Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on New Wilson County Emergency Department

LEBANON, Tenn. – July 31, 2026 - When Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas began exploring a freestanding emergency department in Wilson County, residents, employers and community leaders shared a common message: emergency care should be closer to home. 

Today, that vision moved forward as Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas broke ground on Highpoint Health Wilson County ER with Ascension Saint Thomas, a new freestanding emergency department designed to serve residents of central and western Wilson County. 

Community members gathered at the future site along Highway 109 to mark the beginning of construction on a project that received broad support during the Certificate of Need process. More than 1,200 people, including residents, business leaders, elected officials and healthcare providers, voiced support for bringing additional emergency services to this area of Wilson County. 

"This free-standing emergency department is especially important to me because I'm a true Wilson County guy," said Rod Harkleroad, CEO and market president of Highpoint Health. "I've lived in Mt. Juliet. I've lived in Lebanon. I went to West Elementary right down the street, attended Mt. Juliet Junior High and spent my weekends playing football at Charlie Daniels Park. This community helped shape who I am, and it's incredibly meaningful to be part of a project that will help ensure families have access to emergency care closer to home." 

Emergency Care When Families Need It 

For many families, the future facility represents more than a new building. It represents peace of mind. 

A freestanding emergency department provides the same level of emergency care patients would expect from a hospital emergency room, but in a separate location. Unlike an urgent care center, it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and equipped to treat serious illnesses and injuries requiring immediate medical attention. 

Patients experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe abdominal pain, major injuries or other medical emergencies will have access to emergency physicians, advanced diagnostic technology and emergency services within their community. 

Once completed, Highpoint Health Wilson County ER with Ascension Saint Thomas will offer: 

A Project Driven by Community Need 

Wilson County continues to attract new families and businesses, particularly along the Highway 109 corridor. According to data presented during the Certificate of Need process, the future emergency department will be the closest ER for more than 37,000 current residents and is positioned to serve another 15,000 people expected to live in the area by 2029. 

The new emergency department was developed in response to that growth and the need for additional emergency services in this area of the county. 

"This is truly a historic moment for our health system, and we're excited to be part of this community and where it's headed in the future," said Rod Harkleroad, CEO and market president of Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas. "Our focus is providing high-quality care close to home. Our providers are local. They go to church here, they're active in the community and you'll see them at the grocery store. They care for the people they see every day. When you walk into one of our facilities, you're going to feel that hometown feeling and know that somebody is there who truly cares about taking care of you. That's what this project is all about." 

The facility will serve residents throughout central and western Wilson County, including communities along the Highway 109 corridor, and provide another option for emergency care closer to where people live and work. 

For additional information and project updates, visit Wilson County ER Project Information.  

About Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas 

Highpoint Health is a regional health system dedicated to making communities healthier in Middle Tennessee. It is composed of Highpoint Health – Sumner and the Sumner Station campus in Gallatin; Highpoint Health – Riverview in Carthage; Highpoint Health – Trousdale in Hartsville; and Highpoint Health – Winchester and Sewanee. 

Highpoint Health is operated as part of a joint venture between Lifepoint Health and Ascension Saint Thomas. This collaboration brings together clinical excellence and best practices to improve access to high‑quality clinical programs and specialty care.