NOTE: This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on Thursday, Nov. 28, from Alan Levine, Chairman and CEO of Ballad Health.
To our Ballad Health Family:
As we gather today with loved ones and reflect on the blessings of the past year, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to our mission of honoring those we serve.
This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for the incredible acts of service and compassion displayed by our team. Today, I am honored to celebrate the inaugural Ballad Health Chairman’s Award, a rare and extraordinary recognition bestowed upon individuals who, through a single act or behavior, exemplify our core values of Creativity, Caring, Honesty, Respect, Faith, and Quality while advancing our mission in an extraordinary way.
There is no group more deserving of this recognition than those who faced the ultimate challenge during the catastrophic flooding of Unicoi County Hospital on Sept. 27, 2024. When 70 individuals were stranded on the roof of the hospital and in nearby rescue boats, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwaters, it was the courage, skill and collaboration of our team members, physicians, first responders and community leaders that ensured every life was saved.
It is with pride and gratitude that we honor the following heroes with the Ballad Health Chairman’s Award:
- Ballad Health Leaders
- Jennifer Harrah, MSN, BSN
- Sean Ochsenbein, MD
- Virginia State Police Team Members
- April Boyd, Flight Nurse
- Jeff Bush, Pilot
- Brian Canada, Pilot
- Wayne Carroll, Flight Nurse, Paramedic
- Jake Culp, Pilot
- Sgt. John Ratliff
- Local Officials
- Garland “Bubba” Evely, Unicoi County Mayor
- Joe Grandy, Washington County Mayor
- Katie Lamb, Damascus Mayor
- Kevin Morrison, Greene County Mayor
- Patty Woodby, Carter County Mayor
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Ballad Health leadership team, we extend our sincere gratitude to these remarkable individuals. Their actions not only saved lives but also demonstrated the very essence of service and humanity.
The Appalachian Highlands communities we serve have faced incredible challenges this year from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Yet, time and again, our communities have shown resilience and unity. Ballad Health is privileged to support ongoing flood relief efforts and stand with those who are rebuilding their lives.
If you or someone you know is in need this holiday season, the Ballad Health Foundation offers several crucial programs to help people in the community as well as Ballad Health team members during times of need. To submit a request for help through the Team Member Emergency Fund, check with the human resources representative at your facility or complete the online form at TM Emergency Fund Request Form.
A couple of Items of interest as we bring in the holiday season:
- In January 2025, eligible team members will receive a 3% annual wage adjustment on the Jan. 17, 2025, pay date. In addition to information posted on the Human Resources (HR) department site, HR will communicate more specific information regarding eligibility soon.
- Ballad Health has once again partnered with Bristol Motor Speedway to provide every team member, including Ballad Health Medical Associates providers, a ticket to Speedway in Lights, good for one vehicle to experience the holiday light spectacular. Tickets will be mailed to your home address in the form of a postcard so please be on the lookout for the mail.
- I am also pleased to announce that Ballad Health will be providing a $25 Food City gift card to all team members. This year the gift cards will be electronic and emailed to each team members Ballad Health email address to be printed or can be forwarded to a personal email. The bar code is specific to each team member and can be scanned for use at any Food City location.
- Please note: Our partner, Ensemble Health Partners, has special gift and bonus programs for its associates, and its own wage programs, and so I refer these associates to Ensemble for any holiday programs administered by Ensemble or for any questions about compensation. Associates of our partners, Compass One and Morrison’s, will receive the Food City gift card and Speedway in Lights tickets. Those will be distributed through their leadership. Any questions about compensation should, as always, be referred to Compass One and Morrison’s.
This Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the kindness, compassion and empathy that define our Ballad Health family. Whether you’re caring for patients during the holiday or spending it with loved ones, know that your dedication is appreciated.
In closing, let us take solace in the knowledge that we are part of something greater than ourselves — providing hope, healing and compassion to those who need it most. Together, we are shaping a future where our values are not just ideals but a way of life.
I pray this holiday season bring you peace, joy and time to cherish the moments that matter most. Thank you for all you do, and may God bless you and your families.
Alan Levine
