BRISTOL – Ballad Health team members once again can get a good deal on tickets to the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, set for Sept. 11-13 in downtown Bristol. By using the code BALLAD45 when purchasing tickets online, team members can save $45 on the cost of a three-day, general admission ticket package. The discount is good until midnight on Sept. 10. Click here to purchase tickets. Headliners for this year’s festival include St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Sierra Ferrell, Old Crow Medicine Show and Los Lobos. Ballad Health is once again a sponsor for the Rhythm & Roots Reunion. For more information about the festival, including music lineup and FAQs, visit https://bristolrhythm.com/.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – As a reminder, Ballad Health team members can once again take advantage of a special discount for all Crazy 8s events, taking place Saturday, July 18. Ballad Health team members and their family members are eligible for a 50% discount for the following events: To get the discount, use the code BALLADC8 when registering online. The deadline to use the discount code is July 17; the discount code is not applicable for race-day registration. Click here to access registration and for more details on the events. The Ballad Health Crazy 8s, organized by We Run Events, is an award-winning road race known internationally for its fast fields and festive nighttime atmosphere. It is known as “the world’s fastest 8K.” This year, it will serve as the USATF National Men’s and Women’s 8K Road Championship. Ballad Health and the Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network are proud title sponsors and longtime partners of the event.

Thousands of Ballad Health team members use the Ballad Teams mobile app, designed specifically for them. The app offers important system news and easy access to a range of useful resources, such as your pay statements, PTO balance, team member discounts, IT support, benefits and a link to log into Smart Square scheduling – all right from your phone. We continue to add new features to the Ballad Teams mobile app. Check out some of the latest updates: If you don’t have Ballad Teams downloaded to your phone, or if you’ve changed phones or lost access, here’s a quick guide on how to reinstall it. Ballad Teams is free and available exclusively to Ballad Health team members. If you have questions or problems with the app, reach out to balladteams@balladhealth.org. FAQs

Ballad Health is implementing a new large-volume infusion pump, the Baxter Spectrum IQ LVP, and the Novum IQ syringe across the health system to support standardized and consistent patient care at all facilities. Implementation will occur in phases, with all Ballad Health facilities transitioning to a new pump as part of this systemwide initiative. Key information: Infusion pumps are an important part of how we provide patient care. They are used to deliver fluids and medications – such as saline solution, antibiotics or nutritional support – at a controlled rate, typically through an IV line. Large-volume pumps can deliver greater amounts of fluid over extended periods of time. Thank you for your attention and participation as we implement this important systemwide transition. Your participation in training will help ensure a smooth and successful rollout across Ballad Health. For questions or more information, please contact Tasha Kyker at tasha.kyker@balladhealth.org.

Accredited programs demonstrate measurable impact, including a 28% reduction in preventable inpatient utilization and a 56% increase in appropriate care JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health’s community health worker programs, which help patients access appropriate care sooner and avoid unnecessary hospital visits, have earned accreditation from the Tennessee Community Health Worker Association (TNCHWA) in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance. The accreditation covers four Ballad Health programs — the Appalachian Highlands Care Network, PEERhelp, SBIRT and Strong Starts — that have helped support the medical and social needs of more than 40,000 people across the Appalachian Highlands. Each program connects with people in their own communities, in clinical and community settings. These programs support individuals facing barriers such as transportation, food access and lack of insurance. From helping a parent get to a prenatal appointment to connecting someone in recovery with support or ensuring a neighbor has food and stable housing, community health…

Jerry Caldwell, Eddie Neely, Dr. Jennifer Whittington and Greg Perdue bring decades of leadership in business, healthcare and community service JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Ballad Health Board of Directors has elected Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, and Eddie Neely, recently retired chief financial officer of K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City), as its newest members, adding two accomplished business leaders with deep roots in the Appalachian Highlands. Caldwell succeeds board member Scott Niswonger, while Neely succeeds David Lester, both of whom are concluding long, distinguished terms of service. Dr. Jennifer Whittington and Greg Perdue have been elected to the Ballad Health Foundation Board, further strengthening the foundation’s leadership as it advances philanthropy and community investment across the Appalachian Highlands. “Strong community leadership has always been one of Ballad Health’s greatest assets,” said Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health. “Each of these great leaders brings exceptional professional…

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Ballad Health Medical Associates OB/GYN and Women’s Health – Kingsport, a department of Indian Path Community Hospital, is welcoming two physicians – Darlene Fogg, MD, and Kathleen Foster, MD – and two family nurse practitioners – Katie Sharrett, FNP-BC, and Rosa Jones, FNP-BC – who will provide comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care for women in Kingsport and the surrounding region. Dr. Fogg is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida, and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. “I always want to give the patient time to tell their story, and I like to make treatment decisions clear and easy to understand,” Dr. Fogg said. Drawn to women’s health during medical school, she values building long-term relationships with patients, from caring for women through different stages…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network has completed a renovation of its outpatient pediatric therapy facility in Johnson City, creating 10 new treatment rooms and adding advanced therapy equipment to better support children and their families throughout their therapy journey. The project enhances the therapy experience and strengthens the care therapists provide for patients. The project was made possible through a generous gift from the estate of Mary Ann Nelson, a longtime resident of Sulphur Springs and former teacher and cheerleading coach at Daniel Boone High School. Though she had no children of her own, Nelson was deeply moved by the exceptional care her great-niece received in the neonatal intensive care unit at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Nelson’s estate gifted nearly $200,000 to the children’s hospital, helping fund the project and enhancements to the therapy facility. The renovation creates 10 new treatment rooms and adds advanced therapy equipment to better support children…

As a way to stay active and honor cancer survivors, Ballad Health’s cancer care team is encouraging team members to “walk a mile” this month – before or after work, on a lunch break or during the weekend. June is recognized as National Cancer Survivors Month, dedicated to honoring the resilience of the millions of people living with a history of cancer, supporting ongoing survivorship journeys, and recognizing caregivers, clinicians and researchers. It is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community. Movement plays an important role in life after cancer treatment. Something as simple as walking can help improve strength, reduce fatigue, support heart health, boost emotional well-being and restore confidence. As you take your walk, pause for a moment to reflect on the courage and perseverance of survivors, caregivers and families who face the challenges of…

Marsh Regional Blood Center is experiencing a critical shortage of O-positive and O-negative blood types and is asking eligible donors to give this week. O-positive and O-negative blood are essential for emergency trauma care, surgeries and ongoing hospital needs across the region. O-negative is the universal donor type used when seconds matter and patient blood type is not yet known. To help increase donations, Marsh Regional is offering a $25 Food City gift card to all O-positive and O-negative donors who give through June 19. Donors are encouraged to visit any of Marsh’s three locations: Johnson City Kingsport Bristol Mobile locations Tuesday, June 16 Food City Wednesday, June 17 Johnson City Medical Center Hawkins County Memorial Hospital Thursday, June 18 Universal Fiber Systems Sycamore Shoals Hospital Food City Friday, June 19 Rehabilitation Hospital of Kingsport Ridgecrest Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Holston Health and Rehab Senior Living All donations directly support patients in hospitals served by…

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens, or something important in how we deal with those pathogens, that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting external urinary catheters, which are placed on the skin rather than inside the bladder. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist.

Join the launch of a new peer-led networking and development opportunity for non-supervisory team members ready to build on the leadership skills gained through the Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP). Hosted by our Organizational Development team, this network is your opportunity to connect with colleagues on a similar journey and help shape the conversations and development opportunities that matter most. The June launch session is open to all team members interested in learning more, subsequent sessions will be exclusive to ALP graduates. Why participate? Launch Session: Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to noon Topic: What ALP Can Do for You! Hear directly from ALP graduates who have translated their experience into promotions and career growth. Sessions will be held monthly, with rotating times to accommodate varying schedules. Future topics will be driven by participant input. For more information or to register, please see the flyer below. You can access the meeting via Microsoft Teams by tapping on…