March 30 is an important day each year. It is the day we set aside to honor those who have chosen to take an oath, after years of training, to help the sick, to be trusted with the most personal of information and to withhold wrongdoing and harm. This oath dates back to as far as 275 AD. And throughout history, we have seen doctors during peacetime and during war, during famine, during mass disease and when we are at the worst of our suffering – men and women who, through their art and passion and compassion, ease pain, reduce suffering, extend and preserve life, and extend the hand of God’s mercy as they comfort us and our families. This year provided us merely a glimpse of the heroic efforts of our nurses, aides, therapists, and all who are on the front lines every day – and so it seems almost unfair to set this…

This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members from Alan Levine, chairman and chief executive officer of Ballad Health, on Friday, Nov. 20: Dear Colleagues: As we head into the final weekend before Thanksgiving, and I watch what is happening in the news, it is nothing short of stunning that there is a national debate over whether there should be large gatherings for the holidays, whether people should wear masks, and the other things we are all watching play out. Nowhere in this discussion is the impact on our nation’s health care workers of all the consequences of the behavior of all these people, or of the fact that while folks are home hopefully enjoying the blessing of family, that our health care heroes will be at it, as they are every day, to take care of our communities – away from their own families. Each Thanksgiving, I share a message with you…

This message was emailed to all Ballad Health team members on June 1, 2020, from Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health.   Dear colleagues, Several months ago, Ballad Health was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 29 places in America to work on its annual Best Employers for Diversity list. We ranked No. 1 in Tennessee and Virginia, as well as fifth in the nation among employers classified in the “Healthcare and Social” industry. Against the backdrop of all the news that is happening around us, I’m reminded that diversity, and a culture of diversity, is a strength. And having respect for others is a strength. Do we have the most diverse workforce? No, but it’s our culture — one that respects inclusion; where, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, we are judged not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character. We have…

NOTE: This message was distributed to all Ballad Health team members on Sunday, May 24.   Dear Colleague: Over the past few months, America has witnessed the heroism of our nurses, doctors and all who are caring for and supporting our nation through this pandemic. You know, I am reminded that heroes come in so many forms, and emerge through trying times. As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, in the midst of such times, we are reminded of the sacrifice and difficulties so many brave people weathered in service to our great nation. Tomorrow, Monday, is the day we dedicate specifically to those who gave their lives in military service to our nation. Throughout our nation’s history, millions of American military heroes – including some of our own team members – have sacrificed their lives, or have lost loved ones, in the protection of our beloved homeland, leading to the security of our country’s…

NOTE: This email was sent to all Ballad Health team members from our chairman and CEO, Alan Levine, on Sunday, Feb. 2, and we are repeating it here to make sure everyone has a chance to read it. While the message is very long, it contains a lot of important and helpful information, so even if you can’t read it while you’re at work, it’s worth reading whenever you have the time. Dear Colleagues: Last Friday marked the official two-year anniversary of the creation of Ballad Health. I would like to take a moment and reflect on some of the important things that have happened, and also to acknowledge the challenges we have dealt with, many of which remain and lay ahead for us to overcome together. This is a very long email, and I really am sorry about this. But these issues are complex, and frankly, I believe if you want to know the…

Across Ballad Health, we’re recognizing Healthcare Week from May 12 through 18 to show appreciation for all our team members, no matter what your role – from doctors and nurses to lab techs and therapists, engineers and IT workers, volunteers, administrators, coders, dietary staff, those of you who admit or discharge patients, and many more. You may work in a hospital, an urgent care setting, a physician practice or one of our other facilities, but whatever your job, you play a critical role in providing healthcare to the people of our region. Thank you for what you’re doing. There are two things I’ve said before that always bear repeating: No. 1: If you’re in the healthcare field, I believe you’re the type of person who wants to help others. No. 2: Everybody within Ballad Health is a caregiver in one way or another, because all our roles support one another and allow us to provide…