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B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Walking in each other’s shoes

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Dear Colleague, Respect is at the heart of who we are as an organization. It guides how we treat one another and, just as importantly, how we care for our patients and support their families. Every interaction, whether with a teammate, a patient or a loved one, is an opportunity to show dignity, compassion and understanding. This month’s B Excellent skill, There for Each Other, is grounded in that same idea: when we choose respect, we create space for trust, connection and support to grow. This week’s Better Begins With Us tip There for Each Other Tip #2: Envisioning the Experiences of Others To truly be there for one another, we must be willing to “walk in each other’s shoes.” Envisioning the experiences of others is the foundation of compassion and understanding. It means taking time to learn about your teammates’…

B Excellent

System Updates

Meet some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health

Article summary Kara Ratliff, PA-C, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Kingsport, where she specializes in vascular surgery and provides services including wound care, medication management, postoperative care and treatment of vascular disorders. Alessandra Cathel, DO, has joined Ballad Health Medical Associates Neurosurgery, Spine and Rehabilitation – Johnson City, specializing in neurosurgery and neurosurgical oncology, with expertise in complex brain and spine conditions and tumor treatment. Libby Ligon, MD, and Chris Welch, MD, have joined Highlands Sports Medicine – BucSports in Johnson City, offering comprehensive care for sports-related and everyday musculoskeletal injuries while also serving as faculty at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine. Read the full article Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Kara Ratliff, PA-C, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Kingsport KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kara Ratliff, PA-C, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Kingsport, where she will specialize in vascular surgery. Ratliff provides…

System Updates

‘Nurse: Empathy Heals’ documentary celebrates nurses, showcases complex realities of the profession

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A special reception and film premiere was held last week at East Tennessee State University’s Martin Center for the Arts to honor and celebrate nurses. The Nurse Narratives Initiative event included a showing of the film “Nurse: Empathy Heals,” inspired by nurses in our region, and created for everyone who believes in the power of nurses and the stories that shape our communities. The Nurse Narratives Initiative is a collaboration among Ballad Health, The Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, The ETSU College of Nursing, and StoryCollab, powered by the ETSU Research Corporation. The initiative brings first-person stories to life to elevate and honor the nursing profession. The powerful new documentary by award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films explores the healing power of empathy, the complex realities nurses navigate every day and why they remain some of our most essential heroes. The film offers an emotional look at the challenges faced…

System Updates

Adnan Brka selected as chief nursing officer of Johnson City Medical Center

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Johnson City Medical Center has selected Adnan Brka, RN, to serve as its chief nursing officer. In this role, Brka will oversee all nursing practices at the hospital. He will begin his role Jan. 26. In this position, Brka will work closely with nursing leaders, physicians and hospital leadership to advance clinical excellence and support the delivery of safe, high-quality, compassionate care for patients and families across the region. “Adnan is a respected and proven leader who brings deep clinical expertise, operational insight and a strong commitment to our nursing teams,” said Rebecca Beck, CEO of Johnson City Medical Center. “His commitment to compassionate nursing care is unmatched. “As someone who has been a part of nursing leadership within Ballad Health, Adnan understands our culture, our values and, most importantly, the needs of our patients and nurses,” Beck added. Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, chief medical officer of Johnson City Medical Center, said…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Lindsey King

Lindsey King, a physical therapist at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia, is the type of person who cares for her patients during work hours but doesn’t stop there. Her caring continues outside the hospital and after hours. A great example is the care she provided one of her patients who suffered a serious hamstring injury while hiking. A surgeon reattached the tendon, but to be able to restore full function in the hamstring and leg, it would require extensive physical therapy. Lindsey took on the complex rehab protocol and worked with the surgeon to make sure the proper rehabilitation was being done, and it was offered at a close location for the patient. “I could not have asked for a better physical therapist,” said the patient. “Lindsey is truly personally invested in her patients and their outcomes. She has spent hours of her own time researching my injury and various rehabilitation protocols in…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Ballad Health expands addiction services program for women in Southwest Virginia

Article summary Ballad Health plans to open Strong Futures Virginia in Norton, expanding its Greeneville-based Strong Futures Tennessee program into Southwest Virginia. The comprehensive addiction services center, in the former MountainView Regional Hospital building, will include residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment. The facility will serve up to 59 residential patients and uniquely allow women to live on-site with their children while receiving addiction treatment, along with wraparound services such as parenting education, pregnancy resources, workforce development and judicial support. Read the full article NORTON, Va. – Ballad Health leaders announced plans to open a second comprehensive addiction services center, including a residential treatment facility, expanding the Greeneville-based Strong Futures Tennessee program into Southwest Virginia. When renovations are complete, the program will be hosted in the former MountainView Regional Hospital, allowing Ballad Health to provide critical services to families. Strong Futures Virginia will have maximum capacity for 59 patients in its residential programs, in addition…

System Updates

Johnson City Medical Center awarded competitive federal grant to enhance special pathogen preparedness

Facility is one of 54 hospitals in the nation, and only hospital in Tennessee, to receive the grant Article summary Johnson City Medical Center, a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center in the National Special Pathogen System, has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to strengthen its role as a regional center of care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Grant funding will support enhanced staff training, specialized equipment and strengthened systems and protocols, ensuring readiness to care for and accept transfers of patients during outbreaks while supporting national preparedness efforts. Read the full article JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Johnson City Medical Center, a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center within the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS), has been selected to receive a $500,000 federal grant to enhance its role as a regional center of care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. Johnson City Medical Center is the only hospital in Tennessee selected to receive…

System Updates

B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Beginning January’s ‘There for Each Other’ skill

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Dear Colleague, As we turn the page on the calendar year, we also begin January’s skill – the final skill in the Better Begins With Us program: There For Each Other. This skill aligns closely with our core value of Respect, because respect is ultimately about how we show up for one another. Being there for each other means recognizing the worth, ideas and contributions of every team member, and choosing behaviors that foster trust, collaboration and shared success. When respect is lived out consistently, it strengthens relationships and creates an environment where people feel valued and supported. This week’s Better Begins With Us Tip There for Each Other Tip #1: Committing to Personal Ownership While we can’t control every situation we encounter, we can control ourselves – our behavior, our communication and our mindset. Personal ownership asks us to shift our…

B Excellent

Team Member Kudos

Ballad Health’s Angie Tolley recognized with statewide award for her work in behavioral health

Article summary Angie Tolley, manager of clinical programs for Ballad Health Behavioral Health Outpatient Services, received the 2025 Andrea R. Chase Impact Award from the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations for transforming the delivery of behavioral health care across the Appalachian Highlands. Following Hurricane Helene, Tolley led mobile therapy teams, introduced innovative supports such as a certified trauma therapy dog, helped establish Long Term Recovery Groups and strengthened workforce resilience through crisis response, peer support and stress management initiatives. Read the full article Ballad Health’s Angie Tolley recently received the 2025 Andrea R. Chase Impact Award from the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations – TAMHO. As manager of clinical programs for Ballad Health Behavioral Health Outpatient Services, Angie is a visionary and deeply committed leader. Her work has fundamentally transformed how we approach and deliver behavioral healthcare across the Appalachian Highlands. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Angie worked tirelessly to organize and…

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Susan Davis

Susan Davis is a familiar face at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia. She began volunteering in 2011 in what initially was one shift per week in the gift shop – but nearly 6,000 hours of service later, she is still volunteering. Over the years, Susan added responsibility and now serves as volunteer assistant manager/buyer for Johnston Memorial’s In the Pink Gift Shop. She continues with her regular volunteer shift but spends many more hours behind the scenes attending vendor shows and organizing merchandise while keeping the store always looking tidy and appealing to the public and hospital staff. Susan shares a smile and a kind word for all customers entering the store and provides special attention helping customers choose just the right gift for a patient or loved one. She serves on the JMH Auxiliary Board and has held the positions of vice-president and president, in addition to being co-chair of the gift shop. …

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Bug of the Month tip for January is about cross-contamination

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting cross-contamination and how to avoid it — because it can lead to serious hospital-acquired infections in patients. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Brooke Graham

Brooke Graham serves as chief operating officer for Behavioral Health at Ballad Health. In her leadership role, she goes above and beyond to make sure patients, team members and the community are knowledgeable about behavioral health services and can access what they need. Brooke’s leadership has helped grow outpatient access to mental health services by leaps and bounds. She has worked tirelessly to reduce stigma and has led many initiatives to expand resources and provide support to team members in crisis. She was instrumental in restructuring and expanding Ballad Health’s Employee Assistance Program to meet the increased demand during the COVID pandemic, and then post-Hurricane Helene. She worked to provide her team with professional development and training, which has been highly valuable during times of crisis. Brooke personally went to receive patients at the rescue site after the Unicoi County Hospital flooded. She worked tirelessly to support Ballad Health team members, the community and the…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Final reminder: W2 season is upon us; here’s what you can do to prepare

NOTE: This message is from Ballad Health’s payroll department. Team members have until Tuesday, Jan. 6, to make any necessary updates to their W2 information. You can help us ensure you get an accurate and timely W2 by logging onto the HR/PR Service Center(Employee Space) and taking a few minutes to do the following. Verify your Social Security Number. Making sure we have the correct Social Security Number ensures your wages are reported accurately. Verify your address. Making sure we have an accurate address ensures you get important information timely. Review your tax withholding. You may update your tax withholding via the HR/PR Service Center (Employee Space) at any time. Authorize eW2s. Authorizing your eW2 is a simple way to ensure you get your W2 as quickly as possible. You can access Employee Space to do these updates by going to Quick Links > HR & Payroll Service Center > My Profile; then go into Personal Information to…

System Updates

Important update: Team member masking required in patient care areas; visitation restrictions implemented

NOTE: This email was send to Ballad Health team members from Jamie Swift, chief infection prevention officer, on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Article summary Ballad Health is seeing increased spread of Influenza A and norovirus across the region, driving higher patient volumes and staffing challenges in emergency departments, hospitals and outpatient clinics. In response, Ballad Health will require facility-wide masking for all team members and allied health providers during any patient interaction, regardless of vaccination status, starting Wednesday, Dec. 24, through at least Wednesday, Jan. 14, with the policy to be re-evaluated. Enhanced visitation restrictions are also in effect, asking those who are sick or younger than 18 to refrain from visiting, allowing staff to limit visitors as needed, and emphasizing staying home when ill and practicing good hygiene to protect patients and team members. Read the full message Dear team members: As you have likely already noticed, infectious illnesses are increasing in our emergency departments,…

System Updates

Check out these tips to protect your heart over the holidays

Article summary Heart attacks spike between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, as holiday habits like rich foods, alcohol, stress and delayed care can quietly strain the heart; cardiologists urge awareness so people can celebrate safely. Dr. Saad Ghumman of Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute advises not delaying care for symptoms, moderating salt and alcohol, avoiding overexertion like snow shoveling, and staying consistent with medications to protect heart health during the holidays. Read the full article The holidays are a time for joy, but for people with heart disease or at high risk, they can also bring hidden dangers. Studies show heart attacks spike between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day – more than any other time of year. Cardiologists warn that seasonal habits can quietly put added strain on the heart. With a little awareness, you can protect your heart and still enjoy a healthier holiday season. Dr. Saad Ghumman, a cardiovascular specialist at…

System Updates

Take our quick survey to tell us your thoughts about the Ballad Teams app and your preferred methods of communication

Article summary Ballad Health is asking team members to complete a brief, optional and anonymous survey about their experience with the Ballad Teams mobile app. The survey is open Dec. 1-19, takes less than three minutes and aims to identify what’s working well, where improvements are needed and how team members prefer to receive information. Ballad Teams is a team member app with features like paycheck info, PTO, scheduling, discounts, news and support resources. Read the full article Communication is an essential part of making any job or project a success, and we’re always working to find better, more efficient ways to engage and communicate with team members across Ballad Health. As a result, we’re asking team members to take a brief survey about their experience with the Ballad Teams team member mobile app and other digital tools. We hope this survey helps us pinpoint what’s working well and where we can improve. Click here…

System Updates

Special film screening to honor, celebrate nurses set for Jan. 8 at ETSU’s Martin Center

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Team members and the community are invited to honor and celebrate nurses with a special reception and film screening on Thursday, Jan. 8, at East Tennessee State University’s Martin Center for the Arts. Join the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement for the free premiere of “Nurse: Empathy Heals,” a film inspired by nurses in our region, and created for everyone who believes in the power of nurses and the stories that shape our communities. This powerful new documentary by award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films explores the healing power of empathy, the complex realities nurses navigate every day and why they remain some of our most essential heroes. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve your spot today. Click here to reserve a spot. About the event A reception with light hors d’oeuvres begins at 6 p.m.. The ETSU Research Corporation will host…

System Updates

B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Valuing relationships and reducing authority gradients

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Dear colleague, During the holiday season, moments of service often feel more visible and meaningful. It’s a time when faith and trust in one another – and in the purpose of our work – naturally comes to the forefront. In healthcare, that sense of trust is built through generosity, open communication and a genuine commitment to support those around us. This week’s tips invite us to lean into those moments, strengthening our relationships while continuing to deliver the care and reliability our teams depend on. This week’s Better Begins With Us tips What Does it Mean to S.E.R.V.E. #5: The V in S.E.R.V.E. – Value Results and Relationships This tip explores how meaningful service requires attention to both what we accomplish and how we treat one another along the way. It highlights ways to balance results and relationships by approaching work…

B Excellent

From the CEO

Message from Alan Levine: A Christmas wish

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members from Alan Levine, Ballad Health CEO and president, on Monday, Dec. 22. Good morning! As we approach Christmas, I want to take a moment to recognize what the spirit of this season inspires in us, and through us, as we seek to serve others. This time of year invites reflection. It reminds us that even in the busiest moments, there is meaning in service, faith in connection and quiet power in simply caring for one another. One story shared recently brings that spirit into focus through the work of our team members and the lasting impact they have across our region. Molly McCrary was born at just 27 weeks in the NICU at Niswonger Children’s Hospital, weighing just over a pound. Surrounded by Ballad Health team members who never gave up on her, she received care that makes survival possible when the odds feel overwhelming….

From the CEO

HR & Benefits

HSA contribution from Ballad Health to be deposited into team member accounts soon

If you are enrolled in the Choice medical plan, Ballad Health will make a cash contribution to each eligible team member’s health savings account (HSA). The account can be used to pay for deductibles, co-insurance and other eligible out-of-pocket expenses related to their health, dental and vision plans. The January contribution is $250 for those enrolled in individual coverage and $500 for those enrolled in EE + child(ren) or family coverage. We anticipate these funds to be deposited into the HSA accounts by Jan. 9, 2025. This contribution will be for the 2026 calendar year. You can elect to make your own contributions to your HSA. Contributions can be increased, decreased or stopped at any time during the calendar year. To make changes, log into the HR & Payroll Service Center. For detailed instructions, click here. NOTE: These links are located in the Ballad Health intranet. The new 2026 HSA contribution limits are listed below (employer and employee…

HR & Benefits

B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: What it means to serve others

This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Dear Colleague, As we move deeper into the holiday season, the idea of service becomes even more meaningful. December’s B Excellent skill, What Does it Mean to S.E.R.V.E.?, invites us to reflect on what it truly looks like to serve others with intention, compassion and reliability. This theme aligns naturally with the spirit of the season, a time when generosity, gratitude and caring are at the forefront of our minds. It also reflects who we strive to be as a healthcare organization: people who step forward to support one another, uplift our teams and create a safe, healing environment for those we serve. This week’s Better Begins With Us tips 1, What Does it Mean to S.E.R.V.E. #4: The R in S.E.R.V.E. – Reliable Collaboration This week’s first tip focuses on what it means to reliably collaborate with others – a skill…

B Excellent

System Updates

Ballad Teams app survey extended to Jan. 9; give us your thoughts on the app and on your communications preferences

Article summary The deadline to take our survey about the Ballad Teams team member app has been extended until Jan. 9, 2026. The brief, optional and anonymous survey takes less than three minutes to complete and aims to identify what’s working well, where improvements are needed and how team members prefer to receive information. Ballad Teams is a team member app with features like paycheck info, PTO, scheduling, discounts, news and support resources. Read the full article We’ve extended the deadline for completing the online survey about our Ballad Teams team member mobile app. Team members now have until Jan. 9, 2026, to complete the survey. More about the survey Communication is an essential part of making any job or project a success, and we’re always working to find better, more efficient ways to engage and communicate with team members across Ballad Health. As a result, we’re asking team members to take a brief survey about their…

System Updates

Helpers needed to wrap gifts for Santa’s Workshop at Niswonger Children’s Hospital

Niswonger Children’s Hospital is looking for volunteer elves to help wrap gifts that have been donated to children who are in the hospital. Gifts will be distributed the week of Christmas to children who are at Niswonger Children’s Hospital and in the pediatric emergency departments in Kingsport and Bristol. Wrapping supplies will be provided — just bring a dose of holiday cheer! Whether you have several hours or 30 minutes to spare, your help will go a long way toward making magic this holiday season. Click here to sign up to volunteer. Time slots are available throughout the day from Tuesday, Dec. 16, through Tuesday, Dec. 23. Team members who are interested in donating toys should reach out to Rodney Rhodes, child life manager, at rodney.rhodes@balladhealth.org or click here to order through our Walmart wish list. Toys ordered through the wish list will be shipped directly to the children’s hospital.

System Updates

Joint statement from State of Franklin Healthcare Associates and Ballad Health

NOTE: This statement was jointly released on Wednesday, Dec. 10, by Ballad Health and State of Franklin Healthcare Associates. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – For nearly 30 years, State of Franklin Healthcare Associates (SOFHA) has remained a locally governed, physician-led medical group committed to serving our region with integrity, independence and high-quality patient care. SOFHA’s physicians have led through periods of growth and change, while remaining centered on delivering exceptional care to the communities we mutually serve. Like many independent medical groups across the country, SOFHA has faced financial pressures stemming from national reimbursement changes particularly harmful to physicians practicing in rural and non-urban communities, workforce challenges caused by shortages and decisions made under previous leadership. Under a new physician leadership structure, SOFHA has taken significant steps to stabilize operations, strengthen financial performance and preserve the independent model that its patients and community value. As part of this effort, SOFHA engaged in conversations with several community-based…

System Updates

As cold weather arrives, here’s a reminder about Ballad Health’s class cancelation policy

Clinical Education, Organizational Development (OD) and Epic have an INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR CLASSES (OD-100-007-BH). The policy was created out of concern for team members attempting to travel to classes when road conditions are potentially unsafe. Team members will be notified of the decision to cancel educational classes via the Ballad Teams team member app on their phones, and at Balladhealthnews.org. In the event of bad weather, team members should check these two resources to receive the most up-to-date communication concerning schedule changes. An announcement about class cancelation will be posted to Ballad Health News as soon as possible after the decision is made, and an accompanying notification will be sent out through the Ballad Teams app, linking to the announcement. Important note on Ballad Teams app You must have the Ballad Teams mobile app downloaded to your phone, and have your notifications turned on, to receive the notification. If you do not have Ballad Teams on…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Celebrating our November Excellence in Leadership Program graduates

We are proud to recognize the newest graduates of the Excellence in Leadership Program! On Dec. 2, the November cohort successfully completed this transformative experience, marking an important milestone in their leadership journey. Excellence in Leadership provides meaningful education, tools, resources and networking for effective and successful leadership at Ballad Health. It is for team members newly hired or promoted to their first Ballad Health position of manager, director or any position that requires supervision of team members. Although this group was small in size, it was mighty in impact. Over the course of five dynamic sessions, participants explored essential leadership competencies, including: Understanding Leadership Personality Styles – Leveraging individual strengths to lead effectively. Building Trust – Creating a foundation of credibility and integrity within teams. Engaging and Developing Team Members – Inspiring growth and fostering collaboration. Throughout the program, these leaders demonstrated courage and creativity – embracing vulnerability, sharing innovative ideas and supporting one…

Team Member Kudos

B Excellent

Ballad Health reaches over 1 million B Excellent tips watched!

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Ballad Health has reached a major cultural milestone with 1,002,472 B Excellent tips watched across the system. Surpassing 1 million tips reflects the dedication of team members who continue to invest in personal growth, stronger teamwork and our journey toward high reliability. This accomplishment demonstrates your commitment to living our values and improving quality in every interaction. Your engagement with the B Excellent program continues to strengthen our culture in meaningful ways. Every tip you watch and apply contributes to improved teamwork, clearer communication and stronger relationships across the system. These habits support our core values and help us build a safer, more supportive environment for our patients, their families and one another. Celebrate with a complimentary B Excellent item To recognize this achievement, all team members are invited to choose one complimentary B Excellent-branded item that will be shipped directly…

B Excellent

System Updates

Prescribing flavor: How intentional diet ordering transforms patient care

Providing patients with food they enjoy is important — it boosts their satisfaction and helps prevent malnutrition. Across Ballad Health, hospitals are enhancing the meal options offered to inpatients through a new approach called intentional diet ordering, designed to make hospital stays more comfortable and supportive for patients. The diet a patient follows while in the hospital is an important part of their care. Obviously, different patient conditions can mean different food requirements – some of the most well-known being restrictions for nutrients like salt or fat. “The goal is to order the least restrictive diet for the patient, based on their medical and nutritional needs for that admission.” – Lori Upchurch, Morrison Healthcare But it’s also important to provide patients with food they enjoy, which can improve their satisfaction and help prevent malnutrition. Balancing tasty foods with diet restrictions is always a challenge for food service teams in healthcare. That’s why Ballad Health and…

System Updates

B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: How to be an empathetic listener

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Dear Colleague, As we continue exploring what it truly means to serve, we want to begin by spending time on the “why.” Service has always been at the heart of who we are as a healthcare system, and it’s deeply connected to our core value of Faith. For many, faith is rooted in a belief in something greater – guiding compassion, purpose and the desire to uplift others. For others, faith shows up as confidence in our mission, trust in our teammates and the shared commitment that unites us. Regardless of how we each define it, service becomes the way we live out that faith … showing up with empathy, humility and a willingness to support those around us. This week’s Better Begins With Us tip What Does It Mean To S.E.R.V.E.: The E in S.E.R.V.E. – Empathetic Listening Empathetic listening…

B Excellent

Team Member Kudos

We congratulate our Ballad Health team members for 40 Under Forty recognition!

Four team members with Ballad Health were among 40 young professionals recognized as part of the 40 Under Forty class of 2025 by The Business Journal of Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia. The awards honor the best and brightest young professionals throughout the region, who are judged based on their business success and their achievements as an active member of the community. Our 2025 Ballad Health recipients are: Becca Blanton, Children’s Miracle Network manager, Ballad Health Foundation James Dzuba, operations manager, perioperative surgery, Bristol Regional Medical Center Morgan Morrell, director, marketing and communications, Southern Region Alisha Westmoreland, director of process improvement and clinical outcomes optimization Check out The Business Journal’s annual 40 Under Forty issue this month, which features more about our Ballad Health honorees as well as all the 40 Under Forty class of 2025. And be on the lookout for profiles of our winners on Ballad Health social media. We are very fortunate to have brilliant…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Standard & Poor’s revises Ballad Health outlook to ‘Positive,’ affirming ‘A-’ rating

Despite industry-wide pressures leading to credit downgrades outpacing upgrades, S&P’s positive revision cites Ballad Health’s experienced management team, execution of integration strategy, and quality improvement serving to “transform Ballad Health into a high-performing consolidated system” JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Observing that Ballad Health has “successfully executed its integration strategy and realized synergies, despite the disruption caused by recent industry pressures,” Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has revised Ballad Health’s credit outlook from “Stable” to “Positive,” and affirmed its “A-” rating, affecting Ballad Health’s series of debt instruments. Citing that Ballad Health “has a somewhat high reliance on special funding and a high reliance on governmental payers,” S&P stated that it believes the healthcare industry sector “remains exposed to elevated labor costs, which has led to weaker operations” across the sector. This has led to more than 90 health system downgrades in 2024 among the three major rating agencies, with only 37 upgrades, according to publicly available…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Dr. Joseph Kretschmar

Since 2010, Dr. Joseph “Joe” Kretschmar has made it his mission to provide exceptional gastrointestinal care to the people of Greeneville, Tennessee, and beyond. His tireless dedication is legendary. He serves at Ballad Health Medical Associates Gastroenterology and Greeneville Community Hospital. As the only gastroenterology specialist in the area, he now routinely accepts transfers from hospitals throughout the region, often serving as the only provider outside of Johnson City Medical Center to perform complex, lifesaving interventions for patients with pancreatic and bile duct disorders, known as ERCP procedures – or gastrointestinal endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This role carries an immense responsibility and often requires long hours as he provides urgent consults and performs the procedures – but he does so with grace and professionalism. Dr. Kretschmar’s ability to manage a high volume of these cases demonstrates exceptional skill, resilience and compassion. He offers hope to patients and families who might otherwise face significant delays in treatment….

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Message from The Wellness Center: Stay active over the holidays and move with intention

Article summary The Wellness Center encourages team members to stay active with intentional movement during the holiday season. This can be done through a workout at the gym, or through simple, equipment-free exercises like squats, pushups, planks, lunges and step-ups that can be done anywhere. See a great 30-second instructional video below. Read the full article With the holiday season and colder weather upon us, it’s important to stay active – even if it’s in small doses. As a general rule, that takes intention, both in making sure you stay active and in choosing the right exercises. The staff at The Wellness Center in Johnson City wants team members to keep moving with intention throughout the holiday season. Even if you can’t make it to the fitness center, there are great ways to get in a workout at home, without any equipment. “While a full workout at the gym with all the equipment offers a…

System Updates

Bug of the Month: Know when to ‘glove up’ for proper protection

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting a very important precaution — wearing gloves as per Ballad Health policy. It is crucial to know not just when to wear gloves, but when to change them. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates

B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: What does it mean to S.E.R.V.E.?

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Dear Colleague, As we enter December, we begin a new skill in the Better Begins With Us program: What Does It Mean to S.E.R.V.E.? This month’s focus of service directly aligns with our core value of Faith, reminding us that service is both a commitment and a calling. In healthcare, service is one of the most meaningful expressions of faith. It reflects our belief in the dignity, worth and value of every patient, family member and teammate we encounter. When we choose to serve with humility, empathy and compassion, we honor the trust our patients and teammates place in us and strengthen the foundation of our mission. This week’s Better Begins With Us tip What Does It Mean To S.E.R.V.E.: The S in S.E.R.V.E. – Supportive Attitude This week, we’re focusing on what it means to serve others with a genuinely…

B Excellent

HR & Benefits

Keep up with employee benefits limits: Make the most of your retirement plan in 2026

Your employer-sponsored retirement plan may be one of your most important assets during retirement. That’s why it’s important to make the most of it by saving as much as you can now. So, ask yourself: Am I saving enough for the future I envision? In 2026, you’ll be able to contribute $24,500 plus an additional catch-up amount if you are age 50 or older. See the chart below for details by age. *The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 increases the catch-up limit for participants who attain age 60-63 during the calendar year. In the year the participant attains age 64, the limit returns to the age 50 catch-up limit. Check with your plan sponsor to see if this new catch-up limit is available in your plan. Mandatory Roth catch-up contributions Starting in 2026, if you’re age 50 or older and earned more than $150,000 in Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) wages from the same employer…

HR & Benefits

Diabetes Awareness Month: Here’s a first-hand look at our team member diabetes program

Article summary Ballad Health offers a free Diabetes Management Program for eligible team members and dependents, providing education, coaching, medications and supplies to help improve health and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Nicole, a Marsh Regional Blood Center team member, said Ballad Health Pharmacy has saved her hundreds of dollars, offered consistent pricing, provided hands-on coaching and delivered exceptional communication with her care team. She credits the program and pharmacy with reducing stress, improving her ability to manage her illness and strengthening her overall wellbeing through personalized, reliable support. Read the full article Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and it is extremely prevalent in the region we serve. Many Ballad Health team members live with diabetes, and as an employer, we want to do everything we can to help our team members be as healthy as they can be. Ballad Health offers a free Diabetes Management Program…

HR & Benefits

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Dr. Herb Ladley

Dr. Herb Ladley is an unsung hero who quietly makes a big impact on everyone around him. The seasoned physician with Ballad Health’s CVA Heart Institute serves as chief medical officer for Wise, Dickenson and Lee counties in Virginia. Humble, generous and always willing to help, he goes above and beyond to serve the communities in Kingsport and Wise County. His dedication to others often flies under the radar, but those who know him understand the incredible difference he makes. Ladley, MD, MBA, FACC, became a cardiologist because he was captivated by the heart’s anatomy and physiology. He joined the Heart Institute in 1984. To bring healthcare to more rural areas, he travels to Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute clinics in Pennington Gap and Norton, and he also sees patients at the Heart Center in Kingsport, which he helped establish in 1999. Dr. Ladley loves the relationships he has built with his patients through the…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Ballad Health Diabetes Center offering new Safe Sharps disposal program

Article summary Ballad Health is recognizing Diabetes Awareness Month by launching a Safe Sharps disposal program to help people with diabetes safely discard needles, syringes and lancets used in daily care. Participating clinics now offer free sharps containers and no-cost disposal services, allowing individuals to return full containers and exchange them for new ones. The program requires the use of Ballad Health-provided containers and accepts drop-offs Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with containers limited to sharps used for diabetes care. Read the full article With November serving as Diabetes Awareness Month, Ballad Health is rolling out a new program designed to help people with diabetes – the Safe Sharps disposal program for used “sharps,” which are routinely used in diabetes care. About diabetes Diabetes occurs when someone’s blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages. There are several types of diabetes, with Type…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Congratulations to our latest Ballad Health Aspiring Leader Program graduates!

The latest cohort of Ballad Health’s Aspiring Leader Program graduated recently. The program is administered by Organizational Development and helps develop introductory leadership skills for team members who aspire to become leaders or who show leadership potential at Ballad Health. Team members must be nominated for the class by a leader in the organization, and the program requires a participation commitment by the aspiring leaders and their supervisor. Congratulations to the latest graduating class! Janette Johnson Brandon Johnson Breanna Miller Katie Steffen Sidney Vaughan Christina Wills Tia Davis Rachel Conner Alejandrina Basham Siera Wojciechowicz Ariel Ellis Seth McIntosh Shelby Hensley Brittany Spellar Haley Rice Tank Knotts Jessica Daggs Jacob Wright Amy Teague McKenna Hurley Lisa Bailey Heather Mullikin Diamond Smith This cohort completed a five-month program of in-person classroom training. Graduates learn leadership skills that can assist in bridging the gap from their current role to a leadership role. The curriculum includes topics and skills…

Team Member Kudos

HR & Benefits

Help us recruit great people and earn a bonus when you refer!

We’re always looking for talented, compassionate people to join the Ballad Health team, and no one knows great candidates better than you. When you refer a qualified friend or family member for select positions, you could earn a referral bonus once they’re hired. Current referral bonus amounts Experienced candidates (with at least one year of work experience) hired into full-time or part-time benefited positions in the following roles are eligible: $500 – Certified/registered medical assistants (CMA/RMA), certified nursing assistants (CNA), phlebotomists and patient service representatives $1,500 – Respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, surgical techs, licensed practical nurses (LPN), all acute-care roles, and physician office positions $2,500 – Registered nurses at all acute-care facilities Whether it’s someone just a year into their healthcare career or a seasoned professional ready for a change, your referral could make a real difference – for them, for our team, and for our patients. Applying just got easier with Melody Finding and…

HR & Benefits

System Updates

Introducing the latest Ballad Health T-shirts, now available at the Ballad Health Store

The latest Ballad Health T-shirts are ready to be ordered! The shirts are available for purchase online at the Ballad Health Store, and can be pre-ordered starting Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8 a.m. Click here to visit the Ballad Health Store. Ballad Proud Collection shirts, along with other Ballad Health-branded apparel, are suitable for wearing to work on Fridays, as per our Ballad Health dress code policy. To access our dress code policy: Ballad Health intranet main page > Quick Links > Ballad Health Policies > Policy Manager > Search for Dress Code – Personal Appearance. Order and delivery To view the new shirts or place an order, visit the Ballad Health Store at www.balladhealth.store, accessible from any device. (The online store can be accessed through the Ballad Health intranet under “Quick Links,” but the site itself is not located on the intranet). The cost for the Ballad Health T-shirts is $17 (plus tax), which includes shipping…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Meet our 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners: Charlie Castle, in memoriam

Charlie Castle was a beloved figure at Bristol Regional Medical Center who logged more than 24,000 volunteer hours over 35-plus years. He passed away in January of 2025 at age 93, and was awarded the Servant’s Heart Award posthumously. Charlie could be found greeting patients, visitors and team members at the front entrance; stocking the linen closet; or walking the halls of the hospital with his hospitality snack cart, smiling and chatting with everyone and offering comfort and cheer to those who needed it. Guests routinely commented about their interactions with Charlie and how nice it was to share a few moments with him. He began volunteering after his own personal experience at the old Bristol Memorial Hospital. As one of the first open-heart surgery patients in the region, he became committed to comforting other patients and their families at the same hospital that took such great care of him. His journey to impact the…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

New cancer technology brings advanced care to Greeneville Community Hospital

Niswonger Family Radiation Treatment Center is now treating patients with a state-of-the-art linear accelerator GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Greeneville Community Hospital patients now have access to advanced cancer treatment technology in Greene County, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Niswonger family and a significant capital investment by Ballad Health. The newly operational TrueBeam linear accelerator at the Niswonger Family Radiation Treatment Center began serving patients in September, bringing world-class radiation therapy close to home. The investment, made in honor of Dr. John Boys, the hospital’s radiation oncologist for the past 30 years, enhances the hospital’s oncology services and provides state-of-the-art equipment for local cancer patients. The Niswonger family’s generous contribution, combined with Ballad Health’s capital commitment, makes advanced cancer care accessible to Greene County residents without requiring travel to distant treatment centers. “The Niswongers’ commitment to our region’s health and well-being continues to transform patient care,” said Alan Levine, chairman and chief executive officer…

System Updates

HR & Benefits

Reminder from HR: Please be aware of our policy for using personal mobile devices while on the job

We know that personal mobile devices such as phones, smart watches, tablets and earbuds have become an important part of daily life. However, at Ballad Health, it’s also important that our attention stays where it matters most: on our patients, our coworkers and the work we do to support our mission. Our Personal Mobile Device policy exists to help maintain a safe, professional, and distraction-free environment for everyone. Team members are expected to limit personal calls, texts and social media use to nonwork time, and to keep devices silenced during meetings or in patient care areas. To find the policy: Intranet main page > Quick Links > Ballad Health Policies > Policy Manager > search for Personal Mobile Device Use Recently, we’ve received feedback about the use of headphones, earbuds or AirPods while working. While these devices may seem harmless, they can create safety and communication concerns when team members are unable to hear overhead…

HR & Benefits

System Updates

Independent review finds Ballad Health’s provider recruitment, retention efforts outpace national trends

Published review highlights Ballad Health as an example of success in sustaining rural healthcare access against backdrop of worsening national shortages JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – An independent review and publication by national healthcare consulting firm PYA found that Ballad Health has made progress in recruiting and retaining medical providers systemwide, even as national healthcare workforce data show worsening shortages. The firm was so compelled by Ballad Health’s success that it developed a national case study and white paper, Sustaining Access in Rural Communities: A Proven Model for Provider Needs Assessment, to help other rural systems learn from Ballad Health’s approach. The independent review and publication supports findings by the State of Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Virginia over multiple years that Ballad Health has created a public advantage through enhanced access to care – something not likely to have happened but for the merger creating Ballad Health. Prior to the merger creating Ballad Health in…

System Updates

Team Member Kudos

Let’s get to know our 2025 Scott and Nikki Niswonger Servant’s Heart Award winners!

Ballad Health honors a select group of team members each year with the Scott and Nikki Niswonger Servant’s Heart Award, the organization’s highest honor. Over the coming weeks, Ballad Health will feature the 2025 Servant’s Heart Award winners through videos, stories and photos — and will open the nomination process for the 2026 awards. The award is given to members of Ballad Health who have been recognized by their peers for displaying the heart of a servant by going above and beyond the normal call of duty in helping others at work and in the community. It honors four categories of team members: volunteers, physicians, front-line team members and leaders. More about the Servant’s Heart Award This award is named in honor of Scott and Nikki Niswonger, who have exemplified what it means to have the heart of a servant throughout their lives. The Niswongers were the lead benefactors in creating Niswonger Children’s Hospital and…

Team Member Kudos

System Updates

Rebecca Hoover named interim associate VP of pharmacy

Ballad Health has selected Rebecca Hoover, PharmD, MBA, BCPS to serve as interim associate vice president of pharmacy, effective immediately. The appointment comes as the health system actively recruits for a permanent leader in the role. Hoover brings more than 20 years of progressive pharmacy leadership experience to the position, currently serving as regional director of pharmacy services for Ballad Health’s Northern Region, where she manages nine hospital pharmacy locations across Tennessee and Virginia. Building on proven expertise Throughout her tenure with Ballad Health, Hoover has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing complex pharmacy operations while maintaining rigorous compliance with The Joint Commission medication management standards and all federal and state regulatory requirements. Her work has focused on several key areas that directly impact patient safety and operational excellence. She has implemented robust diversion prevention programs and controlled substance management protocols that strengthen patient safety across the system. Additionally, Hoover played an instrumental role in developing…

System Updates

Elizabeth Jackson, MD, selected to serve as chief medical officer of Johnson City Medical Center

Ballad Health has selected Elizabeth Jackson, MD, an accomplished general surgeon and physician leader, to serve as chief medical officer (CMO) of Johnson City Medical Center. Dr. Jackson will officially begin her new role on Dec. 8. Dr. Jackson has served as chief medical officer for Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital for the past four years, while also serving as medical director of surgical services at Ballad Health and as chairperson of the Ballad Health Clinical Council. In subsequent CMO moves: Jesse Sulzer, MD, chief medical officer for Johnston Memorial Hospital, will serve as interim chief medical officer for Holston Valley and Indian Path. Jamie Bartley, DO, chief medical officer at Bristol Regional Medical Center, has been named interim CMO for Smyth County Community Hospital and Russell County Hospital. Dr. Elizabeth Jackson Dr. Jackson is a graduate of Milligan College and earned her medical degree from East Tennessee State University Quillen…

System Updates

HR & Benefits

ACTS of Service Recognition program now on the new Culture Cloud platform

Have you logged in to the upgraded ACTS of Service Recognition program yet? It’s now powered by Culture Cloud, making it easier than ever to celebrate one another and recognize the great work happening across Ballad Health every day. How to log in: Either go to culturecloud.com on a computer, download the Culture Cloud mobile app to your phone, or click the ACTS of Service Appreciation quick link on the front page of the Ballad Health intranet. When prompted, enter your company login ID – that’s your Ballad Health Team Member # without the “U.” If asked to enter your company name, type Ballad Health or simply Ballad. You’ll then be directed to the password screen. If you’ve never logged in before, click “Reset or Forgot Password” and follow the instructions to set up your password. Once you’re in, take a few minutes to explore the new platform. Send recognition to a teammate, celebrate a…

HR & Benefits

Diversity & Inclusion

A quick look at Spiritual Health Services, our chaplains and how they serve us

Chaplains are an essential part of the care we provide at our hospitals. As we recognize Spiritual Health Week this week, here’s a quick look at our Spiritual Health Services department, our chaplains, how they serve us, and when you might need to request a chaplain. They are available to serve our patients, their families and our team members in times of need. Ballad Health’s Spiritual Health Services Spiritual Health Services at Ballad Health has a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, their families and team members. Chaplains provide compassionate, spiritual and emotional support to all, regardless of race, faith, gender, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. Clinical pastoral education (CPE) Clinical pastoral education (CPE) is the educational arm of the Spiritual Health Services department. CPE is an experience-based, graduate-level theological education, combining the practice of spiritual care with peer group reflection. Clinical Pastoral Education is open to seminary students, ordained clergy,…

Diversity & Inclusion