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Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health; be on the lookout for more announcements in the coming weeks! Miriam Culbertson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, joins Ballad Health Cancer Care in Abingdon and Marion ABINGDON, Va. – Miriam Culbertson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, has joined Ballad Health Cancer Care in Abingdon and Marion, specializing in oncology. Culbertson offers a broad range of services and treatments, including anticipatory guidance, diagnosis, education and hematology. “I listen with empathy and take a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care,” Culbertson said. “Active listening allows me to understand the full picture of someone’s health and wellness. I always strive to treat my patients the way I would want to be treated.” Culbertson earned degrees from King University in Bristol and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and is board-certified as a family nurse practitioner. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association. Culbertson is accepting new patients at…

ABINGDON, Va. – The Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Clinic has opened a new state-of-the-art dental lab, which will provide advanced manufacturing and customization of oral dental prosthetics to include crowns, bridges, dentures and more. The 2,400-square-foot facility, located next to the main dental center, will streamline patient care while offering valuable hands-on training opportunities for the future dental workforce. The open-concept lab will feature advanced technology, including multiple 3D printers, a CAD/CAM milling area, design stations and a lab director’s office. Residents, students, other Medicaid providers and staff will have the unique opportunity to learn, observe and participate in the process of crafting essential dental products, equipping them with advanced digital skills for their future careers. “This new dental lab is a game-changer for our clinic and, most importantly, for our patients,” said Scott R. Miller, D.D.S., director of the dental residency program at Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center.  “By producing high-quality, digitally designed dental…

NOTE: This message was updated on Thursday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. At this time, there are no significant updates regarding the boiler system failure at Franklin Woods Community Hospital.  Another update will be provided within the next 24 hours. This original message was released at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Franklin Woods Community Hospital continues to experience a failure of its boiler system, which has impacted several critical areas of the hospital. All inpatients were successfully transferred to sister facilities within Ballad Health as of 9 p.m. on April 15. System engineers and staff are actively working with third-party engineering teams and vendors to provide an alternative system until permanent system replacements can be installed. What this means for patients: Labor and delivery: If you are in labor or have an upcoming delivery planned, please contact your OB/GYN before coming to the hospital. All deliveries will be redirected to Indian Path Community Hospital in Kingsport,…

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Holston Valley Medical Center is the first hospital in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky to offer innovative new procedures for repairing and replacing the tricuspid valve without the need for open-heart surgery. This includes the use of the Abbott TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system — a minimally invasive therapy designed to treat patients suffering from tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a condition caused by a leaky tricuspid valve. TriClip is a first-of-its-kind therapy that repairs the tricuspid valve and has been clinically proven to be safe, effective and beneficial in improving patients’ quality of life. Delivered to the heart through a catheter inserted via the femoral vein in the leg, TriClip works by clipping together a portion of the valve’s leaflets to reduce the backflow of blood. This minimally invasive approach, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2024, allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently, alleviating the…

NOTE: This update was distributed at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Franklin Woods Community Hospital is currently experiencing a failure of its boiler system, which has impacted several critical areas of the hospital.  Despite having redundant system safeguards, the system has experienced a highly unusual failure. This situation is contained to Franklin Woods Community Hospital. No other facilities within Ballad Health are impacted. System engineers and staff are actively working with third-party engineering teams and vendors to provide an alternative system until permanent system replacements can be done.  What this means for patients: Labor and delivery: If you are in labor or have an upcoming delivery planned, please contact your OB/GYN before coming to the hospital. All deliveries will be redirected to Indian Path Community Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee. Obstetric physicians are credentialed at both locations, and emergency deliveries will be handled using the same protocols to ensure safe transfer…

NOTE: This advisory was released on Monday, April 14. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Franklin Woods Community Hospital is currently experiencing a significant failure in its boiler system, which has impacted the ability to maintain critical hospital operations that rely on hot water, steam and proper temperature and humidity control. There is engineering support on-site, and the team is working to restore operations. It is estimated this service disruption will last for the next 24 to 48 hours. To ensure the continued safety of our patients and team members, the following temporary changes are in effect: Labor & delivery diversion: Effective Monday, April 14, at 5 p.m., obstetric patients should contact their OB/GYN prior to coming to Franklin Woods. All deliveries will be redirected to Indian Path Community Hospital. Obstetric physicians are credentialed at both locations, and emergency deliveries will be handled using the same protocols to ensure safe transfer to Johnson City Medical Center and Niswonger…

SNEEDVILLE, Tenn. – Hancock County Hospital marked 20 years of operations this month, bringing together hospital team members, Ballad Health leaders, state representatives and community members for a celebration. “Hancock County Hospital opened its doors 20 years ago and changed the trajectory of healthcare in this community,” said Hunter Hamilton, RN, chief nursing officer and administrator of Hancock County Hospital and neighboring Hawkins County Memorial Hospital. “I am fortunate to see the effects of the decision to open this facility every day through the incredible service of our team members. They continue to provide excellent care to everyone who needs it, and that dedication will continue to serve our patients for years to come.” “Hancock County Hospital is a beautiful facility, but it’s so much more than a building. The hospital is excellent because of the doctors, nurses, volunteers and all other healthcare professionals who chose to serve their communities. To me, this celebration is…

Amanda Burk, DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute in Kingsport KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Amanda Burk, DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute in Kingsport, specializing in electrophysiology. Burk offers a broad range of services and treatments, including anticoagulation management, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, device-related issues, heart block, initiation and adjustment of antiarrhythmic drugs, post-ablation management and premature ventricular or atrial contractions. “My goal is to ensure treatments are appropriate, grounded in evidence-based practice and delivered with compassion and respect,” Burk said. “What I love most about being a provider is connecting with my patients on a personal level and building strong relationships through open and effective communication.” Burk earned her graduate degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Burk is…

Ballad Health and East Tennessee State University (ETSU), through its HELP-SARA program, are hosting a free educational training session entitled “Frontline Response: A Summit for Healthcare Professionals and Key Stakeholders in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” The summit will provide healthcare professionals and key stakeholders with the knowledge, tools and resources to identify trafficking victims, as well as best practices for effectively responding to human trafficking cases. Participation is free but registration is required. The event, courtesy of the Human Trafficking Institute, will offer two dates at two locations: Tuesday, May 13, at ETSU’s D.P. Culp Center in Johnson City Wednesday, May 14, at Bristol Regional Medical Center The agenda lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day (the same agenda and content is being offered both days). ETSU’s HELP-SARA program is the Health Education Learning Program for Sexual Assault in Rural Appalachia. The training is targeted at anyone who feels they would benefit…

Dr. Aaron Arroyave joins BHMA Surgical Associates in Kingsport KINGSPORT – Aaron Arroyave, MD, has joined Ballad Health Medical Associates (BHMA) Surgical Associates, where he specializes in colon and rectal surgery. At BHMA Surgical Associates, Dr. Arroyave offers a range of services and treatments, including colon cancer, colonoscopy, Crohn’s disease, diverticular disease, hemorrhoidal disease, minimally invasive surgery, rectal cancer and robotic surgery. Dr. Arroyave’s father was also a surgeon and his approach to medicine is deeply rooted in his family connection to healthcare. “How I would treat my family, I will treat my patients,” he said. “I enjoy taking the time to help patients understand their health issues. A strong understanding allows us to work together to establish a plan most suited to their particular needs.” Dr. Arroyave earned his medical degree from Florida International University in Miami. He also completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Ballad Health and Ahava Healthcare announced today a new partnership and joint venture involving four Ballad Health long-term care and assisted living facilities. This new partnership will lead to Ahava Healthcare bringing their experience and focus on post-acute and long-term care operations to the Ballad Health family of long-term care facilities. The partnership will be effective Thursday, May 1, 2025. The facilities included in the new joint-venture include: Francis Marion Manor, Marion, Virginia Wexford House, Kingsport, Tennessee Laughlin Healthcare Center, Greeneville, Tennessee Madison House (Assisted Living Facility), Kingsport, Tennessee Ballad Health has long been recognized for its dedication to excellence in long-term care and assisted-living facilities. By partnering with Ahava Healthcare, a leader in skilled nursing facility (SNF) management, both organizations are working together to enhance resources and uphold the highest standards of care. “This partnership is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to quality care,” said Marvin Eichorn,…

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Excellence Awards returned to Ballad Health after a five-year absence, celebrating improvement projects that have significantly benefited patients, team members and the organization. The 2025 Excellence Awards banquet was held on March 12 at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, with nearly 700 team members participating. A panel of experts evaluated 88 submitted projects, recognizing top performers for their measurable impact on quality, safety, efficiency and innovation. “The Excellence Awards Ceremony was more than just a celebration,” said Dr. Amit Vashist, Ballad Health’s chief clinical officer. “It was a reflection of the relentless commitment, compassion and high reliability that define Ballad Health. “Resurrecting these awards after more than five years took a stupendous effort from so many, but standing in that room – and feeling the energy, the pride, and the shared sense of purpose – there was no doubt that every bit of that effort was worth it. This event…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…