Chairman/CEO - Ballad Health. Vice Chair, Florida Board of Governors. Former Secretary of Health Care - Florida and Louisiana, Fmr Executive Committee RPOF
@realDonaldTrump
Mr. President. SHUT UP. Any death, whether one or 3,000 is a tragedy. That doesn’t mean you caused it, and its not about you. Show compassion for the families. Learn what we can so future response can improve. Honestly....
1100 cases and counting. This is where California was a few days ago with 10 times the population. Wake up national media- New Orleans needs help and better coverage of this. Still need PPE and testing kits.
His plan to stockpile anti-virals came to pass in the 2009 pandemic. We used them. Having worked for
@JebBush
, it’s no surprise that his brother leaned in so hard. That’s just how they are.
THREAD: I just spent 3 days with frontline workers at hospitals in a part of Appalachia where hospitalizations have more than doubled in the last month. But hospital staff say many in their hard-hit communities still don’t believe COVID is real. Misinformation is rampant.
Please pray for Dr. Daniel Lewis. He's a young, incredibly bright and well respected Doctor in Greeneville, TN. He's our Chief Medical Officer. He's in an ICU on a Ventilator. The entire
@BalladHealth
family is raising you up in prayer, Dr. Lewis. You are loved.
@ASlavitt
@CNN
@donlemon
This next few weeks could feel like watching a slow moving train wreck. 300 employees out on quarantine, hundreds of contract nurses, nurses stretched, 233 Covid+ inpatients and rising, and deferred non emergent surgery. All happening now with models showing it getting worse
@tchapmanonline
You deserve every bit of the spotlight,
@tchapmanonline
.
@lukecombs
did us all a great service by covering you, and it is so great to see you back out front where you belong! And you look fantastic!!! God bless!
Believe it or not, people have actually expressed doubt that the refrigerator morgue outside JCMC is real. It is, folks. Our future for the next month is written. It’s likely to be very difficult. Pray for our front line caregivers. Pray they keep at it.
@ASlavitt
Thanks
@ASlavitt
as always for your comments and support. We are now using refrigerated portable morgues. Our nurses are exhausted but fighting. And yet, people still don’t believe. It will be refreshing to have national voices who will speak for our nurses and doctors.
More kids are getting COVID-19 now because of Delta Variant. Hospitalization is not the only concern. Long Haul symptoms, MIS-C, Brain Fog, and other complications may follow for a long time. COVID-19 IS NOT LIKE THE FLU. Please protect your kids.
On Friday morning,
@BalladHealth
had 352 inpatients with Covid. This morning, that number has grown to 387, with 90 in the ICU and 65 on ventilators. On this Labor day, i'm grateful for our nurses, doctors and other heroic health care workers who showed up and leaned in.
@DashaBurns
took three days to talk to, and listen to, nurses on the front lines. She and
@NBCNews
really are the ones who did the public service,
@NickensFL
, but
@BalladHealth
felt an obligation to share what we are seeing and to be forthright about the misinformation
A true public service by
@alevine014
and
@BalladHealth
to provide the access for a journalist to accurately report the devastating impact of
#covid19
and misinformation.
And while this nonsense plays out in our cherished Capitol, inspired by the President and his words, more Americans suffered and died from COVID. I’ve never been more wrong about placing my trust in someone than the day i walked into that voting booth and voted for Donald Trump.
Today,
@GovRonDeSantis
will announce that US News has moved
@UF
up to
#7
among public universities- its highest ranking ever. Our goal was to get into top 10. Now on our way to Top 5.
@FLBOG
is the
#1
ranked university system in the nation! 3 years in a row!
Look, what
@coach_bnapier
said was unfortunate/easy to interpret as an insult. But his real message, however inartfully stated, was for the players to focus on their jobs, and not let the criticisms get in their heads. Social media can be tough, and criticism warranted, but it
Billy Napier explains "rural central Florida basement" comments from Monday.
"A terrible choice of words. Obviously, I didn't explain myself the way I should have there... I want to make it very clear, that was not my intention there."
🔗:
Nearly two weeks after the ACC raised the stakes in its legal battle with FSU by filing an amended complaint in North Carolina Superior Court, FSU’s attorneys filed their amended complaint Monday in Leon County.
And it was a scorcher.
Details here:
So great to be with
@ScottStricklin
and Ann Stricklin to celebrate our new
@FloridaGators
Hall of Fame inductees on Florida Field the night before a HUGE game vs Auburn!
@rcamd
@JAMA_current
Invest in social determinants. Stop measuring averages and start focusing on disparities very publicly. Bring services into communities and out of ERs. Get more people a regular source of care and more mental health access.
Regardless of our politics, I hope we can agree that watching three presidents of different parties eloquently, and with empathy, eulogize a man who carried generations of black children on his shoulders was moving and demonstrated the underlying goodness of America.
The moment a President is told “America is under attack”. He was sitting in front of 12 cameras and a room full of young school children. His reaction was presidential and thoughtful.
@VanJones68
@jaketapper
I don’t know you,
@VanJones68
, but you have my prayers for the loss of your beloved mother. I respect your passion, though I don’t agree with you much of the time. Godspeed.
As I sit here at
@FAMU_1887
, and take in the history and meaning of this institution, I’m even more determined to work with Dr. Robinson to make it not only the
#1
HBCU in America, but one of the most relevant institutions in America. FAMU is a jewel for Florida.
That moment when a highly respected national health care leader articulates in four sentences why
@BalladHealth
was created. I love it when people of different political persuasions think so much alike. This is literally the purpose of Ballad Health.
@rcamd
@JAMA_current
Invest in social determinants. Stop measuring averages and start focusing on disparities very publicly. Bring services into communities and out of ERs. Get more people a regular source of care and more mental health access.
And this is why I will forego 100% of my pay over the next 60 days, and will contribute 100% of it to the
@BalladHealth
foundation employee assistance fund. This fund is intended to help team members who face difficulty. So many people, from all walks in our community....
Let me get ahead of those who will accuse
@BalladHealth
of scare tactics by sharing this picture. Our morgue is full again. And yes, we think this should scare you. We are scared. If it doesn’t scare you, stop and think about humanity.
You misspelled “Enjoy taking some time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, the people who died and those who have been injured. That’s what this weekend is about”.
Thank you
@PhotonProfessor
for the innovation in using 3D printing to make protective masks for our
@BalladHealth
team members!!! And thank you,
@EastmanChemCo
for donating the materials! This is incredible community support for
@BalladHealth
and our team!!!! ❤️🙌🏻👊
Folks, just remember...no matter what the challenge, no matter how steep the hills are, God has got this. God knows what he’s doing. Let him work on you. Merry Christmas and whatever your faith, let God in!! He won’t fail you.
Thankfully, real life is not social media. The anger, toxicity and nastiness in social media makes me sad for those who find their purpose this way. Real life is full of inspiring people who joyfully go about making a real difference. They lift others up, not tear them down!
My testimony before the US Senate yesterday. The Area Wage Index calculation was intended originally to help rural and non-urban hospitals. Now it hurts them. Senate Bill 397, a bipartisan bill, will help rural America.
@ASlavitt
So, this is pretty cool. Thank you,
@Nasdaq
, for recognizing the work of the
@BalladHealth
heroes!!! This was posted by Nasdaq in Times Square!!! This was a nice surprise.
New record number of COVID inpatients at
@BalladHealth
374 inpatients. 84 in ICU, with 66 of those on vents. Some of the deaths, and those who are seriously suffering, are shockingly young. Children losing young parents.
They just got $5,000 of it.
@BalladHealth
, (Laughlin Memorial and Takoma Regional) are in for $5k. We are so proud of these guys, the class with which they compete and the decisive way they win. Congratulations guys. You deserve this.
@ghsfootballstat
Greeneville brought home a state championship for the second year in a row...but I found out today they are already in the process of trying to raise $25K for those state championship rings. Story tonight on
@WJHL11
at 6.
Nearly 550 people COVID related deaths in our 21 county
@BalladHealth
service area. If a single event happened causing this many deaths, we’d all be outraged and demanding action. This is no joke people. More will die. It’s already certain.
@ASlavitt
@donlemon
@CNN
I will be on CNN at 8:05am to discuss our concerns about COVID. Another heavy day in pediatric ER yesterday and now up to 7 kids inpatient with 4 in PICU. One school system closed today - not enough bus drivers or teachers.
Will always fondly remember time spent with these two amazing people. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like family. I am in awe of them and the entire Bush family. Was so fortunate to serve with
@JebBush
Love all of them.
Many of our health care team members are being economically affected by the slowdown in elective procedures. It’s heartbreaking to see it. At the same time, health systems serving communities like ours - with higher poverty, fewer people commercially insured, and now....
The more the virus spreads, the more likely we will see variant mutations unhindered by the vaccine. A choice not to vaccinate, you are not only hurting yourself, but putting others at risk. That’s just a fact. Delta variant is here, and hospitalizations are increasing again.
It was great spending some time with Charles Barkley! Aside from the whole Auburn thing, he’s an awesome sports fan and athlete. Yes,
@juliebe25071592
, I’m looking at you!!
My wish for everyone today is that each can find something to be truly joyful about, and that we each can find a way to lift someone else up with our words or actions.
Today, a 16 year old boy left
@NiswongerCHosp
after 44 days in the hospital with COVID. This young man has been on a ventilator for most of his time in the hospital.Our team did what they were trained to do. And today…he left the hospital! This is a huge victory. God is Good.
Today, we celebrate. 🪁
Conner left NsCH this afternoon via the
#VictoryWalk
after 44 days in the hospital due to COVID-19.
This team has worked so hard, supporting our clinical team and our community, and today, we celebrate this victory together.
#WhereHopeRises
Congratulations,
@elonmusk
! The best place in America to relocate
@twitter
would be to the
@AppHighlands
!!! The beautiful mountains of NE Tennessee/SW Virginia!!!
Out on a limb here, but the word “Amen” is derived from Hebrew, meaning “truth”, “it is so”, or “certainty”. What’s this weird nonsense turning it into a gender thing? I’ve been praying a lot lately, and hope everyone will. And i hope, with your prayers, “it is so”. Amen!
This is a stressful time for many people in the Appalachian Highlands. PLEASE, if you feel depressed or just need to talk to someone, call Frontier Health at 877-928-9062. Getting help is a strength, not a weakness! Love yourself and get help!
@AppHighlands
So proud of this young man. Courageously fought cancer, kept his poise and never forgot he’s still a kid. And now, honor roll!! We should all have his maturity and courage. The world is way better because you are in it, Ben!!!
@ASlavitt
100%,
@ASlavitt
. This is why
@BalladHealth
is investing in child food programs, like weekend backpack and other initiatives. Hunger should not happen to kids.
I applaud any of our political leaders who understand that the Delta variant is different, and we should take every possible step to protect children in the coming weeks as schools open. We should all applaud leaders who protect our kids.
Of the 1,580 doctors responding to a survey in the
@AppHighlands
region of SW Virginia/NE Tennessee, 97% report they have been fully vaccinated. These are the people with the best information on vaccine effectiveness and risks. They are voting overwhelmingly for the vaccine.
When people go on twitter and say ugly things about, or to, other people, it says more about the people saying ugly things than it does those whom they are targeting with ugliness. I take joy in respectful dialogue and disagreement & pity for those who look to insult others.
@BalladHealth
is so proud of the
@DBHS_Band
!!! Class AAA National Champions! Going to the Tournament of Roses Parade to represent our region. Proud to announce Ballad Health will match up to $15,000 of contributions to help the kids get to the Rose Bowl!! Let’s help them!!!
Heavy heart this morning thinking about slain Police Officer Michael Chandler. Married 2 weeks ago, and killed yesterday on his birthday in service to others. 29 years old. All the people of
@wisecountyva
are in Laura’s and my thoughts this am.
Unfortunately, we have arrived. With 362 in-house this morning, 83 in ICU with 64 on vents - its an unfortunate milestone. People are dying as well. Young moms, beloved coaches and teachers, grandparents, spouses... All of it.
I wish everyone a happy new year! If you are struggling, in despair, or don’t feel at your best....look ahead! The new year brings opportunity. God has your back. Just don’t give up! Persevere! The best is ahead of you. 2020 will be great for you!
Pleased to announce that
@BalladHealth
will be investing tens of millions of dollars to expand existing 2 child care centers, and will build up to 11 new child care centers throughout the region to serve our team members. We look forward to partnerships throughout the region!
This Sunday,
@BalladHealth
releases this tribute to all health care heroes. This special reveal could not have happened with our Angel,
@DollyParton
allowing us to use her work! THANK YOU,
@DollyParton
!! ENJOY and GOD BLESS OUR HEALTH CARE HEROES!!
The best place in America to work, live, play and pray—the
@AppHighlands
!!! Great health care, manufacturing, service, education and culture. Call us!!!
My hope for everyone: focus less on grievance, more on the opportunities we all have. Life’s not fair & we all have setbacks. A focus on the good & what God provides for us will bring more joy. That would be good, yes?
As fiercely angry as I am by what Putin is doing to Ukraine, I’m equally moved by the courageous acts of Russian people who are standing up against him, at their own risk. The people of Russia deserve so much better than Vladimir Putin.
American Olympic wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock: "I love representing the US, I freaking love living there. I love it, and I'm so happy I get to represent USA!"
Actually, yes, children get a series of four polio shots. Unvaccinated or high risk adults are recommended to have up to 3. This lady is really not very bright.
I am saddened to learn of
@BenSasse
’s resignation as President of
@UF
He is doing the right thing as a husband and father, and i respect his decision. He is a great man, and he’s my friend. I ask that everyone pray for Melissa and Ben. UF is on a trajectory for great
are facing serious economic turmoil and uncertainty. It is heartbreaking. To the degree people feel anguish, fear, depression, or anything that impacts your mental health, please seek to talk to someone. One thing is certain...YOU HAVE VALUE and you are needed/wanted.
My daughter is in this picture! One of Milligan’s first Physician Assistant graduates! A wonderful class full of young people with servants’ hearts. ❤️❤️
Milligan also celebrated the first graduating class for two graduate programs this May. The
#physicianassistant
program graduated 24 students and the
#humanities
program recognized 4 graduates. We are so proud of our grads!
Proud that Florida has two teams from the State University System in the College World Series!
@GatorsBB
and
@FSUBaseball
. Being on the
@FLBOG
I’m for all our universities…but GO GATORS!!
My time in public service was full of opportunities to help people. I found this letter today, and it gave me pause. Makes me sad that not everyone who needs help can get the Governor’s staff to intervene. But it was rewarding to be able to help. Thanks
@JebBush
&
@kmshan