A Season of Gratitude

As I think about last week’s Thanksgiving feast and celebration, I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a fun and meaningful holiday with family and friends. I would like to share with you a few of the things that are at the top of my “gratitude list” this year:

I am thankful for family – for my wife, Erin, for my two children in college, for our parents and for our extended family members. My family has always been – and continues to be – a great source of love, support, and inspiration.   

I am thankful for each member of the Covenant Health family – for each employee, physician and volunteer who generously contributes expertise, time, compassion and dedication as we strive for excellence in everything we do.

I am thankful for our achievements in putting our patients first and delivering safe, high-quality care. Hospitals throughout the U.S. face ongoing challenges in areas such as infection prevention. Covenant Health hospitals are collaboratively addressing these challenges, and our data show significant long-term accomplishments that demonstrate continual improvement and our ongoing commitment to patient safety.

I am thankful for the visionary leaders and board members who have helped shape our health system throughout its history. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us – their thoughtful strategies and wise use of our not-for-profit resources have positioned us well for today and for the future. Our current expansion projects at Fort Sanders Regional and Parkwest Medical Centers will allow us to continue our legacy of service in a growing region.

I am thankful that surveys of employees in our area have led to Covenant Health being named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers four times in the past three years. Our designations as a top overall employer, a top employer for diversity and a top employer for women are extremely meaningful to me. I am grateful for the confidence and pride that our employees have in Covenant Health.

I am thankful for our local communities – for businesses, civic organizations and individuals who share our commitment to improving the quality of life in our region and who care for those in need, and for generous donors who contribute financially to our hospitals and programs.  

I am most thankful for the patients and families we serve – more than a million come to us for care each year. Every day we renew our pledge to put our patients first and strive for excellence in everything we do. We want Covenant Health to be your first and best choice, and we are privileged to be your trusted healthcare partner.

May you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.