Welcome to Ballad Health News
It’s your story. We’re listening.

Top Stories

HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important update regarding PTO/sick leave balances for latest pay period

We want to make team members aware of a recent issue affecting payroll records related to personal and sick leave plans. Due to a system processing error, personal and sick leave balances were not updated as expected during the most recent payroll cycle, pay period ending July 12, 2025. This error has been resolved and current balances as of today should be correct. If there are remaining variances, please contact HR4U@balladhealth.org or payroll@balladhealth.org. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you, Ballad Health payroll department

HR & Benefits
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Being trustworthy

Dear Colleague,  Thank you for continuing to take part in the B Excellent journey. Each tip and action you complete contributes to a stronger, more connected Ballad Health culture. As we work through the Building Trust skill, it’s important to remember that every interaction we have matters. There’s a saying that reflects our journey perfectly – individually we are drops, but together we’re an ocean. By showing up for one another, we help build something far greater than ourselves. Trust is a cornerstone of that collective strength. Being someone your teammates can rely on means showing kindness, paying attention to how you interact with others and reaching out when you see someone who might need a hand. Even the smallest gestures can go a long way in creating an environment where people feel safe, supported and valued. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip Building Trust Tip #2: Being Trustworthy In this tip, we’ll explore how to show…

B Excellent
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Balladeers in June: Fun at the ballpark!

The month of June for the Balladeer Children’s Program included four Family Baseball Nights, while July offers up several fun activities, including swimming at multiple locations around the region. The Balladeer program, a free benefit for Ballad Health employees, is intended to strengthen family bonds and relationships among our Ballad Health family. Activities include visits to area attractions, picnics in local parks, holiday celebrations and activities, sports activities, discount tickets for attractions or events, treats, take-home projects and much more. Here’s what the Balladeers have been up to lately and what they’ve got coming up. June events Family Baseball Nights The Balladeer Children’s Program hosted four family baseball nights at local Appalachian League stadiums.  Balladeer members and parents/guardians were given free admission to the games, plus meal vouchers for everyone. Kids were also given wristbands to visit the kid zones at each stadium – these varied but included bounce houses, pitching games and more.  Kids…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Bristol Regional Medical Center to host community open house on July 17

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Bristol Regional Medical Center invites the community to a special Open House event on Thursday, July 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. This event offers residents an opportunity to meet the team members who deliver care, learn about the services available at the hospital and explore the latest in medical technology and innovation. “We’re proud to open our doors and welcome the community in for this special event,” said John Jeter, CEO of Bristol Regional and Johnston Memorial Hospital. “This is a great chance for folks to meet our dedicated team, ask questions and see firsthand how we care for our region every day. Our mission is centered on improving health, and that begins with building strong connections with the people we serve.” This event offers residents an opportunity to meet the team members who deliver care, learn about the services available at the hospital and explore…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health investment in new CT scanner brings additional service to Johnson County Community Hospital

Ballad Health to host open house for community MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. — A nearly $1 million investment from Ballad Health has secured a key cardiac service for Johnson County residents. Johnson County Community Hospital is now home to a brand-new, top-of-the-line CT scanner. In addition to investing in the equipment, Ballad Health also funded an addition to the hospital to house the larger scanner, which began serving patients last month. “This is a very important investment for Johnson County, and we’re thrilled to bring the latest equipment to patients who deserve high-quality care,” said Lisa Carter, president of Ballad Health’s Southern Region, which includes Johnson County Community Hospital. “Ballad Health serves the Appalachian Highlands, so that means that we’re committed to providing the highest quality care that we can, regardless of where someone lives, which is why investments like this are crucial.” The addition of the new scanner also enables the facility to provide cardiac…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Greeneville Community Hospital to host hiring event Wednesday, July 16

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Ballad Health is inviting job seekers in the region to explore career opportunities during an upcoming hiring event at Greeneville Community Hospital.  The event will take place on Wednesday, July 16, from noon until 4 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital, located at 1420 Tusculum Blvd. in Greeneville. “We’re holding this event with the hope of finding passionate individuals who want to be part of our team and share in Ballad Health’s mission of honoring those we serve by delivering the best possible care,” said Eric Carroll, chief executive officer of Greeneville Community Hospital. “We’re proud of the work we do at Greeneville Community Hospital, and this is a great opportunity for people who want to join our team and make a difference in their community while building a rewarding career.” During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with hiring managers, learn more about open positions and…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Employee Assistance Program: Help when dealing with traumatic events or everyday stresses

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month for July: A focus on splash zones

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 highlighting something that’s not a bug, but an environment that can host bugs. It’s splash zones — the area within 3 feet of the sink. It’s an area with the potential for spreading infections, including multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs). It is a key focus for The Joint Commission. 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

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Building trust

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, July 8. Dear Colleague,  Thank you for continuing to show up for one another and for the work we do every day. Each small moment of collaboration and support adds up to something much bigger and helps us grow stronger together. Last week, we wrapped up the Everyone Counts skill, which reminded us that when every voice is valued and supported, our teams grow stronger, more connected and more inclusive. If you’ve been staying on track with the Team Collaboration program, your overall completion percentage should now be 71%. To check your progress, click the Progress tab (lower right-hand corner on the Practicing Excellent app and upper right-hand corner of the desktop interface), and find the Team Collaboration program in the “Select Program” list. This week, we’re shifting our focus to a new skill in the Team Collaboration program – Building Trust. The…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Team members and family can get a big discount on entry for Crazy 8s events

Ballad Health team members can get a substantial discount on entry fees for the annual Crazy 8s 8K Run and other Crazy 8s events coming up on Saturday night, July 19, in Kingsport. Team members and their families are offered the following discounted rates: Crazy 8s 8K Run: $20 entry fee Almost Crazy 3K Run/Walk: $15 fee Totally Crazy 3K/8K combo: $35 fee Lazy 8s (virtual 8K or shirt only): $20 fee Team members should go to the Crazy 8s registration site and use the code BALLADC8 to get the discount. NOTE: This discount is good only when used through preregistration, and it cannot be honored for race-day registration. Online preregistration ends at midnight on Friday night, July 18. Please do not share the code with anyone outside of Ballad Health. If you can’t make it out to the race itself, there is a virtual option that allows people to complete the 8K (five miles) distance any time before or on race day,…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Get to know more of our new clinicians across the system

Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Lisa Carter, MD, joins BHMA Infectious Disease in Bristol BRISTOL, Tenn. – Lisa Carter, MD, has joined Ballad Health Medical Associates (BHMA) Infectious Disease – Bristol, specializing in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. Dr. Carter offers a wide range of services and treatments, including chronic urinary tract infections, heart valve infections, human immunodeficiency virus care, infected wounds, prosthetic joint infections, sepsis and unusual infections. “I’ve always loved science,” Dr. Carter said. “It just made sense to use that love to help patients.” Dr. Carter earned her degrees from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and Vanderbilt University, also in Nashville. She served a fellowship and residency at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine in Fairborn, Ohio, and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and infectious disease. Dr. Carter is accepting new patients at BHMA Infectious Disease, located at…

System Updates
From the CEO
From the CEO

Message from the CEO: Update on federal reconciliation bill

NOTE: This email was sent from Alan Levine, Ballad Health’s president and CEO, to all Ballad Health team members on Thursday, July 3. Good morning: By now, you are likely aware that the reconciliation bill, otherwise referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is set for final passage by the House of Representatives. Ultimately, the House took up the Senate bill without making any changes. In an effort to get the bill on the President’s desk today, as requested by the President, the House met throughout the night to take the procedural votes necessary to pass it today.  I leave it to each of you to determine what in this bill you like or don’t like. There are very important policy issues addressed in the bill, and I encourage you to take the time to learn about it if you haven’t. With such a large bill, which contained so many broad policy issues, there was simply no way…

From the CEO
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Ballad Health team members get 25% off tickets to the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic

On Aug. 2, the roar of engines will be replaced by the crack of the bat as Bristol Motor Speedway transforms into a one-of-a-kind Major League Baseball venue for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic. For the first time ever, a regular season Major League Baseball game will be played in the state of Tennessee, and Ballad Health team members can be there with a 25% discount on tickets! The Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds will take the field inside The Last Great Colosseum for a historic showdown under the lights. And that’s just the start of the action. The event also features: Live pregame performances by Tim McGraw and Pitbull A full-day fan festival experience featuring: Live musical performances by country stars Jake Owen, Timothy Wayne, Reyna Roberts and Adam Doleac Commissioner’s Trophy on display for fan photos 110-foot Ferris Wheel Mastercard Food Truck Row featuring local Tennessee cuisine Pitching tunnels and batting cages…

HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Message from HR: Important reminders about our new benefit plan year

NOTE: This message was emailed from HR to all Ballad Health team members on Monday, June 30. Dear Colleague,  July 1 marks the beginning of the new fiscal year and the effective date of the Ballad Health benefits you selected during open enrollment. The premium deduction for benefits will occur on the July 4, 2025, paycheck. Here’s some important information to review. MEDICAL – The Ballad Health Choice, Ballad Health Bronze and Ballad Health PPO medical plan deductibles and out-of-pocket accumulators start over on July 1. Remember: Choice and PPO deductibles and out-of-pocket amounts are increasing. To view the provider directories and the benefit tier of each provider, you’ll want to create a member account on the BlueCross BlueShield website (bcbst.com). When you create an account, you will also be able view your claim information, including how much deductible and out-of-pocket has been met, and you can also print a temporary ID card and order replacement ID…

HR & Benefits
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Exchanging ideas is crucial to innovation

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, July 1. Dear Colleague,  Thank you for continuing to be an important part of our B Excellent journey. Each week, team members across Ballad Health are contributing to a culture of collaboration, compassion, and continuous growth. Your commitment to learning and connection is what’s helping us move forward together. Some of the best breakthroughs happen when we take time to connect, listen and share. Whether you’re on the front lines of patient care, working behind the scenes or supporting teams from afar, the power of a great idea can come from anywhere. When we create space for conversations that spark new thinking, we give our teams the chance to solve problems, improve safety and inspire meaningful change. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tips Everyone Counts Tip #4: Idea Exchange In this tip, we’ll explore how to create an environment where ideas can be…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Holston Valley becomes first hospital in Tennessee to complete EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement procedure

Minimally invasive procedure offers new hope for patients considered untreatable – without the need for open-heart surgery KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Holston Valley Medical Center has become the first hospital in Tennessee to successfully perform the EVOQUE tricuspid valve replacement procedure, a groundbreaking, minimally invasive therapy for patients suffering from severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This achievement marks a major milestone in cardiac care for the Appalachian Highlands and beyond.   As the only medical center in a 120-mile radius offering both tricuspid valve replacement and repair, Holston Valley is eliminating the need for patients in the Appalachian Highlands to travel to major metropolitan areas for advanced cardiac care. This advancement addresses a critical healthcare gap in a region with higher-than-average rates of heart disease. Tricuspid regurgitation is a serious heart condition in which the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle of the heart doesn’t close tightly, causing blood to flow backward. This can lead…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important info on Ballad Health HSA transition from Optum Bank to Lincoln Financial

NOTE: This message was emailed from HR to all affected Ballad Health team members on Monday, June 23. Dear Colleague: Ballad Health is changing service providers for the health savings account (HSA) from Optum Bank to Lincoln Financial on July 1, 2025. Please see important information below on the steps you need to take to activate your HSA with Lincoln Financial and how you can transfer your HSA from Optum Bank to Lincoln Financial. Click here to see an FAQ, in PDF format, about the transition. Click here to view a PDF file with instructions on how to liquidate HSA investments with Optum. All team members enrolled in the health savings account for the benefit year starting July 1, 2025, will need to activate their HSA account with Lincoln Financial by completing the steps below: LincolnFinancial.com/Login and log in using your retirement plan account username and password. If you don’t have a login, simply register…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Bristol Regional Medical Center showcases McGlothlin-Street Hospitality House during community open house

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bristol Regional Medical Center hosted an open house last week to celebrate the completion of renovations to its McGlothlin-Street Hospitality House. The event welcomed team members, donors and the community to tour the facility and see the results of recent upgrades made possible by generous donors. The Hospitality House has long provided temporary housing for patients’ families traveling from outside the area or those receiving specialized treatments. “The Hospitality House has always been a refuge for families facing medical crises,” said John Jeter, chief executive officer of Bristol Regional Medical Center. “These renovations allowed us to improve the experience for our guests, making the space more comfortable, welcoming and supportive.” Upgrades to the Hospitality House have created a more home-like atmosphere, helping the facility better live up to its “home-away-from-home” description. The open house provided an opportunity for guests to tour the facility, learn more about its mission and connect with the…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Important update on partnership, relocation for Select Medical facility

NOTE: This message is from Marvin Eichorn, Ballad Health’s chief administrative officer: Partnership overview Ballad Health has formalized a joint venture agreement with Select Medical Corporation to enhance our critical illness recovery capabilities throughout the Appalachian Highlands region. This strategic partnership represents our continued commitment to delivering specialized, high-quality care while strengthening our position as a regional healthcare leader. The agreement establishes a joint venture for the operation of Select Specialty Hospital – Tri-Cities, a 46-bed critical illness recovery facility that will relocate from Bristol Regional Medical Center to Indian Path Community Hospital in Kingsport. Select Medical will serve as the majority owner and managing partner, while Ballad Health maintains its collaborative role in this hospital-in-hospital model. Strategic benefits for our health system This partnership aligns with Ballad Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve across our 29-county service area. The relocation to Indian Path Community Hospital will provide…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Marsh Regional Blood Center’s Bristol location moving to a new facility

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Marsh Regional Blood Center is proud to announce the relocation of its Bristol donation center to a new and improved facility that will allow for expanded services, increased donor comfort and a continued commitment to meeting the lifesaving needs of the Appalachian Highlands. The new location will officially open on Monday, June 30, at 350 Blountville Highway, Suite 207, Bristol, Tennessee. Donors can continue to reach the center using the existing phone number, 423-652-0014. This move reflects Marsh Regional’s ongoing investment in local health and wellness. The new facility is designed with the donor experience in mind – offering more space, upgraded amenities and improved access, making it even easier for donors to give the gift of life. “At Marsh Regional, our mission has always been to serve our neighbors,” Marsh Regional Director Steffanie Sukel said. “This relocation allows us to better support our donors while continuing to provide lifesaving blood products to…

System Updates
From the CEO
From the CEO

Message from the CEO regarding the U.S. Senate Reconciliation Bill

NOTE: This email was sent from Alan Levine, Ballad Health’s president and CEO, to all Ballad Health team members on Friday, June 20. Please note the call to action at the end of the message. Good afternoon: I wanted to provide an update to you on a fast-moving issue which we have publicly engaged on, and which you may have read about in recent days. There is an opportunity for you to weigh in, as you will see toward the end of this message. FIRST, A LITTLE HISTORY There are no people who know better the way hospitals have been impacted since the aftermath of COVID than each of you who were here during that period. In 2022, hospitals throughout the nation, including here at Ballad Health, experienced the worst loss of staffing in history, with turnover rates going as high as 30%. These labor shortages, made worse by supply chain disruptions, led to major challenges…

From the CEO
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health’s Nurse Mentor Program relaunched!

Ballad Health is thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Ballad Health Nurse Mentor Program – an initiative designed to empower and support both new nurses and Ballad Health Academy students as they begin their professional journeys. This program pairs experienced nurses with mentees to provide meaningful guidance, encouragement and real-world insights that help shape confident, compassionate caregivers. Program resources, including general information, mentor application and flyer, will be conveniently available on: The Clinical Education intranet site (System Clinical Education) The Nursing intranet page (Nurse Mentor Program) The external Ballad Health website (Nursing Mentorship Program in Tennessee & Virginia | Ballad Health) Who can become a mentor? Mentors must be licensed RNs or LPNs with at least one year of nursing experience. Interested individuals can complete the Nurse Mentor Application (Nurse Mentor Application | Ballad Health) to select one of two mentoring tracks: Ballad Health nurse mentoring: Supporting new or transitioning Ballad-employed nurses Ballad Health…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Helping each other

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, June 24. Dear Colleague,  When we show up for one another through encouragement, teamwork or a simple offer of help, we create a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported and valued. That’s what the Everyone Counts skill is all about – making space for every voice and every act of support to matter. Even the smallest gestures can strengthen our connections and shape a more compassionate, effective team. This week’s tips highlight the power of stepping up for each other and the importance of listening closely to those we serve. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tips 1. Everyone Counts Tip #3: Helping Each Other In any workplace, helping a teammate can mean the difference between a good day and a great one. This tip encourages each of us to become a helpful teammate – someone who looks for ways to lift others up,…

B Excellent
Team Member Kudos
Team Member Kudos

Excellence in Leadership program graduates another cohort — congratulations!

Ballad Health’s Organizational Development team is thrilled to announce that a new cohort of emerging leaders has successfully completed the Excellence in Leadership Program! Throughout this transformative journey, participants delved into key leadership areas such as human resources policies, strategic hiring, financial acumen, and leadership styles through the DiSC assessment. They also honed their ability to foster trust and engagement within their teams, explored the Ballad Experience, and practiced impactful communication techniques from “Crucial Conversations for Accountability.” What truly set this cohort apart was their remarkable ability to connect, collaborate and build lasting relationships. They didn’t just grow as leaders – they formed a vibrant network of peers and friends across the entire system. Please join us in congratulating this outstanding group of leaders on their achievement and continued commitment to excellence! Graduates include: Rebecca Johnston Jaimie Campbell Ashley Williams Neeley Guinn Beth Ayers Janice Buzzelli Sarah Webb Sara Shelton Lauren Clark Kelley Holter John McCord Laycie Cunningham…

Team Member Kudos
System Updates
System Updates

Supporting your growth: Meet Ballad Health’s Organizational Development team

At Ballad Health, continuous learning and development are essential to building a strong, prepared and collaborative workforce. That’s where our Organizational Development department comes in. Led by Aaron Rice, system director, the OD department is focused on equipping every team member – from new hires to seasoned leaders – with the tools, resources and skills they need to thrive. The department oversees several key areas: new team member orientation, administration of our HealthStream learning management system (LMS), nonclinical training, and leadership development programs. Whether you’re attending your first day of orientation or taking part in a leadership coaching session, chances are the OD team is involved and supporting your journey. The OD team also plays a key role in advancing our B Excellent journey, helping to embed our culture of excellence through training and development programs that empower team members to perform at their best. In addition, the team brings extensive audiovisual and production expertise…

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship fund raises more than $70,000 to support nursing students

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – When catastrophic flooding struck Greeneville, Boone McCrary, RN, answered the call to help – ultimately giving his life while rescuing others. Today, his legacy of compassion and bravery lives on through the Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship, which has raised $70,720 to support future nurses in our region. Established by the Ballad Health Foundation and funded by generous local donors and commemorative T-shirt sales, the scholarship honors Boone’s commitment to nursing as his second profession and his heroic sacrifice. Of the funds raised, $15,000 came from a private donor, with more than $55,000 generated through T-shirt sales designed to celebrate Boone’s life and service. The Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship provides full financial support for an Associate’s Degree in nursing, covering tuition, school-related expenses and an additional stipend (less any other scholarships or grants). To be eligible, applicants must live in the Appalachian Highlands and commit to working for Ballad Health after…

Foundation
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Becoming challengers

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, June 17. Dear Colleague,  Every day, your dedication and teamwork shape the experience we create for each other and for those we serve. Progress isn’t always about big, sweeping changes; small, everyday efforts to listen, support and speak up can make a big difference over time. Thank you for being part of a culture that values growth and collaboration. Sometimes the best way to support your team is by respectfully challenging the status quo. When we feel safe to speak up and know our voices will be heard, real progress can happen. Great teams welcome new ideas, diverse perspectives and thoughtful conversations that push everyone forward. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip Everyone Counts Tip #2: Becoming Challengers This week, we’re learning about what it means to be a “challenger” on your team – the kind of teammate who contributes thoughtful suggestions and…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Community Health Improvement Week: Helping people get back on their feet

Community Health Improvement Week celebrates the people who go above and beyond to lift up others and strengthen the communities they serve. To bring some awareness, here are stories from three team members, highlighting programs Ballad Health provides and supports to help people in various ways – ultimately improving their health. Strong Starts program Becky Artrip, a community health navigator with Ballad Health’s Strong Starts, connected with her client right as her family hit rock bottom. Just as the client received custody of her fourth grandchild, her husband suffered an injury that left him unable to work the job that provided for their family for 30 years. They lost their income, their health insurance and, eventually, their home. At the same time, the client’s youngest grandchild began having seizures, requiring ongoing medical care. Homeless and hopeless, the family of six was drowning and needed help. Becky began by helping the grandfather secure a new job….

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month for June is an Infection Prevention 101 crossword puzzle

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, instead of spotlighting a particular bug, we’re offering team members an Infection Prevention 101 crossword puzzle! This will be emailed out to most team members from their local infection preventionist — as an attachment in the email — so it can be printed out, filled in and then submitted to the infection preventionist. The puzzle can also be printed out from this article (see below, and you can access as a PDF) and filled out, then returned to the nearest infection preventionist. If you’re unable to print the puzzle, please reach out to your local infection…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Creating a safe environment

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, June 10. Dear Colleague,  Thank you for your commitment to B Excellent. Your engagement is helping to build stronger, more connected and collaborative teams across Ballad Health. Last week, we wrapped up the Beyond the Work skill where we explored how support and care for one another strengthens our teams. If you’ve been staying on track with the Team Collaboration program, your overall completion percentage should now be 57%. To check your progress, click the Progress tab (lower right-hand corner on the Practicing Excellence app and upper right-hand corner of the desktop interface), and find the Team Collaboration program in the “Select Program” list. This week we begin a new skill: Everyone Counts. This skill is about building a culture where every team member feels seen, heard, and valued. A critical part of this is safety – both psychological and physical. When people feel safe…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health Cancer Care – Johnson City celebrates grand opening of expanded clinic and infusion center

Investment in cancer care grows unique services in region JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – In an ongoing commitment to increase access to quality oncology and hematology services in the Appalachian Highlands, Ballad Health celebrated the grand opening of the newly expanded Ballad Health Cancer Care – Johnson City, enabling the health system to offer its high-quality cancer treatment and hematology services to even more patients. The completed expansion adds 11 exam rooms, three new physician offices and two new chemotherapy wings complete with six private rooms and 32 infusion chairs. The expansion also adds more room in the registration area, the infusion center and the in-house pharmacy, broadening the services available to patients battling cancer or needing infusion services. “We’re so proud to welcome our patients to our clinic, and we want our patients and their families to know that every decision was made with their experience in mind,” said Brad Price, senior vice president of…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Get to know more of our new clinicians across the system

Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health; be on the lookout for more announcements in the coming weeks! WeiQian ‘Daphne’ Coates, FNP-BC, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Kingsport KINGSPORT, Tenn. – WeiQian “Daphne” Coates, FNP-BC, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Kingsport, specializing in cardiology. Coates offers a broad range of services and treatments, including management of care for acute and chronic heart conditions, evaluation of watchman procedures, management of cardiovascular risk factors, management of heart failure, management of valvular disorders, preoperative and postoperative care for cardiac procedures, rhythm management and treatment planning for cardiac conditions. “I believe patients should be actively involved in their care,” Coates said. “I see my role as a provider not only as someone who treats illness but also as an educator who empowers patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their health. By fostering patient engagement and shared…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health donates cardiac monitors to Unicoi County EMS after Hurricane Helene losses

ERWIN, Tenn. — After Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and major losses in the region last fall, Ballad Health has stepped in to support Unicoi County Emergency Medical Services by donating four new Zoll cardiac monitor/defibrillators. The monitors were presented to Unicoi County EMS on Friday during a ceremony at Ballad Health’s Advanced Urgent Care Clinic in Erwin. The donated equipment, valued at nearly $200,000, replaces important monitors lost during the storm and helps in the effort to fully restore emergency response capabilities for the county. “Ballad Health is proud to support our EMS partners as they continue to recover and serve their community,” said Anita Perry, corporate director of trauma services at Ballad Health. “These monitors are a vital part of the care they provide in emergencies.” Ballad Health also donated monitors to Unicoi County EMS in 2021. This new gift shows the healthcare system’s ongoing commitment to local first responders. “We’ve been working…

System Updates
Team Member Kudos
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! Josh Adkins Brittany Baker Kristin Bell Jenn Blanton Josh Borders Jordan Durbin Rebekah Feathers Camille Fritz Preston Hall Emerald Harrell Dave Johnson Sarah Lilly Brooklyn Nelson Ruth Rich Cianda Smith Sanae Scott Allie Whittle 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 such as: Creating a culture of trust Managing conflicts and differing personalities…

Team Member Kudos