This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021:
Dear Ballad Health Colleague:
A couple of thoughts, and then a few important announcements. I urge you to read to the end of this message.
As we approach the holiday this week, and the coming season, I am reminded of the gift of reflection as we each hopefully take whatever moments we can with those we love. Each of us has our own faith. In my faith, I believe God doesn’t give us more than he knows we can handle. In the past two years, each of us has been tested in so many ways, and this only reaffirms my belief that within each of us is so much good, and within each of us are capabilities we did not even know we had.
Grief, triumph and thankfulness
That’s what I am thankful for as I reflect. Whether it is someone who came to work every single day, in many cases working under difficult circumstances caring for people you knew were not going to live, or worse, you knew were going to suffer immeasurably as they fought for their last breath. None of us can comprehend how hard it is to see that play out over and over again. Or, how about the person who had their doubts about taking the vaccine, but did so in order to protect others whom they love… or even more thoughtfully, those whom they don’t even know. Or the nurse and doctor who flew with a police officer shot in the line of duty, and stood watch with the family as our heroes tried to save his life. Or the pediatric team at Niswonger who worked to save the lives of some children who, ultimately, God decided he wanted home.
Story after story this year has brought grief, triumph and everything in between. It was hard, at times, for me, too – as I watched people with whom I work give everything they have in the service of others, and who receive little recognition for their effort. Heroes, all. And through it all, I kept reminding myself that God put each of us here for a reason, and he doesn’t give us more than we can handle.
Last year, we were preparing for, and hoping for, a vaccine. It came. I saw many people with whom I work, and personal friends, afflicted with the Delta variant even though they had chosen to be vaccinated. They got sick. But they didn’t die, and they weren’t hospitalized. Moments of triumph! I’m saddened for those who chose not to vaccinate, and who perished from the virus as a result – often asking for the vaccine as their last human act before being put on ventilators. That is a common story I’ve heard from nurses who were at the bedside with those patients. Heartbreaking. Moments of grief, each of them. Triumph and grief.
Vaccine decision
And now, we are in the midst of controversy around the vaccine. I confess I don’t understand it, but it is what it is. As you know, I testified before Congress only a few weeks ago against a sweeping national vaccine mandate. I’m the only health system CEO to do so. I strongly believe in the vaccine based on the evidence, but I also share a sincerely held belief that the federal government has no business forcing individuals to take a vaccine. Perhaps employers do, as people have a choice about for whom they work. But our government? Suffice it to say, my opinion fell on deaf ears, and now we have a federally imposed mandate. It is not one of our finest moments.
Each of us has our beliefs, so I leave it to each of you to determine how best to proceed. If you have strongly held beliefs rooted in your faith, you have the right to seek an exemption from the vaccine. This does not mean you have to attend church regularly. It simply means that you have beliefs rooted in your faith which preclude you from exposing your body to something you believe to be harmful. While I do not agree that it is harmful, many of you have doubts, and that is understood. Romans 13:1-2 speaks decisively to the issue of obeying our government. In this case, our government has ordered us to enforce a mandate. BUT … our government also clearly provides for exemptions based on faith. So the choice is yours.
You may choose to seek an exemption based on faith or medical conditions. You may choose to take the vaccine. Or you may choose neither. Each choice will bring an outcome, and each of us is clear on that outcome. Choosing not to vaccinate under an approved exemption exposes you to risk of the virus but retaining your job. Choosing not to vaccinate without an approved exemption leads to the potential loss of a job and to risk of exposure to the virus. And choosing to vaccinate leads to continued employment, protection from the virus and, yes, possible side effects from the vaccine which, although very rare, can be uncomfortable, or in rare cases, lead to other complications.
Again, I repeat, neither I nor Ballad Health supported the government imposing this mandate. But at this point, we are in no position to disobey those who regulate us and pay for the services we provide to the community. Our ultimate task is to ensure we have the resources to care for the people we are entrusted to serve. I know you understand this, or at least I hope you do. Regardless of the choice you make, please know I do respect whatever decision you choose to pursue. This is why our policy permits you to resign voluntarily if you do not wish to take the vaccine or seek an exemption. By doing so, you retain the ability to return at a later date with eligibility for rehire. Perhaps your circumstances will change, or something will change which will lead you to wanting to return, and we want that option available for you.
Our gift to each of you
There really isn’t any gift which properly reflects how strongly we feel about the people who are part of Ballad Health. But we wanted to do something to show appreciation this season. So here are some things we are pleased to share:
First: Each team member will receive a special cash bonus. If you are full-time (for purposes of this particular bonus, full-time means if you have worked an average of 60 hours per pay period since July), you will receive a special $500 bonus payment.
If you worked less than 60 hours per pay period since July, you will receive a $250 special bonus payment.
This payment will be made in a separate check or direct deposit during the first week of December. This special bonus applies to all team members below the title of Assistant Vice President – to include team members working in physician practices, outpatient facilities and support services. If you are part of a service that is provided through a vendor partner (for example, Ensemble, Compass One, Morrison’s or Crothall), we will make arrangements with your employer for you to receive the bonus payment.
Second: All team members will receive a $25 gift card to Food City to help with your holiday meal.
Third: All team members will receive a special Speedway In Lights certificate so you and your family can enjoy the special holiday lights at our partner institution, the Bristol Motor Speedway.
Fourth: Over the past year, all team members have invested countless hours providing and supporting patient care during unprecedented times. If you have accumulated more than 100 hours of paid time off (PTO), you will be permitted to roll them over to your frozen PTO account, so you keep the hours you have accrued.
I realize there could be some confusion for those who choose not to be vaccinated in the event December 5 becomes your last day. To be clear, these steps we are taking to show appreciation include you. Our appreciation for your work is not in any way impaired or limited by your choice related to the vaccine. We are grateful to you, and believe strongly you should be recognized as our colleagues for whom we have deep affection.
In closing
I will close with this thought. No matter our walk, no matter our journey, whatever trials, whatever triumphs, I’ve learned in simple terms that nothing is ever as bad as it seems, and nothing is ever as good as it seems. But as one of my favorite passages of scripture tells me, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
My closing thought is that regardless of what you face, I hope you find a way to be joyful in your journey through it. And I hope that this Thanksgiving brings you an abundance of joy, and gratitude for those things in your life which you treasure.
God Bless, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Alan
Alan Levine
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ballad Health
