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System Updates
System Updates

Updated Public Notice for 4.18.25 – Outpatient services resuming at Franklin Woods

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Franklin Woods Community Hospital (FWCH) will resume outpatient services today, Friday, April 18, at noon. The appropriate team members at FWCH will contact patients directly. As progress continues, further updates regarding service restoration will be announced. We appreciate your support and patience as we work towards restoring full operations.

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! 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…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Smart Square transitioning to Single Sign-On effective April 23

Accessing Smart Square is about to get easier! Beginning Wednesday, April 23, at 10 a.m., Smart Square will transition to Single Sign-On (SSO) using Ballad Health credentials. This means team members will no longer need a separate username and password for Smart Square – just log in using the same Ballad Health credentials used for other systems. What’s changing? The move to Single Sign-On will provide a smoother, more secure login experience by: Eliminating the need to maintain separate Smart Square login credentials. Making it easier to access Smart Square from personal devices. Removing the requirement to check Ballad Health email for password resets. If you are logged into Smart Square during the transition, you will not experience any disruption. However, the next time you log in after the change is complete, you will need to use your Ballad Health credentials. How to prepare Team members should take the following steps before April 23: Ensure…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center expands with new dental lab to enhance care

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Updated public notice for 4.17.25 — Temporary service modifications at Franklin Woods

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,…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Holston Valley Medical Center first hospital in East Tennessee, SW Virginia and SE Kentucky to offer innovative cardiac procedure 

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Updated public notice for 4.15.25 – Temporary service modifications at Franklin Woods Community Hospital

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…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tips: The impact of collaboration

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, April 15. Dear Colleague,  Let’s take a moment to celebrate – we’re closing in on 335,000 tips completed across our system! That’s an incredible accomplishment, but more importantly, it reflects something deeper. In the spirit of mission over metrics, those numbers represent thousands of moments where we’ve paused to reflect, grow, and bring actionable, culture-shaping ideas into our daily work. That’s what truly moves us forward as an organization. This week, we’re kicking off a brand new skill in the Team Collaboration program: The Impact of Collaboration. This week’s Team Collaboration Tips 1. The Impact of Collaboration Tip #1: What a High Collaboration Team Does In this tip, we’ll explore the actions and behaviors that define a highly collaborative team and how each of us can contribute to building that kind of culture. We’ll learn to recognize the traits of effective collaboration and understand…

B Excellent
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Balladeers in March: Fun at the bowling alley and the finance fair

The Balladeer Children’s Program were busy in March with a Finance Fair and two bowling events! 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. March events Beacon Financial Finance Fair Hosted at our Blountville Training Center in partnership with Beacon Financial Credit Union, with more than 60 people in attendance. Families got to come and visit different stations to learn more about financial literacy. Stations included: spend vs. save, how to write a check, a card decorating station and more. Kids were given “Balladeer bucks” they could spend to visit stations like face painting and a bouncy house. Kids could also spend their bucks at our prize station, which had almost 30…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Advisory for 4.14.25: Temporary service interruption at Franklin Woods Community Hospital

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health joins community, lawmakers to celebrate 20th anniversary of Hancock County Hospital

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Get to know more of our new clinicians across the system

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Summit on how to identify, help human trafficking victims being offered in May

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…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Breaking down ‘silos’ and working together

Dear Colleague,  We’re so proud of the incredible work happening across Ballad Health as part of our B Excellent journey! With each tip you complete, you’re building stronger connections, growing your skills, and helping create a more collaborative, respectful and high-performing environment for everyone. This work matters – and it’s making us better, together. At this point you should have started your B Excellent journey, but if you haven’t, now is the time to jump in and catch up! The tips are short, powerful and full of practical ways to elevate how we work with one another every day. Let’s make sure no one is left behind – we’re all in this together. This week, we’re wrapping up the “I Belong Here” skill with a tip focused on breaking down silos and helping teams work together toward a shared vision. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip I Belong Here Tip #4: Collaborating Across Teams You’ll explore collaborative…

B Excellent
Foundation
Foundation

Update: How to earn your Team Member Giving Campaign T-shirt!

In celebration of World Health Day in April, Ballad Health Foundation is hosting a focused initiative to encourage both new hires and existing team members to explore the Foundation Team Member Giving platform within the HR & Payroll Service Center. This is the perfect time to commit to a payroll deduction gift for the first time or increase your current contribution. Team members who — from now through April 30 — confirm their giving amount of $6 or more per paycheck will qualify for a Team Member Giving T-shirt which can be worn on Fridays. NOTE: This is a slight change from the T-shirt eligibility criteria first announced for the campaign. In February, the ability to start, change or stop your Ballad Health Foundation giving was moved to the HR & Payroll Service Center on the Ballad Health intranet, in the Employee Space, for greater convenience and ease of management. Now, you can make changes…

Foundation
System Updates
System Updates

Get to know more of our new clinicians across the system

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…

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Ballad Health Foundation receives grant to support kindergarten readiness

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — A $50,000 grant awarded to Ballad Health Foundation will help support kindergarten readiness throughout Northeast Tennessee. The grant, awarded through the East Tennessee Foundation, will fund a three-year commitment to administer the BRIGANCE® Early Childhood screening test to students in 17 school districts in Northeast Tennessee, many of which do not currently have a screening tool in place. By administering the screening, educators will be able to more accurately gauge the readiness of children entering kindergarten, establishing a baseline score of school readiness that will help school districts make the best decisions to support the needs of students. The grant funds a screening test that will help gauge the readiness of children entering kindergarten. This will assist school districts in making the best decisions to support the needs of the students. The program began in the 2024-2025 school year. Niswonger Foundation is working with the 17 school districts to facilitate the…

Foundation
Team Member Kudos
Team Member Kudos

Congratulations to the latest graduates of the Ballad Health Excellence in Leadership Program!

A new cohort of leaders has successfully graduated from Ballad Health’s Excellence in Leadership Program! The program is designed to instill new and important skills in newly hired or promoted leaders. Throughout the program, which includes five class sessions, participants explored key topics such as human resources policies, best hiring practices, finance, personality insights through DiSC, trust and engagement, the Ballad Experience, and Crucial Conversations for Accountability. The latest group graduated March 18, with the next cohort beginning on April 8. There are spots available for the July cohort, which runs on Tuesdays from July 1-29. “What set this group apart was their eagerness to connect and collaborate, their ability to ask insightful questions, and their willingness to share their own experiences and ideas,” said Sarah Nave, program coordinator and senior training specialist. “Their commitment to growth and leadership will undoubtedly make a lasting impact!” Graduates include: Amanda McDonald Holly Guy Jessica Norris Jina Boyd…

Team Member Kudos
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tips: Shaping a positive future and shared decision-making

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Dear Colleague,  Ballad Health team members are making incredible strides in B Excellent! Together, we’ve completed nearly 290,000 tips – a reflection of your dedication to growth, collaboration and excellence. Every tip you engage with strengthens our teams, enhances patient care and builds a culture where everyone belongs. Keep up the great work! This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip 1. I Belong Here Tip #3: We Have a Future Together A strong, unified team is built on a shared sense of purpose and optimism. This tip highlights the importance of fostering a work environment where every team member feels valued and engaged in shaping a positive future. We’ll explore ways to regularly involve each team members in team goals and initiatives while learning how to express our optimism and support for one another. Call to Action: Take a moment to express…

B Excellent
From the CEO
From the CEO

Message from the CEO: Appreciation for our region’s physicians

NOTE: This message was emailed on Sunday, March 30, to all Ballad Health team members from Alan Levine, CEO and President of Ballad Health. Dear colleague, I want to take a moment to recognize and express my deepest gratitude for the dedication, compassion and expertise of our physicians across the Ballad Health service area, whether they are a part of Ballad Health or practicing independently. Thousands of people each day benefit from their education, expertise, compassion and caring. In ways large and small, physicians, and those who support them, make an indelible difference in their communities.  Observed annually on March 30, Doctors’ Day is a time to honor the physicians who dedicate their lives to healing others. This tradition dates back to 1933, when the first Doctors’ Day was celebrated in Winder, Georgia, recognizing the anniversary of the first administration of anesthesia by Dr. Crawford W. Long. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially designated March 30…

From the CEO
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health, Ahava Healthcare announce partnership, joint venture in operation of Ballad Health long-term care and assisted living facilities

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,…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Recognizing unintended signals of exclusion

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Dear Colleague,  Your dedication to B Excellent continues to make an impact! Whether you’ve been engaged from the start or are just beginning, your commitment to growth and collaboration is inspiring. As of Monday morning, Ballad Health team members have completed 263,729 tips – a remarkable achievement that reflects your hard work and dedication to building a stronger, more connected team. By now, you should have already begun your B Excellent journey – but if you haven’t, don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to get started. This week’s Team Collaboration Tip I Belong Here Tip #2: Unintended Signals of ExclusionThis tip focuses on recognizing the subtle signs of exclusion and bias and learning how to avoid them. It also highlights the difference between being a passive bystander and an “assertive upstander” – someone who supports their teammates…

B Excellent
Acts of Caring
Acts of Caring

Unicoi County High School students honored for Hurricane Helene flood relief efforts

ERWIN, Tenn. – Twenty-four dedicated students from Unicoi County High School’s Future Health Professionals chapter were honored Wednesday for their volunteer efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The students provided crucial assistance, demonstrating compassion, leadership and resilience during a time of great need, even while dealing with losses of their own. To recognize their hard work, a special ceremony and pizza party, catered by Rocky’s Pizza, was held in their honor. Teachers, administrators, Ballad Health representatives and local officials gathered to celebrate the students’ selfless contributions and commend their commitment to service. “When Hurricane Helene swept through our community, it left devastation in its wake — homes were damaged, families were displaced and many lives were changed forever,” said Jennifer Harrah, administrator of Unicoi County Hospital. “In the face of that hardship, these courageous students chose to step forward, and instead of standing by, they took action. “I know that for some of them,…

Acts of Caring
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

EBSCO Dynamic Health about to get easier with transition to Single Sign-On within Epic

Accessing EBSCO Dynamic Health is about to become easier! Beginning Wednesday, March 26, the EBSCO Clinical Decisions system will transition to Single Sign-On (SSO) within the Epic system, using Ballad Health email. This change will simplify access for team members, eliminating the need for separate login credentials. What is Dynamic Health? Dynamic Health is an online resource for healthcare professionals, offering evidence-based/best-practice medical information on diseases, symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment options. It also provides continuing education (CE) opportunities, allowing nursing and health professionals to earn contact hours through assessments – supporting continuous learning and professional growth. What’s changing? Seamless access in Epic – No separate login is required when accessing Dynamic Health through the Epic system. Ballad Health email required for external access – Team members can access Ballad Health protocols outside of Epic using their Ballad Health email. How to prepare If you access Dynamic Health through Epic, no action is needed; SSO…

IT & Epic
From the CEO
From the CEO

Message from Alan Levine: Security update

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Friday, March 21, 2025, from Alan Levine, CEO and President of Ballad Health. Good morning: Some of you may have seen or read about a purported national threat to hospitals by a terrorist organization. This threat has been communicated to us through law enforcement channels, and has been made public in various social media outlets. We take any threat seriously, and we always endeavor to protect our team members, our patients and our visitors. This morning, the senior team of Ballad Health met to implement our enhanced safety plans with our priority focus – again – to ensure the safety of our team members and patients/visitors. We also have consulted directly with our region’s law enforcement leadership, each of whom has been extremely diligent and helpful. For security reasons, I will not share details here about our plans. We rely upon the advice of law enforcement and…

From the CEO
System Updates
System Updates

Excellence Awards 2025: Recognizing many of our great improvement successes!

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…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tips: The language of belonging and active listening

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, March 18: Dear Colleague,  Your engagement with B Excellent continues to grow! As of Monday morning, Ballad Health team members have completed a total of 244,161 tips – an amazing reflection of your commitment to professional and personal growth. This week, we’re beginning the I Belong Here skill in the Team Collaboration program with two important tips: This week’s Team Collaboration Tips I Belong Here Tip #1: The Language of BelongingThis tip focuses on demonstrating verbal and non-verbal signals of inclusivity and collaboration to help team members feel valued and connected. It also encourages us to outline how we operate as a team in ways that promote active listening, acknowledgement, and thoughtful consideration of one another. Call to Action: Spend a week assessing your body language. Track how often you smile, make eye contact, initiate handshakes, use names, invite others to speak and avoid interrupting….

B Excellent
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Balladeers hit the skate rink in February

The Balladeer Children’s Program enjoyed some fun at the skate rink, with more than 300 people attending skate events across three cities. In March, it will be bowling! 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. February events Family Skating Families were able to pick from one of three locations (Johnson City, Bristol, and Norton) to roller skate. More than 325 people attended among the three locations, and everyone in attendance had free admission! Families were provided special skates for little ones and skate assistance devices, if needed. Kids of all ages participated, as well as many adults who took a spin around the rink! Event photos Upcoming events Saturday, March 15…

HR & Benefits
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Creating chemistry

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Dear Colleague,  Your commitment to the B Excellent journey continues to make a difference! As of Monday morning, Ballad Health team members have completed an impressive 222,654 tips – an incredible achievement that reflects your dedication to personal and professional growth. This week, we’re wrapping up the Common Purpose skill in the Team Collaboration program. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip Common Purpose Tip #4: Creating Chemistry This tip focuses on how we can translate team values into actionable commitments that align with our shared purpose while also recognizing how individual strengths and weaknesses can complement one another to drive engagement. Call to Action: Set aside time to establish a shared team goal. Be ready to discuss how your unique skills and experiences can contribute to achieving it together. Reminders The B Excellent Podcast is now streaming! Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month for March is mumps

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.

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon raises $630,000 to purchase transportation unit for newborns

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The 13th annual Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon concluded by committing more than $600,000 toward a new neonatal transport unit to serve children in the Appalachian Highlands, surpassing the fundraiser’s original $500,000 goal. Over 48 hours, phone banking teams collected $630,000 in pledges from community members throughout the region, including nearly 1,000 individual donations. A $100,000 donation from a previously anonymous donor carried the fundraiser over its goal, securing the funds needed to purchase the transport unit. “I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated, whether it was $1 or $1,000. Your generosity will make a difference.” — Jack Simpson “It’s always humbling to see the community’s support right there in front of you as Radiothon winds down,” said Ballad Health Foundation President Jack Simpson. “I know our community would help us move mountains if we asked them to. I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated, whether…

Foundation
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: What it means to be us

Dear Colleague,  Thank you for your incredible participation in the B Excellent program! As of Monday, Ballad Health team members have completed an amazing 202,572 tips – a testament to our commitment to growth and excellence. To make accessing the Practicing Excellence platform easier, we’ve introduced a new simplified login process. If you haven’t yet created your account, an account has been created for you – you can now simply log in using your Ballad Health email address and the PIN 1234 on the Practicing Excellence app or desktop interface – no account setup required! If you’re already participating, no changes are needed. For account assistance, contact members@practicingexcellence.com. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tips 1, Common Purpose Tip #3: What It Means to Be UsThis tip encourages us to intentionally decide how we want our patients and fellow team members to feel and use our values to evoke those emotions. Call to Action: Take a moment to acknowledge and share how you want to…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health invests in 48 community health partnerships for fiscal year 2025, serving 105,000 people in the Appalachian Highlands

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….

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Enrollment for Nurse Fellowship Program, aimed at new nurses joining Ballad Health, is now open

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…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: The Power of Simple Rules

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Dear Colleague, Our B Excellent journey is off to an outstanding start! As of Monday, nearly 8,400 of us have joined the program and collectively completed almost 176,000 tips; that’s an amazing start! Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to growing together as a team. This Week’s Team Collaboration Tip Team Collaboration – Common Purpose Tip #2: The Power of Simple Rules With this tip, we’ll explore how to craft simple yet powerful rules that reflect your team’s core values and guide how you operate together. Call to Action: In your next team meeting, share an example of a time when you adjusted your approach to navigate a tough situation. How did this change in approach lead to a positive outcome? B Excellent Podcast – Now Available! We’re excited to announce the launch of the B Excellent Podcast! The show is…

B Excellent
B Excellent
B Excellent

B Excellent Tuesday Tip: Beginning the Team Collaboration Program

NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. Dear Colleague,  The B Excellent journey has officially launched systemwide! As part of this initiative, we will receive B Excellent tip emails every Tuesday for the Team Collaboration program to help guide us in strengthening our culture and improving the way we work together. The Team Collaboration program is laid out sequentially in the Practicing Excellence app or desktop interface and consists of several skills, each containing a series of short video tips, designed to help us work more effectively as a team. As we launch the Team Collaboration program, we’re starting with the Common Purpose skill. Common Purpose Tip #1: Who Will We Be? This tip focuses on identifying our shared purpose in healthcare. By understanding what drives each of us, we can create a more connected, engaged, motivated, and mission-driven team. Ballad Health Universal HRO Tip #1: Safeguarding Patients and…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Important update on pertussis (whooping cough) and getting vaccinated

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…

System Updates
B Excellent
B Excellent

Our journey to B Excellent has begun!

Dear Colleague, We are excited about our collaborative effort to B Excellent – our journey together to ensure the best possible experience for our patients, their families, our communities and each other. Effective Monday, Feb. 17, we are officially committed to this journey together – although the majority of us have already started. To date, more than 6,881 of our colleagues have already accessed and benefitted from more than 124,637 tips! Based on our values as an organization and in partnership with Practicing Excellence, we’ve chosen a journey that not only enhances team collaboration and patient connections but also fosters a positive, thriving workplace culture. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to grow and develop in our roles. To ensure our journey together to B Excellent creates the results we are hoping for, it’s crucial that we all complete the B Excellent Team Collaboration module in HealthStream. While almost 55% of us have completed the…

B Excellent
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important info on tuition reimbursement, scholarships for Ballad Health team members

Ballad Health supports the continuing professional education and career development of our team members by offering tuition reimbursement and scholarships for specific organizational need programs. AS A REMINDER: New tuition reimbursement applications for the upcoming fiscal year (programs that start after July 1, 2025) are being accepted through Feb. 28, 2025. Those previously approved for tuition do not have to reapply. Tuition reimbursement Existing team members who wish to pursue a higher level of professional education may receive up to $2,500 a calendar year in tuition reimbursement with attainment of eligible grades. Active RNs with an associate degree may receive tuition reimbursement for the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This year, tuition reimbursement will be limited to: Nursing (RN, LPN, phlebotomist and CNA) Certified medical assistant Surgical tech Cardiovascular tech Diagnostic imaging (all modalities) Medical lab technologist Respiratory therapist For a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or IT Masters Business Administration (MBA) …

HR & Benefits
Foundation
Foundation

Updates coming to how team members can give to Ballad Health Foundation

Along with the HR & Payroll Service Center refresh that goes into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the way you sign up and change your Ballad Health Foundation giving is also getting a refresh. You will now be able to make payroll deduction gifts to the Ballad Health Foundation directly through Employee Space (HR & Payroll Service Center). Simply click the link to Foundation Team Member Giving to: Learn about the Ballad Health Foundation and its mission. Sign up to give, edit/cancel/reallocate your current payroll deduction gift. Explore where donation money goes and how it impacts our community. Access FAQs about the Foundation and team member giving. Review your past giving history. This new functionality makes it simple to support initiatives that matter to you – all through the convenience of a payroll deduction. Ballad Health Foundation will be hosting a team member giving “push” during the month of April. However, you can now sign…

Foundation
B Excellent
B Excellent

Introducing B Excellent: A Journey to Excellence

This message was emailed to all team members from HR, on behalf of the B Excellent Steering Committee, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Dear Colleague: We are thrilled to introduce B Excellent, an exciting opportunity for all of us to learn together how we can be the best we can be for our patients and for all those who rely upon our skills. B Excellent is powered by Practicing Excellence, a proven partner in helping healthcare professionals improve connectivity with patients, improve collaboration with colleagues, and become more effective leaders. B Excellent is a comprehensive, skill-building exercise that has successfully impacted team member well-being, patient experience and culture wherever it has been utilized. Why are we doing this? At Ballad Health, we aspire to foster a sense of pride in our work, our mission, and our communities while creating a culture that supports all of us achieving our best potential. Through B Excellent, we embrace this vision by…

B Excellent
System Updates
System Updates

Construction begins on Indian Path Community Hospital’s main entrance and lobby

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Organizational Development again offering ‘Choose Your Adventure’ series of classes starting in January

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…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health hospitals launch ‘No One Leaves Hungry,’ a food box distribution program for patients facing food insecurity

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…

System Updates