Ballad Health unveils fifth and largest Center for Early Learning facility in Abingdon [Video]

ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — Ballad Health unveiled its $4 million, 25,000-square-foot Center for Early Learning on Wednesday in Abingdon. The new facility is a partnership with the Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub and others.

The new facility serves approximately 300 children and is Ballad Health’s fifth and largest Early Learning Center. The partnership is part of an initiative to address the region’s childcare shortage.

A news release from Ballad Health said the facility offered building tours, highlighting the Career Commons career simulation lab, EO and United Way of Southwest Virginia offices and the GOTEC lab.

The new early learning center is in the former K-Mart building, off of Exit 17 in Abingdon. The release said the center serves Ballad Health team members, Food City employees and children in the “broader community.”

Travis Staton, President and CEO of EO Companies, said students will have opportunities to work and earn a paycheck.

“Serving to meet people’s individual [need],” said …