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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…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Ballad Health is offering free, low-dose CT lung cancer screenings across the Appalachian Highlands, making early detection more accessible for those at highest risk. For the second consecutive year, and with generous support from Ballad Health Foundation, eligible individuals who have never had a low-dose CT lung cancer screening can receive a free screening at any participating Ballad Health facility. Last November, more people were screened at Ballad Health for lung cancer than in any other month since 2018, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to early detection. Eligible individuals who have never had a low-dose CT lung cancer screening can receive a free screening at any participating Ballad Health facility. “Ballad Health Foundation once again emphasizes that early detection is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes in the face of a cancer diagnosis,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation….

ABINGDON, Va. — Ballad Health Cancer Care at Johnston Memorial Hospital invites women across the region to attend Celebrate Women, a free annual event dedicated to women’s health and wellness, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia. This community event offers women an opportunity to prioritize their health while connecting with local healthcare experts and resources. The evening will feature door prizes, educational sessions, giveaways and vendor booths, all designed to promote awareness and encourage preventive care. Guests will also have the chance to win a YETI cooler as the grand prize. “Celebrate Women is such a meaningful opportunity for women to come together, learn and take steps toward healthier lives,” said Paula Fore, senior director of Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon. “Through screenings, education and engagement, we’re helping women identify health issues earlier and empowering them to make informed choices about…

Award recognizes Lester’s decades of service strengthening healthcare access in Virginia HOT SPRINGS, Va. – The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) has recognized David Lester with the 2025 Excellence in Governance Award for his decades of leadership, strategic vision and commitment to strengthening rural healthcare across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Lester, a Bristol, Va., business leader and long-time healthcare governance champion, serves on the Ballad Health Board of Directors. He previously served on the Wellmont Health System Board, where he chaired the Strategic Options Committee and played a key role in guiding Wellmont and Mountain States Health Alliance through a complex and historic merger that formed Ballad Health in 2018. “This recognition truly belongs to the boards, teams and leaders I’ve been fortunate to work with –  people who care deeply about their neighbors and never lose sight of why we do this work,” said Lester in his acceptance remarks. “I’m deeply grateful…

Ballad Health has taken a significant step toward improving patient safety by implementing the Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety (TIPS) Fall Prevention Program, a nationally recognized initiative designed to reduce the risk of patient falls during hospital stays. The program starts on Friday, Nov. 10. Falls are one of the most common and costly safety incidents in hospitals nationwide. By using the TIPS program on our adult inpatient population, patients and team members are empowered to work together, making fall prevention an active and ongoing process. About the program The TIPS program combines evidence-based strategies with clear, patient-centered communication to help both team members and patients actively participate in fall prevention. At the heart of the initiative is a personalized fall prevention plan for each patient, which is developed through collaboration between team members, patients, and families. The plan identifies an individual’s unique fall risks – such as mobility challenges, medication side effects and dizziness…

We’re halfway through the Culture of Safety survey period (Oct. 27-Nov. 17), and we want to thank all team members who have already completed the survey. Your participation provides critical insights into patient safety, event reporting and teamwork within your hospital. If you haven’t yet taken the survey, please take 10-15 minutes to do so. The survey is completely anonymous, and your honest feedback helps leadership understand what’s working well and where improvements are needed. Every response matters and contributes to action plans that improve the safety, communication and culture of our hospitals. Click here to take the survey. It can also be accessed from the Ballad Health intranet page under “Quick Links.” Once the survey closes, the Tennessee Hospital Association will share summary reports of the results to help us identify priorities and create meaningful improvements based on your feedback. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard. Complete the survey before Nov….

NOTE: This message is from Ballad Health’s payroll department. Maybe it’s not exactly W2 time yet, but it is time to start preparing. 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 update address…

Ballad Health will make a $100,000 donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee if families are cut off from their food stamps due to the government shutdown, Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine has announced. Because of the federal shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds are expected to run out  Saturday, Nov. 1. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s office released a statement for Tennessee SNAP recipients to “expect a lapse in benefits on their cards” Saturday. Nearly 700,000 people across the state receive SNAP benefits, including more than 37,000 in Northeast Tennessee. In a post on the social media platform X, Levine said: “We are praying the government shutdown ends. But if it has not ended by Friday, and if it is true families will be unable to use their SNAP benefits beginning Saturday, Ballad Health will be making a $100,000 contribution to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank to support our neighbors….

Hospital-based team members: Share your voice in the Culture of Safety survey! From Oct. 27 through Nov. 17, all hospital-based team members are invited to participate in the Culture of Safety survey, required every two years by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission. This survey is an opportunity for you to provide feedback on patient safety, event reporting and teamwork within your hospital. The survey is anonymous and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete online. Team members will select their specific hospital from a drop-down list. Ballad Health leadership will not see individual responses, ensuring your feedback is confidential. Once the survey closes, the Tennessee Hospital Association provides summary reports for each facility to use to develop action plans focused on improving safety, communication and teamwork. This is your opportunity to help shape the environment where we care for patients and support one another. Make your voice heard! Take…

Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Amy Shortt, ACNP-AG, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Bristol BRISTOL, Tenn. – Amy Shortt, ACNP-AG, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Bristol, specializing in cardiology. At Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, Shortt offers a broad range of services and treatments, including comprehensive assessments, lifestyle education, management of cardiac arrhythmias, management of hypertension, medication management and interpretation of cardiac testing . “I treat each patient as if they are my own family member,” she said. Shortt earned degrees from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Western Governors University in Clayton, Missouri. She is board-certified as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Shortt is located at Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, 271 Medical Park Blvd., Bristol. For more information, please call 423-230-5000 or visit balladhealth.org. Aria Pless, PA-C, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Lace up and bring your costumes to the annual Niswonger Children’s Hospital Scarecrow Skedaddle and Shindig, an annual event of fall family fun! The event on Sunday, Oct. 26, features not only a 5K race, but a 1-mile fun run and modified race, so racers of all abilities are welcome to join in on the fun. Packet pickup begins at 11:30 a.m. at the East Tennessee State University/Ballad Health Athletic Center (mini dome). The races will be followed by a Shindig, which is a family-friendly event full of photo ops, games, activities, vendors and more. Opening ceremonies start at 1:30 p.m. The modified race starts things off at 1:45 p.m., with the 1-mile fun run following at 2 p.m. The 5K gears up at 2:30 p.m. It’s $10 to enter the race, but the Shindig is free for all who want to attend. Registration is open at thegoosechase.org.

Mitch Kennedy, RN, to serve as interim CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Community Hospital as Beck transitions to Johnson City and national search begins JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health has selected Rebecca Beck as CEO of Johnson City Medical Center, effective Nov. 2. Beck, who has served as CEO of Ballad Health’s Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital since 2022, was selected after a broad regional and national search. “Rebecca is a leader who listens, inspires her team and always puts patients and communities first,” said Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health. “Her steady judgment, deep understanding of our region and commitment to our mission make her the ideal choice to guide Johnson City Medical Center forward.” Beck brings extensive leadership experience within the Ballad Health system, having served at Holston Valley, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Hawkins County Memorial and Hancock County hospitals. Under her guidance,…

Ballad Health is committed to supporting new members of the nursing profession, and we offer two excellent programs to help develop nurses just joining Ballad Health out of nursing school – our Nurse Fellowship Program and our Nurse Residency Program. Applicants must have accepted an RN position with Ballad Health in order to participate. Both programs are now open for applications. Visit here to learn more about the two programs or to apply! Nurse Fellowship Program This program takes place during the student’s last semester of nursing school and helps prepare them to enter the workforce as new graduate registered nurses. (This covers May/August 2026 graduates.) Who’s eligible to apply – ADN/BSN students who are entering the last semester of an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 2.75 or above, and have accepted a post-graduate RN position with Ballad Health. Program details – Nurses work with a nurse preceptor and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and are…

The deadline for submitting improvement projects for the 2026 Ballad Health Excellence Awards has been extended until Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 11: 59 p.m. Last year, we received an incredible 142 entries from across the organization, showcasing the innovation, dedication and excellence that our teams exhibit every day. This year’s submission deadline had been set for Nov. 3, but due to the number of project submissions that are in progress right now, the deadline was extended to give teams adequate time to submit their entries. Submission period Opened: Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 Closes: Extended until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2025 Awards ceremony: Spring 2026 Click here to access the submission form. Note: You must be on a Ballad Health network device to access the submission link. You can also find the submission form on the Ballad Health intranet main page under “Quick Links” or by clicking the Excellence Awards banner at the top of…

Being active as a family is the focus for National Family Health and Fitness Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – National Family Health and Fitness Day is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 27. It’s a day intended to promote physical activity and healthy living, as well as togetherness as a family. The Wellness Center encourages everyone to engage in some fun and healthy activities on Family Health and Fitness Day – and any other day of the year, for that matter. Just doing some basic activities with your family can improve your health, both physically and mentally. In addition to the exercise benefits, it also promotes togetherness and can brighten your attitude. Get outdoors – Do a hike or just a walk in the neighborhood or on a local fitness path. Even spending a little time working in the garden is beneficial. It’s uplifting for most people simply to be in the…

The Ballad Health Academy has admitted 200 students from participating regional secondary schools who will begin their healthcare-related education in fall 2025. We are seeking mentors for the pre-LPN high school students to support and guide them on their academic and career journey in healthcare. Licensed RNs and LPNs with at least one year of experience are encouraged to consider this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the development of future healthcare professionals. Comprehensive resources have been prepared to assist mentors in their role. For nurses working in PACE-eligible acute care environments, this mentorship activity qualifies as an approved PACE activity. Mentors are expected to commit for the duration of the student’s LPN Ballad Health Academy course. More information about becoming a nurse mentor at Ballad Health is available at: balladhealth.org/careers/nursing/nurse-mentor-program If you are interested in volunteering for a mentorship opportunity to support a high school student embarking on their health care education (or…

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! This month, we’re spotlighting our old friend the common cold, which more specifically is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. 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.

NOTE: To view this newsletter in PDF format, click here. A message from Dr. Lisa Smithgall As a rural health system – like many others across the nation – Ballad Health has experienced a higher vacancy rate among licensed nurses due to the ongoing shortage and the lasting impact of the pandemic in our region. New graduate RNs and LPNs represent the largest segment of licensed nursing hires at Ballad Health each year. Over the past three completed fiscal years, we have hired an average of 318 RN graduates annually, which is consistent with our pre-pandemic hiring levels. However, regional academic nursing programs have seen a decline in enrollment, with18% fewer graduates available this year compared to 2019, before the pandemic. Ballad Health’s ability to maintain – and even increase – the number of new nurse graduates choosing to work here, despite the regional decline in available graduates, is a significant factor in reducing our…

As part of Ballad Health’s team, we’re all too familiar with the challenges that come with our roles. Working in healthcare is deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally taxing whether you work in a clinic, hospital or are bringing stress from home into your workday. To ensure we’re at our best, it’s essential to have effective strategies to manage our own negative emotions. Here are two simple techniques that can help reduce stress and are easily integrated into your daily routine: STAR breathing This method helps in calming the mind and body. Start at any “breathe in” section on the star. Trace your finger over the “breathe in” side of the point. Hold your breath when your finger gets to the tip of the point. Breathe out as you trace your finger over the other side of the point. Keep going until you reach where you started. When you trace the whole star,…

Although it’s been nine months since devastating flooding impacted our region, for those who have experienced high-stress situations like a natural disaster, the memories can remain fresh. News reports, anniversary dates, social media posts, reading, watching TV or movies, even sounds or smells can bring back difficult memories. We recognize that negative experiences can stick with you and come up when you least expect it – which is why Ballad Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all team members and their covered dependents. EAP benefits include up to 10 therapy and/or medication management visits per plan year at no cost. These services are delivered by licensed professionals – including licensed clinical  social workers, licensed professional counselors and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners – either in person or via telehealth. Online scheduling is available at balladhealth.org/medical-services/behavioral-health-mental-health, making it easier than ever to get started. We encourage all team members to reach out to the…