The Public Is Expected To Get An Update Today On The Status Of A Merger Between The Region’s Two Health Systems. The State Of Tennessee Has Given Mountain States Health Alliance And Wellmont Health System Until Today To Complete The Merger. We Understand That No Questions Will Be Taken Today. However, This Is A Planned News Conference On Friday But No Time Or Location Have Been Announced. The New Company Will Be Ballad Health And Will Employ Over 15-Thousand People And Manage 21 Hospitals In Northeast Tennessee And Southwest Virginia.