Ballad Health adds security layers after “national threat” to hospitals

Ballad Health said over the weekend concrete barriers placed outside its facilities are one part of increased security measures due to “a purported national threat to hospitals by a terrorist organization.” Messages to staff from Ballad leadership officials said that the exact details of Ballad’s emergency plan will not be released due to security reasons, but it includes the addition of concrete barriers, vehicle checkpoints in Ballad parking lots, and enhanced security inside facilities. The new security plan went into effect on Friday. Ballad says the security measures are only precautionary due to the nationally reported security threat to hospitals. Ballad Health did not specify when the added security measures would end.