As we embark upon a new year and look back at every challenge and triumph of 2022, it’s always good to hear about a job well done. That’s essentially what the STRONG Accountable Care Community (STRONG ACC) organization did late last year.
STRONG stands for Striving Toward Resilience and Opportunity for the Next Generation. The STRONG ACC is an independent, multi-sector coalition of 360 organizations working together to improve physical, social and economic health in the 21-county region of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and Ballad Health is one of the group’s lead organizations.
At the STRONG ACC’s annual symposium, the group recognized Ballad Health for the hard work and sacrifices it has made during the pandemic – and for our team members being there when the community needed us most.
This is a reminder of the gratitude we have for all Ballad Health has done to protect us, to treat us and to get us well again.
At the symposium, Ballad Health President and CEO Alan Levine was surprised with an award to all team members with Ballad Health, with the inscription on the trophy stating: “In recognition of your exceptional care and service to our region during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Donna Henry, chancellor of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a STRONG ACC Leadership Council member, expressed the STRONG ACC’s collective thanks for all Ballad Health has done “to protect us, to treat us and to get us well again.
“Perhaps no one deserves more credit than the thousands of nurses who have been bedside throughout long days and nights and weekends taking care of patients. Your hospitals, doctors, nurses, clinics and allied health professionals have treated tens of thousands of people in our region. Some have been lost but many more lives have been saved, thanks to the care Ballad Health has provided.”
“That was such a wonderful gesture coming from all these community members who are part of the STRONG Accountable Care Community,” Levine said. “It is always nice to be appreciated.
“I know we’ve been through a lot, and there are more challenges ahead – but I am so proud of our team members for what they’ve done to serve the community. The people of the Appalachian Highlands are definitely better off as a result of the care we’ve provided throughout the pandemic. We are here to serve the people in our region, and every single act of compassion and sacrifice on our part DOES make a difference is someone’s life.”
Thank you to all our team members for your efforts over the past year!
