Richard Steffey a conservative warrior in Washington County started a petition to bring competition to Ballad Health. You can find paper copies throughout Washington County. Or sign online. Richard has obtained thousands of signatures so far. The link to sign the petition online is:
The reason for the petition is outlined below:
The Issue
We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Senator Todd Pillion, Delegate Israel O’Quinn, and Delegate Terry Kilgore to act now to stop the Ballad Health monopoly in Southwest Virginia. The consolidation of healthcare services under Ballad Health has led to reduced access to quality healthcare, increased costs, and limited choices for patients in our region.
By signing this petition, we stand together to protect the health and well-being of our community. We urge our leaders to take immediate action to ADD ANOTHER HOSPITAL CHAIN TO OUR REGION. Please ensure that all residents of Southwest Virginia have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Competition between Ballad Health and another Hospital would create the health care our citizens need and deserve.
Story from a patient’s family:
“Two years ago, I rushed my mother to the emergency room in Virginia, only to spend over five agonizing hours in the waiting room. This wasn’t an isolated incident but a recurring situation that numerous families, including ours, have had to endure. The distress escalates knowing that Ballad Health’s current system has facilitated these prolonged waiting times, compromising swift access to necessary health services.”
The healthcare monopoly formed by Ballad Health, due to the merger of two dominant health systems in the region, has adversely affected not only the efficiency of the services but also the quality of patient care. Trauma centers, once ready to handle the most severe cases, have seen a reduction in their capabilities, scaled back from higher trauma levels, leaving many in critical circumstances waiting for services that used to be promptly available.
Recent studies and community reports point to a notable deterioration in emergency response and treatment efficacy since the consolidation of these services under Ballad Health. Statistics from the Virginia Health Report 2023 underscore that patients are experiencing an average of 40% longer wait times compared to before the merger. Additionally, there has been a documented increase in patient transfers out of state or to alternative facilities due to these limitations, exacerbating the delay in receiving essential medical attention.
Breaking up Ballad Health can restore competition and accountability in our medical systems. By diversifying our healthcare providers, we inject much-needed balance and options back into our region. This separation can lead to reduced wait times, restoration of fuller service capacities in trauma centers, and ultimately better health outcomes for everyone in Virginia.
We urge the State Legislature to take immediate action to dismantle Ballad Health’s monopoly. This crucial step is instrumental for reforming our healthcare environment, making it responsive and responsible to the needs of all Virginians. Your signature on this petition is a step towards ensuring timely and effective healthcare for everyone in our community. Please sign and make a difference.
