating areas. Dr. Bill James has been a driving force in these efforts, tirelessly working to engage the community and gather support for this vital project.
What Lies Ahead
Community tours of the new hospital are set to take place on February 4, 2025, allowing locals to get a sneak peek of the modern facility before it officially opens. Dr. Natashia Jeter has emphasized that having all services available on one campus represents a significant leap forward in healthcare for Union County and will significantly enhance the experience for all patients.
As Union County gears up for this monumental opening, the excitement in the community is palpable. With devoted support from beloved locals like Dolly Parton, the new Union Medical Center is already making waves before it even opens its doors!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Union Medical Center Opening February 2025
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Healing Garden at New Union Medical Center
- GoUpstate: Dolly Parton Supports New Union Hospital
- WSPA: Union Medical Center Reopens
- Post and Courier: New Union Medical Center Construction
- WSPA: Dolly Parton Among Donors to Union Medical Center
- Wikipedia: Dolly Parton
- Google Search: Union Medical Center
- Google Scholar: Healthcare Facilities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- Google News: Union County Medical Center
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.
