Healing Hands Health celebrates expanded services
Healing Hands Health Executive Director Helen Scott speaks at a ribbon-cutting for the organization's new medical services building in Bristol, Tenn. on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Healing Hands Health has widened its embrace.
The medical clinic, which provides primary, dental and vision care for people who are un- and underinsured, celebrated its new medical services building with a Thursday ribbon cutting. The facility marks the completion of a three-year campaign to address a rising need for behavioral health services.
For Executive Director Helen Scott, the project is a dream come true.
“During COVID, it really showed us that there was a lot of increasing needs for behavioral health,” Scott said. “We talked to a lot of our patients who had a lot of anxiety, depression, some bipolar, just other behavioral health problems, and a lot of people just need somebody to talk to.”
The 9,800-square-foot building sits next to the organization’s original clinic and includes a medical lab, a student and resident workspace, dedicated pharmacy space, a medical lab, a procedure room, multiple counseling rooms and eight exam rooms.
Healing Hands started using the facility about a month ago, Scott said, and patients love it.
“They are just thrilled with all the room,” she said. “We have an individual counseling room and we have a group counseling room, where we didn’t have that before.”
The organization far exceeded its fundraising goals for the project, raising over $6.2 million. Donors included the Care Foundation of America, Ballad Health, Eastman Credit Union and Food City.
Multiple state and federal politicians recognized the group’s accomplishment at the celebration ceremony. A representative from the office of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., presented a certificate of special Congressional recognition. State Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, said he’s been a supporter of the organization ever since he first toured its facilities and saw the framework of the new building.
“The one thing I’m most excited about is the pharmacy used to be in the dungeon,” he said with a laugh. “Now they’ve got a window, so they’ve got light!”
State Rep. John Crawford, R-Bristol/Kingsport, presented a proclamation from the state of Tennessee, adding that Scott is one of the most precious people he’s ever met.
“Every time you walk up to her you see that little smile that makes a difference in people’s daily lives,” Crawford said. “I know you make a difference in daily lives here, and we’re so proud to have this facility.”
Scott is excited to keep making a difference in a beautiful building.
“It’s something that’s so needed,” she said. “Just because somebody doesn’t have health insurance doesn’t mean that they have to be treated in a building that’s not as nice… it makes people feel really good about coming here.”
Healing Hands Health staff and community members cut the ribbon for the organization's new medical services building.