We recently began the #maskedmile challenge to honor our healthcare workers who have to wear a mask all day at work, every day, for the safety of our patients, visitors and team members. This Ballad Health social media campaign is loosely based on the idea of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes to see what their experience is like, except we’re challenging people to wear a mask for a mile – or for some length of walking, running or other exercise.
So far we’ve had more than a dozen leaders across Ballad Health take up the challenge with posts to Ballad Health’s Facebook page. There are more to come, and everyone out there, including the general public, is encouraged to get active and take up this challenge in honor of our hardworking team members who mask up every day. If they can do it all day long, we can do it for at least a mile, right?!
Here are several inspiring examples; visit our Ballad Health Facebook page to see all the posts and find out who else has taken up the #maskedmile challenge! (Please note: Team members might need to access Facebook links from personal devices, due to Ballad Health network security settings.)
Dr. Daniel Lewis
After recovering from #COVID19, Dr. Daniel Lewis is setting a great example on his road to recovery. Dr. Lewis completed his #maskedmile in honor of those who cared for him.
“Ballad Health – not quite up to running it, yet, after my COVID-19 experience, but walking my #maskedmile in honor of all healthcare heroes this morning, particularly those that helped save my life back in April!”
Lisa Smithgall
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lisa Smithgall has ensured that our nursing teams have everything they need to be protected while caring for #COVID19 patients. Like Lisa, we honor those who serve on the frontlines daily in masks and various other protective equipment. Thank you for your sacrifice and the hope you bring to our patients.
“In honor of the health care team members who wear a mask every minute of every day while performing clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, my family and I completed the masked mile walking up a mountain at Watauga Lake. While it was difficult in the heat and steep grade, it doesn’t compare to the ongoing day-in and day-out sacrifice our health care teams are making for patient care provision. I appreciate very much the compassion and the adherence to best practice of masking healthcare that team members are doing to meet the complex care requirements of patients everywhere!”
Chris Miller
Chris Miller is a servant-minded leader in Ballad Health’s northeast market who has gone above and beyond to support his team and patients during the pandemic. As Chris himself recovered from #COVID19, he has led the way and inspired many others to donate plasma with Marsh Regional Blood Center, leading to healing and many successful patient outcomes. It’s no surprise to us that Chris also went above and beyond in his #maskedmile challenge!
“#MaskedMile challenge! Great way to start a Sunday by honoring the amazing healthcare workers across our region. Many of the incredible nurses I know have shared that they often walk up to 10,000 steps per 12-hour shift. Roughly 2,000 steps in a mile….🤔…..5 miles it is! Who’s next?”
Penni Kyte
Penni Kyte has been supporting the emergency operations response since February 2020 when #COVID19 made its way to our region. Whether it is serving as a project manager, communicating important policies or identifying ways to improve our processes, Penni and her team are dedicated to doing what is best for our patients and team members.
In honor of her daughter, an emergency room nurse, and the many Ballad Health team members she works with every day, Penni accepted the #MaskedMile and ran on the Johnson City Tweetsie Trail to show her endless support for the cause.
“As a proud mother of an ER nurse, I am happy to support our healthcare workers in running the #maskedmile on the Tweetsie Trail this morning. Thank you to the healthcare workers who tirelessly care for our patients and our region day in and day out!”
Brad Price
Brad Price has been leading the operations for our laboratory services, the expansion of #COVID19 testing throughout the health system, and directing donor recruitment for blood and convalescent plasma at Marsh Regional Blood Center during the pandemic.
Yesterday, Brad accepted the #MaskedMile challenge and competed in the Johnson City Omnium in Carter County, a series of bike races that include a grueling climb up Roan Mountain. He proudly wore his Marsh Regional mask to help show support for our team members who are giving everything they have to our patients.
Please join Brad and #MaskUp while you’re staying fit and honoring our #HealthcareHeroes.
Molly Luton
Molly Luton is a working mom of three who spends her workday in marketing making sure that our team members and region are well-informed about COVID-19 in the Appalachian Highlands. Join Molly in honoring our front line team members by completing a #maskedmile! View Molly’s post below.
“#maskedmile :: mission accomplished
To all my #healthcareheroes near and far, for the late nights, endless days, countless meals missed and hours sacrificed away; for all the patients lost and tears shed – I thank you.
To run a few miles in a mask was challenging, yes, but does it measure up to what our team has given, sacrificed and lost during the #COVID19 pandemic – no, not even close.
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and specialties and I’m honored to work for you and beside you every single day.
Thank you for the challenge, Lisa Phipps Carter!”
