Ballad Health team members donate more than $2 million to their communities during 2019
Every day, the team members and physicians of Ballad Health commit themselves to caring for patients and their families – but they also work to improve lives outside hospital walls.
The health system’s full-time, part-time and physician team members gave back more than $2 million in 2019 for causes and initiatives that benefit people across the Appalachian Highlands. The money was raised through Ballad Health’s annual team member giving campaign, as well as contributions of excess paid time off (PTO).
“Our team members are compassionate, dedicated and hardworking – and they’re generous, as well,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “This year’s level of support sends a strong message about our collective commitment to create a healthier, more thriving, region.”
The team member giving campaign raised $987,000, a nearly $50,000 increase from last year’s giving total. Team members were able to choose to support Ballad Health’s internal causes, such as those for patient assistance, Niswonger Children’s Hospital and the Team Member Emergency Fund, as well as external causes through regional United Way chapters and agencies.
In total, the top causes supported by team members were:
- The United Way: $186,662
- Niswonger Children’s Hospital: $175,308
- Team Member Emergency Fund: $173,141
- Greatest needs of Ballad Health hospitals: $143,519
- Cancer patient assistance: $117,832
- Ballad Health Foundation’s greatest need: $102,092
“Every Ballad Health team member is wholly committed to caring for patients when they’re sick or injured, but some issues – such as heating bills, hunger, literacy and transportation – can’t be addressed by bedside care alone,” Simpson said.
“Our ability to go above and beyond for patients, whether we’re helping them pay utility bills while they’re in treatment, giving them access to advanced care close to home or providing updated amenities for their families and visitors, is made possible by our team members who choose to give back and extend a helping hand to those in need.”
In addition to the team member giving campaign, team members’ excess PTO balances – amounts above the hours team member can carry each year – were contributed to the Team Member Emergency Fund and Niswonger Children’s Hospital endowment. The total amount, which was more than $1 million, was split evenly between the two funds.
“The support and philanthropy of our team members will impact our friends, family, and neighbors with life-saving care or compassionate assistance,” Simpson said. “The results of this year’s giving campaign have humbled and amazed everyone, and we’re exceptionally honored to be able to provide this support throughout our communities.”
Donations to Ballad Health can be made throughout the year. To make a gift or learn more, please visit the Ballad Health Foundation page.
