Top Stories

Article summary Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of preventable hospital deaths and readmissions nationwide. About 60% of post-surgical VTE cases occur after discharge – nearly half within the first week – with risk persisting for weeks to months. Up to 70% may be preventable through measures such as blood-thinning medications and compression stockings. Clinicians are encouraged to reassess VTE risk at discharge, educate patients on warning signs and consider extended prophylaxis for high-risk patients. Read the full article March is recognized as Blood Clot Awareness Month. Ballad Health’s Anticoagulation Stewardship Committee aims to highlight a crucial patient safety issue impacting many surgical patients: blood clots that form after leaving the hospital. Why this matters Research indicates that most post-surgical blood clots, known as venous thromboembolism or VTE, don’t occur during hospitalization. Studies consistently show around 60% of these clots happen after patients return home, with approximately 40% occurring within 30 days of discharge….

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, or something important in how we deal with 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, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting what’s known as “wet time” or “kill time” – the amount of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to effectively kill pathogens. 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.

Expanded, two-story addition will provide private rooms and advanced neonatal care for families across the Appalachian Highlands JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health celebrated the grand opening of an expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Niswonger Children’s Hospital with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a major milestone for children and families throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The $53 million project, funded through capital from Ballad Health, $22.2 million from the Ballad Health Foundation’s Hope Rising comprehensive capital campaign for pediatric needs and a $16.8 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health, adds 43,000 square feet across two new floors. The expansion includes 48 private family rooms, specialized twin rooms, a new milk lab for advanced nutrition, and updated technology such as Panda Warmers to help regulate body temperature for premature and medically fragile infants. Past graduates of the former NICU opened the ceremony with an invocation, representing the…

Rinks, who starts March 23, brings more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience to the role KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Ballad Health has selected an experienced leader in healthcare to lead its hospital operations in Kingsport. Kevin Rinks has accepted the position of chief executive officer of Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital, effective March 23, following a national search. “Kevin is a mission-driven leader with a proven ability to strengthen hospital operations while ensuring the delivery of high quality, safe care,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s Northern Region. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong physician relationships, developed high-performing teams, and his results are excellent. He is the right leader for Holston Valley and Indian Path.” Rinks brings more than 15 years of advanced healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief executive officer of the 295-bed St. Vincent’s Southside Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., which is part of Ascension,…

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Ballad Health’s Neuroscience Symposium will take place on Friday, March 20, at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. The symposium, which runs from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features leading experts in stroke treatment, interventional radiology and much more, is open to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants or other healthcare professional interested in learning more about neuroscience in our region. Click here to register. This in-person event will feature educational presentations, discussions, and updates around the neuroscience service line, including various topics such as ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, neurological assessments and the importance of timely treatment to enhance patient care. Continuing education credits will be offered. The cost to register is $30 for Ballad Health team members. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Ballad Health is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Ballad Health is accredited by the…

Article summary Anthony DeSalvo, MD, has joined Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon, where he specializes in hematology and oncology and provides comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. Jenna Lyn, MHA, MD, has joined BHMA Obstetrics and Gynecology – Abingdon, offering family medicine and obstetric services including prenatal, surgical and well-woman care. Jessalyn Berry, DO, has joined BHMA Community Physicians – Norton as a family medicine physician, providing preventive care and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and COPD. Holly Nummerdor, DO, has joined BHMA Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Med Tech – Johnson City, where she delivers family medicine services focused on chronic disease management, preventive care and whole-person wellness. Read the full article Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Anthony DeSalvo, MD, joins Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon ABINGDON, Va. – Anthony DeSalvo, MD, has joined Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon, specializing…

Article summary Ballad Health has launched Rest Matters, a systemwide initiative to create a quieter, more restful healing environment for hospital patients. Hospitals will observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and emphasize practical steps such as lowering noise, dimming lights, bundling care to reduce interruptions and providing comfort items like ear plugs, eye masks and extra blankets. Read the full article Ballad Health has launched “Rest Matters,” a systemwide initiative focused on creating a more restful, healing environment for patients in our hospital facilities. This effort depends on each team member and the role we play every day in supporting patient healing. What this means for our hospitals Rest Matters is grounded in evidence-based best practices and informed by multidisciplinary teams across Ballad Health. Key components include: Establishing quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to reduce noise and unnecessary disruptions. Focusing on simple, practical actions such as lowering noise levels,…

WISE, Va. – Wednesday, Feb. 25, is Ballad Health Day at UVA Wise, and Ballad Health team members and their immediate families can attend the college’s basketball games for free. UVA Wise plays host to Lincoln Memorial University in men’s and women’s games at the David J. Prior Convocation Center. In addition to free admission, Ballad Health team members and families will receive complimentary refreshments in the C.M. “Bill” Gatton Hospitality Suite – plus free popcorn from the concession stands – in addition to the opportunity to win door prizes. The women’s game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and the men will start at 7:30 p.m. Please present your Ballad Health ID badge at the door for admission.

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Monday, Feb. 9, from Eric Deaton, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Ballad Health. Good morning, Over the last few weeks, our team has reminded the region what makes Ballad Health so special. After three weeks of historic inclement weather causing team members to work extended hours, clear ice and snow from our facilities, drip faucets and even stay overnight in our hospitals to serve patients – we showed up. And then, on Wednesday of last week, we experienced the largest single mass casualty medical response incident in the history of our region when a gas leak occurred in an athletic building on campus at Milligan University and over 300 patients surged our facilities. Seven Ballad Health facilities – Bristol Regional Medical Center, Franklin Woods Community Hospital, Greeneville Community Hospital, Holston Valley Medical Center, Johnson City Medical Center, Niswonger Children’s Hospital and…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health has expanded surgical oncology services at Johnson City Medical Center with the addition of awake brain tumor resection procedures. Alessandra Cathel, DO, performed the first awake brain tumor resection in December. Before Dr. Cathel’s recruitment, patients had to travel outside the region to receive the surgery. “By having Dr. Cathel on our team, we’re able to bring this landmark service to our region, which will help patients with cancer and other conditions find relief,” said Rebecca Beck, chief executive officer of Johnson City Medical Center. “This advancement allows patients to receive highly specialized, advanced neurosurgical care close to home, reducing the need to travel out of the area during an already challenging time in their lives.” Awake craniotomies are brain surgeries that are performed while the patient is conscious and alert and have been performed for nearly 50 years in the United States. The scalp is numbed with anesthesia,…

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, or something important in how we deal with 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, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting PPE — personal protective equipment — that helps protect both patients and team members from all these bugs. 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 announced Mike Anderes, FACHE, as managing director of Ballad Ventures. Anderes has relocated to Northeast Tennessee, bringing 30 years of experience in healthcare innovation, digital transformation and system strategy to support Ballad Health’s mission to improve health in the Appalachian Highlands. With his extensive background in innovation, Anderes will lead Ballad Ventures, Ballad Health’s innovation and investment arm focused on rural and community health. He will oversee partnerships, new ventures and investments supporting Ballad Health’s vision to transform care through technology, collaboration and entrepreneurship. “Mike is respected nationwide for connecting frontline care, digital innovation and investment strategy,” said Bo Wilkes, chief growth officer for Ballad Health and president of Ballad Ventures. “His experience scaling health system consortia will help Ballad Ventures drive innovation for patients, clinicians and communities.” Anderes joins Ballad Health from Vale Health, a national consortium of 16 leading health systems he co-founded and led as president….

NOTE: This message was sent to Ballad Health team members on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from Eric Deaton, Ballad Health’s executive vice president/chief operating officer. To read the full press release, click here. Good Morning, Team Members: This morning, I am excited to share an update about the future of healthcare in Unicoi County. After months of careful planning and ongoing discussions with community, state and federal leaders, I am proud to announce that we are moving forward with plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital as an inpatient facility. During Hurricane Helene, I saw firsthand the heartbreak our teams and communities endured – the fear, the uncertainty, the grief of watching a place that meant so much to so many become unstable within a matter of hours. Yet even during those dark times, I saw something even more powerful: extraordinary courage, compassion and resilience. The people of this region showed a strength that has stayed with…

Application period opens soon for next cohort Ballad Health’s Spring 2026 Nurse Fellowship Cohort has started at hospitals across the system, featuring the largest group yet for the program. This program is designed to prepare nursing students to enter the workforce as new graduate registered nurses. During the last semester of nursing school, Fellows will follow a nurse preceptor on their assigned unit and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. Ballad Health offers nursing opportunities that allow students to engage in hands-on learning while earning an income. The goal of this program is to develop critical thinking, sharpen specialized nursing skills and establish time management techniques in preparation for the registered nurse role. See this flyer for more information on program eligibility and requirements. How to apply to the program The application process for December 2026 nursing graduates opens on March 1 and lasts through May 31, 2026. The program itself lasts from Aug. 17-Dec. 12, 2026….

Article summary Even small amounts of daily movement during winter can boost immunity, support heart health, reduce joint stiffness and help prevent seasonal weight gain, while also improving mood, sleep, focus and stress levels. “Daily activity, no matter how small it may be, will be your best friend and will add up to big wins,” said Travis Rush, fitness supervisor at The Wellness Center. The Wellness Center offers indoor equipment, group and aquatic classes, personal training, seasonal challenges and simple movement ideas to help people stay active, energized and resilient through winter. Read the full article Winter can be tough – short days, freezing temps and the couch calling your name. But even a little movement can boost physical and mental health. “It’s tough to deny that the winter months are a challenging time to stay motivated,” says Travis Rush, fitness supervisor at The Wellness Center in Johnson City. “Daily activity, no matter how small…

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, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting cross-contamination and how to avoid it — because it can lead to serious hospital-acquired infections in patients. 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.