Dear Colleague,
It is with heartfelt sadness that I report to you that a member of our Ballad Health family, a beloved nurse at Greeneville Community Hospital, Boone McCrary, tragically lost his life in the flash floods from Hurricane Helene. It was reported he was in a boat with his dog attempting to save the life of a civilian from the rapid floodwaters. Both Boone and his dog were found by search and rescue personnel.
This is an incredibly painful moment for all of us, and our hearts are with Boone’s family, friends and colleagues at Greeneville Community Hospital, as well as everyone who is suffering during this time of profound loss.
Our team will remember Boone as the ultimate caregiver who was kind and compassionate with a larger-than-life personality. The past few days we have heard our team share stories of how he sang to team members and patients to lighten the mood and that he loved music and his beloved chocolate lab, Moss, who was always with him.
We know this is an extraordinarily difficult time for everyone. Counseling and support services for you and your immediate family are available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is available to assist team members and our families with confidential mental health and substance abuse services through Ballad Health Counseling Services. Ballad Health provides coverage at no cost. Additionally, our 24/7 Respond Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-800-366-1132. Please reach out to our Human Resources department, who are available to assist our team members during crises and challenges.
In the days ahead, we will find ways to honor our late colleague, Boone, and celebrate his incredible contributions to life. Please join me in taking a moment of solace to honor Boone and the other lost souls in our community.
We are committed to supporting each of our team members as we grieve and navigate the days ahead together. Thank you for your dedication to caring for your patients and for each other during this challenging time.
Again, we are here for you, and we will continue to share updates as we receive them.
Alan Levine
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Ballad Health
