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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 mumps, a contagious viral disease. Getting your MMR vaccination is one of the best defenses against mumps. 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.

NORTON, Virginia — Ballad Health is once again partnering with the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) and Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) to host the Exploring Healthcare Careers event, offering local middle and high school students an opportunity to explore pathways into the healthcare profession. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 18, from 5-7 p.m., at Norton Overlook, 815 Park Avenue NW, Norton, Virginia. Open to students in grades 5-12, Exploring Healthcare Careers will provide attendees with hands-on insight into healthcare career paths, as well as opportunities to meet school recruiters and learn about financial aid and program requirements. “Exploring Healthcare Careers is an excellent opportunity for students and their families to explore the exciting and rewarding world of healthcare,” said Shannon Showalter, chief executive officer for Ballad Health operations in Wise, Lee and Dickenson counties. “By learning about career options early, students can make…

The next Ballad Health System Wide Grand Rounds event will be held Tuesday, March 25, from noon-1 p.m. The topic involves palliative medicine and hospice care and is entitled, “Beyond the Diagnosis: The Impact of Spiritual Care.” For more information or to register, visit: balladhealth.cventevents.com/event/system-wide-grand-rounds-march/summary The presentation will be available for viewing at hosting locations across the system (see flier below) and will offer CME credits. NOTE: New locations have been added since the event was initially announced. Details on the seminar Tuesday, March 25 Noon-1 p.m. Available for viewing at designated locations across the system Topic: “Beyond the Diagnosis: The Impact of Spiritual Care”

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health is reinforcing its commitment to healthier communities by investing in 48 community health improvement partnerships and collaborations for fiscal year 2025. This funding supports programs benefiting 105,000 people across the Appalachian Highlands, improving maternal child health, reducing preventable early death and addressing critical needs like healthcare access, education and food security. This investment is part of Ballad Health’s Community Health Improvement sites program, which funds partnerships across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, aligning with the health system’s goal to be a model for rural health improvement, significantly reducing the total number of preventable early deaths over the next decade. Through partnerships with local organizations, the program focuses on improving the health status and quality of life for people in our region, especially those who are most vulnerable. This funding helps improve maternal child health, reduce preventable early death and address critical needs like healthcare access, education and food security….

Ballad Health is committed to supporting new members of the nursing profession. One great way to develop competent new graduate nurses at Ballad Health is through our Nurse Fellowship Program. Applicants must have accepted an RN position with Ballad Health prior to the beginning of the program in order to participate. Open enrollment has begun, and lasts from March 1 through May 31! Click here for more information on the 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. Who’s eligible to apply – ADN/BSN students entering the last semester of an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 2.75 or above (expected graduation in December 2025), who are pursuing a post-graduate RN position with Ballad Health. Program details – Nurses work with a nurse preceptor and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and are paid for their work. Application…

Ballad Health will soon begin transitioning from using three different types of large-volume infusion pumps to using only one – the Baxter Novum IQ LVP. Standardizing to one large-volume infusion pump systemwide will improve patient care and allow us to integrate the pumps into Epic. The transition will begin at Greeneville Community Hospital, with training and rollout starting in April. Once the change has been made at Greeneville, additional sites will begin transitioning throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. Phase 1 will involve standardizing the pumps throughout the system, with Phase 2 focused on integrating the pumps into the Epic system. Impacted clinical team members, providers and pharmacy staff will receive advance notice about the transition schedule at their facility, and specific training will be provided. Infusion pumps are an important part of how we provide patient care. They are used to deliver important fluids into the patient – such as saline solution, antibiotics…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Johnson City Medical Center is committed to improving patient care and has embarked upon a new safe patient handling program to improve patient mobility. This team approach includes an assessment of the patient’s functional status (BMAT), selecting the appropriate equipment and executing a safe patient transfer.  Safe patient handling reduces the risk of injury for the patient and team member. With the use of technology, most notably, lifting devices, the team can improve patient care and decrease risk of injury. They continuously monitor metrics – including falls, pressure ulcers and pneumonia rates – that would benefit from mobility. This also aligns with Ballad Health’s new B Excellent program and its goal to create a zero-harm culture of safety, and to become a High Reliability Organization (HRO) by taking proactive safety measures. “This safe patient handling program is one of the best tools our team uses to increase the quality of patient…

Due to the winter storm with potential snow and ice forecasted to hit our region this week, the Ballad Health Excellence Awards have been rescheduled from this week to Wednesday, March 12, to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants. Those who were invited to the event will receive a new digital invitation shortly. If needed, please update your RSVP for the new date at your earliest convenience. All other event details remain unchanged. The Excellence Awards honor team members who submitted improvement projects, which have been judged by a panel of experts. There is so much to celebrate as we honor these achievements together. Thank you to everyone involved for your understanding.

Cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, are rising in our region, with Ballad Health emergency departments and inpatient units seeing 22 cases in the past few months – 15 of which were in patients under the age of 18. The Tennessee and Virginia Departments of Health and our Infection Prevention team are closely monitoring this increase and encourage all team members to ensure they are up to date on their Tdap vaccination. Why is this important? Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets or airborne contact. After exposure, symptoms usually develop within 5-10 days but can take up to three weeks to appear. Early symptoms often resemble a common cold – runny nose, nasal congestion, low-grade fever and occasional cough – lasting 1-2 weeks before progressing to severe coughing fits (paroxysmal coughing). These fits may be followed by a “whoop” sound when breathing in, and vomiting can occur…

Efforts to stabilize workforce due to national labor shortages, provide improved quality and performance and maintain access highlighted in reports JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Ballad Health announced today that, despite cited industry challenges for hospitals and health systems, the nation’s major ratings agencies have affirmed “A” ratings with “Stable” outlook for Ballad Health. These independent credit rating agencies cited Ballad Health’s experienced management team, favorable balance sheet, delivery on promised efficiencies, and access and quality gains as drivers of their ratings. Both note this performance despite industry-wide headwinds from national healthcare labor shortages, increased supply and drug costs, and increasing denials and payment delays experienced with many national insurers, as well as the negative impact of Hurricane Helene on Ballad Health’s operations. “In our opinion, Ballad has an experienced management team that has responded well to the industry challenges and taken a proactive approach to the merger that includes developing a strong strategic vision, setting explicit…

Organizational Development is pleased to announce the graduation of the latest cohort from the Excellence in Leadership Program. Formerly known as the Onboarding Leader Program, this comprehensive initiative includes five full-day sessions covering a range of key topics such as human resources, finance, personality assessments, how to create a culture of trust and engagement, patient experience, crucial conversations for accountability, and more. The program is designed to instill these skills in newly hired or promoted leaders. The graduates demonstrated dedication throughout the program, gaining valuable insights while networking with peers and presenters. We congratulate them on their hard work and achievements. February 2025 graduates Heather Musick Abilene Karsten Chris Taylor Angie Giles Leslie Roberts Nastasha Federico Nichole Roberts Sandi Ingle Alex Verzi Billy Barnett Justin Hutchison Chase Compton Dan Neumann Sarah Morton Shawna DeHart Rachel Hall Toby Laek Allison Scarth Scott Campbell Leah Wilcher Tiffany Auman The next available cohort will begin in May. This…

The Ballad Health quality team is thrilled to celebrate the highly anticipated return of the Excellence Awards after a five-year hiatus. The prestigious, invitation-only awards banquet will be held later this month, recognizing the incredible work and dedication of our teams who submitted improvement projects. After careful evaluation, our esteemed panel of judges has completed its review of the submitted projects. These judges, leaders in their fields, bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the selection process. Read on to learn more about the exceptional individuals who helped make this year’s awards possible. Abraham Segres VP of Quality and Patient Safety and Executive Director for the Center of Healthcare Excellence Abraham Segres was born in South Carolina and lives in Richmond, Virginia. He works in healthcare and loves travelling with his wife. His top book recommendation is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. He has a family cat named Elby….

New Quillen Center, made possible by generous $1 million gift, will focus on improving access for a specialty that faces severe national urologist shortages as increasing numbers retire ABINGDON, Va. – According to the American Urological Association, 60% of counties in the United States lack a practicing urologist, a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and reproductive system. Additionally, the existing urology workforce is aging with about 30% of the workforce being age 65 or older, and half being over the age of 55. The shortage of urologists is worse in rural and non-urban communities. Only 7% of younger urologists under the age of 45 are practicing outside of metropolitan areas, meaning that absent a focused effort, access will continue to deteriorate in these communities. This new center is made possible through a gift of $1 million from Mike and Debbie Quillen for the purpose of establishing the center,…

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The final phase of Indian Path Community Hospital’s $8 million renovation project has officially started with construction underway on the hospital’s main entrance and lobby. This project will complete the comprehensive updates to the hospital, which have already transformed the Barbara Humphreys Family Birth Center into a state-of-the-art facility. During this phase, the hospital’s main entrance will be closed, and all visitors and patients will be rerouted to enter the hospital through the emergency department entrance. To assist with navigation, temporary barriers will mark construction areas, and clear wayfinding signage will be placed both outside and inside the building. “This renovation is an important milestone for Indian Path Community Hospital, and we are thrilled to see the final phase of this ambitious project take shape,” said Dwight Owens, administrator and chief operating officer of Indian Path Community Hospital. “The new lobby, which will be named in honor of Eastman Credit Union, will…

Dr. Sean Forrest joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute in Kingsport KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Sean Forrest, MD, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. At Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, Dr. Forrest offers a broad range of services and treatments, including valve repair/replacement, atrial fibrillation, bronchoscopy, coronary artery bypass and lung resection. “Patients deserve the highest level of respect, and it’s a privilege to guide them,” Dr. Forrest said. “By taking the time to listen and understand their priorities, we can make informed decisions about their care together.” Dr. Forrest earned his medical degree from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He also completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga and a fellowship in thoracic surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is certified by the American…

Dixie Waye named chief nursing officer for Behavioral Health Services Dixie Waye, RN, has been named chief nursing officer (CNO) for Ballad Health Behavioral Health Services. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving this vulnerable population. Waye is passionate about reducing stigma by educating healthcare professionals, organizations, and the community regarding mental healthcare and services. She has been serving as the interim CNO of Behavioral Health Services since October. Prior to stepping into the interim position, Waye was director of quality, accreditation and education for Behavioral Health Services. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the development of quality monitors and dashboards tailored for behavioral health, as well as preparing units and outpatient locations for accreditation in both Virginia and Tennessee. Waye began her healthcare career in 1996 as a charge nurse at Woodridge Hospital. Through the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including director…

During the first half of 2025, Ballad Health will offer a series of career development and training classes called “Choose Your Adventure.” These classes can help people get along better, improve engagement, manage change, build trust and generally create a happier workplace. The classes are appropriate for all Ballad Health team members, from frontline to leadership, and they are being offered “a la carte” – in other words, all sessions are optional. You can take any or all of these classes, which are offered as a mix of in-person and webinar sessions. Among the topics offered are: Conflict Resolution Time Management Civility in the Workplace Creating a Culture … (with different classes covering engagement, trust, change management, results) Personality Discovery Team Dynamics Communicating for Success One topic will be covered each month from January through June. Other key facts about the “Choose Your Adventure” series: Topics will be offered in both a live, in-person classroom…

ABINGDON, Va.  – Ballad Health has selected Dr. Jesse Sulzer, a seasoned physician leader with expertise in operational, clinical and strategic healthcare leadership, to serve as the chief medical officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital, effective December 2024. In his new role, Dr. Sulzer oversees the clinical operations of those three hospitals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and enhancing patient outcomes. He is responsible for implementing and maintaining clinical quality standards, supporting medical staff and collaborating with teams across departments to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth. Dr. Sulzer also leads efforts to advance physician engagement and development, foster multidisciplinary collaboration and support the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional care to the community. “I am extremely excited and honored to join this team as chief medical officer,” said Dr. Sulzer. “The three hospitals have a strong history of serving Southwest Virginia with excellence, and I am committed…

As part of Ballad Health’s mission to address health disparities, the “No One Leaves Hungry” initiative ensures that all Ballad Health hospitals now facilitate food box distribution for patients with food insecurities. This program aligns with The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals and offers healthy food boxes containing nutritious, shelf-stable items to support patients experiencing food insecurity. Program overview The No One Leaves Hungry Initiative is available to any patient who has disclosed food insecurity. Inpatients are screened for health-related social needs using a CMS-verified tool administered by case managers or nursing staff. Our aim is to ensure that no patient leaves our facility without access to food. Team members can distribute food boxes based on the patient’s household size and needs. Leadership and oversight Each hospital has a health equity lead who works closely with Population Health to ensure efficient processes, such as proper storage, reordering and documentation of food box distribution. Storage…

Ballad Health is switching to a new virtual visit video platform, Andor, on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The Andor solution provides a significant improvement to the user experience both for the clinician and the patient. As we expand our telemedicine services across the system, this will support our expansion and sustain our service for the long term. Improvements to our video visits include: Improved connectivity and fewer connectivity issues Compatibility with any browser Integration with Epic, so clinicians can set up and complete a video visit on a single screen Accessibility from any Ballad Health device (not the thin clients) Online consents for patients, streamlining the consent process * If using VDI on a Ballad Health device, please open a ticket with IT to have the computer set up for telemedicine. If you experience any audio or video issues, please contact the IT Service Desk Helpline since you may be in VDI. This transition will especially…

Ballad Health Pharmacy is taking steps to be more accessible and convenient. We now offer mail delivery service so your medications can be delivered directly to your door. It’s easy to enroll: Call 423-926-6154 and ask to register for mail delivery service. Pharmacy staff will do the rest. Mail delivery service is available for all team members’ residential locations. Team members and covered dependents are eligible for multiple benefits and discounts at Ballad Health Pharmacy, including: If you are enrolled in Ballad Health’s diabetes program, you can receive certain medications such as insulin, Rybelsus, Jardiance and Ozempic for free. If you have a Ballad Health insurance plan, you can also receive free preventive medications. The list includes medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, COPD and much more – including inhalers such as Symbicort, Advair, Breo and Combivent; and brand-name drugs such as Effient, Xarelto and Premarin/Prempro. Click here to see the whole list on the HR…

Did you know there’s a place you can share inspiring team member moments you’ve witnessed? If you’ve seen someone embody Ballad Health’s values recently, please share the story on the Mission Moment Dashboard! This is a place to collect and discover moments of team members living out Ballad Health’s mission: to honor those we serve by delivering the best possible care. You can submit a Mission Moment yourself at this link, or you can submit through your manager. You’ll also find the link on the home page of the Ballad Teams app and under the intranet Quick Links as HRO Mission Moment Form. Whether or not you have a story to submit yet, you can view and enjoy the growing collection of mission moments here. To view the dashboard, you will need to create a Smartsheet account with your Ballad Health email – an easy process that just takes a minute. Going forward, if you…