Accompanied by the pops of confetti cannons, more than 100 nurses and leaders at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital cheered this morning after learning the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has awarded the hospital Magnet accreditation with Distinction, the highest honor internationally for nursing excellence and recognition of outstanding safety and innovative care for patients.

This is the third Magnet designation for Saint Joseph Hospital. The hospital received the designation for the first time in 2017. In 2022, the ANCC introduced Magnet with Distinction to honor hospitals that go above and beyond the already rigorous standards of the Magnet Recognition Program. 

The distinction is reserved for hospitals that meet the highest levels of nursing excellence and quality patient care. Saint Joseph Hospital is the first in Colorado to achieve Magnet with Distinction.

“Being the first hospital in Colorado to receive Magnet Recognition with Distinction is a tremendous honor and a meaningful reflection of the extraordinary compassion, skill and dedication our nurses, along with all our caregivers and leaders, bring to Saint Joseph Hospital every day,” said Amy Blasing, Saint Joseph Hospital president. “I am deeply grateful for their commitment to excellence and teamwork. Most importantly, this achievement matters because our patients and families can be confident they are receiving high-quality, evidence-based care from caregivers who continually strive to deliver the very best experience and outcomes.”

The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their strategic goals to improve patient outcomes. Magnet facilities meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence and are recognized for lower mortality rates, shorter lengths of stay, and increased patient and staff satisfaction. Magnet facilities are also recognized for creating an exceptional environment for patient care, forward-thinking leadership and systems that empower staff at all levels to have a voice and grow professionally. These organizations actively seek to improve care using research, innovation and continuous improvement.

With this recognition, the nursing teams were specifically recognized for surpassing benchmarks in patient satisfaction, quality of care, nursing job satisfaction, and nursing leadership certifications.

“As someone who began my nursing career at Saint Joseph Hospital, receiving Magnet with Distinction is deeply meaningful,” said Amanda Feild, Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital chief nursing officer. “This achievement belongs to our nurses, whose unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care continues to set, and exceed, the standard for our profession. I could not be more proud of our team and all they have accomplished!”

Magnet recognition means education and development through every career stage for nurses, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. For patients, it means the assurance of the best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be their best.

With this recognition with distinction, Saint Joseph Hospital is among the leaders in nursing care in the country and globally.

In August, Saint Joseph Hospital was also recognized as the Top Hospital in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report rankings of best hospitals.

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is welcoming women from across the community to join a fun and meaningful Ladies’ Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening dedicated to health and well-being. 

The event will bring women together to learn, recharge, and enjoy time with friends. Guests can expect health resources, conversations with trusted caregivers, and engaging activities created to support women at every stage of life.  

“Ladies’ Night Out is more than a fun evening together. It’s an opportunity for women in our community to connect, learn about their health, and take steps toward living their healthiest lives,” said Kevin Jenkins, Good Samaritan Hospital president. “We’re excited to welcome our neighbors to Good Samaritan Hospital on Oct. 1 and share resources, education, and support that can make a meaningful difference in their well-being.” 

Guests can speak with local healthcare providers, learn about the services available locally, practice hands-only CPR, have blood pressure checks, enjoy food, and have a chance to win prizes.  

Topics to explore include prenatal and pregnancy care, mental health resources, menopause, breast health, wellness, cancer care, nutrition, and more.  

“We look forward to showcasing the multiple women-focused health services and offerings,” said Shana Bolliger, Good Samaritan Hospital director of cardiovascular and oncology services. “As women, we often spend much of our time and energy to caring for others while putting our own health last. Ladies’ Night Out is an opportunity to change that.” 

Bolliger said the goal is for every woman to leave feeling informed, empowered, and reminded that prioritizing her own health is not selfish, it's essential.  

There is no charge to attend, but preregistration is requested. Women can register by visiting Ladies’ Night Out.  

Soft squeals of joy interrupted the quiet at the Birth Center of Denver each time a new stroller pushed its way through the door.

“You guys, look at us!” said new mom Courtney Allison, with her 6-week-old snuggled into her baby carrier.

“Yeah, we’re like parents and stuff,” fellow new mom Riley Russell responded.

Moms were beaming. After all, they’d spent several months sharing one of life’s most profound journeys together, asking tough questions, sharing personal fears and watching each other’s pregnancies – and bellies – grow. And now, here they were, with their babies.

The moms joined several others along with new dads and babies for a reunion of recent participants of CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care program offered at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital’s freestanding birth center, Birth Center of Denver.

CenteringPregnancy brings together expectant parents with similar due dates throughout the course of their pregnancy. The participants’ 10 prenatal visits are conducted in a group setting and led by certified nurse-midwives and nurses. At the start of each visit, moms-to-be, often with help from their partner, record their own health information like weight and blood pressure, meet individually with the certified nurse-midwife for a belly check, and then circle up to join group discussion.

The program combines traditional prenatal care with education and peer support, encouraging families to stay engaged throughout pregnancy while learning about topics such as relationships, nutrition, labor and birth, newborn care, postpartum recovery, and maternal and paternal mental health.

“This group-based approach to prenatal care combines the belly checks with time for discussion and shared learning about pregnancy, birth and babies,” said Heather Hagenson, Intermountain Health director of outpatient women’s programs. “Beyond that, it’s a place where parents come together and begin building connections and a community with other pregnant parents.”

Hagenson noted that these parents, who welcomed their babies in late May and June, developed especially close connections over the course of their pregnancies.

New parents, Micah Beatty and Alli Scrable, started out with different thoughts about participating in group prenatal care. Scrable, who has been a doula, liked the idea of having more time with the midwife and meeting other families.

Beatty was less enthusiastic at first.

“I thought ‘that sounds terrible,’” he said. “I’m not a very social person…it’s not something where I wanted to go through this with a bunch of other people.” He also had concerns about the time commitment; appointments take place every two weeks and are about two hours long.

But Beatty trusted Scrable. He said he was about to become a new father, which is a big change in itself, so he thought why not make other changes, too.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said. “Getting to know other people, me feeling more involved with the pregnancy.”

Beatty said he now couldn’t imagine what things would have been like if he had missed the group CenteringPregnancy care, which is how organizers refer to the appointments. “I just feel like I’ve been along on the journey a little bit more than I would have been.”

Hagenson said CenteringPregnancy emphasizes the active involvement of partners, who are encouraged to participate in every visit and the discussions.

“Families often build strong relationships during the months they spend together preparing for parenthood and creating support networks that continue long after their babies are born,” she said. “Many parents form lasting friendships and continue to support and connect with each other for years afterwards through play dates, walks together, book clubs, family picnics, and other social gatherings.”

At the reunion, each new mom shared her birth story, and each story had unique twists. Some couples delivered their babies at the Birth Center of Denver as originally planned. A few transferred to Saint Joseph Hospital for different health reasons. One mom saw her labor progress rapidly and delivered her baby in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.

They shared thoughts on pain medications, birthing tubs, and how fast labor came on or in some cases didn’t progress. Dads more often than moms recalled the exact timing of contractions and water breaking.

They discussed babies’ weight gain and strategies with breastfeeding.

“Prenatal care plays such a critical role in monitoring the health of both mother and baby, identifying potential complications early,” said Jessica Carson, certified nurse-midwife with the Birth Center of Denver. “With this model of care, we’re also helping families prepare for labor, birth, and the momentous transition into parenthood.”

The Birth Center of Denver is a freestanding birth center that uses a comprehensive approach to support pregnancy and childbirth as a natural process in a family-centered environment. As Colorado’s first and only hospital-owned freestanding birth Center, Birth Center of Denver offers a supportive environment designed to nurture families every step of the way throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. To learn more about prenatal, birth and postpartum care at the Birth Center of Denver, visit Intermountain Health.

For many people, heartburn is an occasional annoyance after a spicy meal or late-night snack. But for millions of Americans living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition can become a daily struggle that affects sleep, comfort, and overall quality of life.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has GERD. The most common symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation, or a feeling of fluid, food or stomach acid coming up into the chest or throat.

One concern with ongoing, active acid reflux that is poorly controlled or untreated is the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, said Emily Speer, MD, an Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital surgeon who specializes in foregut and minimally invasive surgeries to treat reflux.

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with intestinal-like cells as a protection to ongoing acid in the esophagus. This change to Barrett’s esophagus is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.

While medications can help manage symptoms, Dr. Speer said many patients don’t realize that effective surgical options can address the underlying cause of reflux.

GERD occurs when the valve between the esophagus and the stomach doesn’t function properly, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This reflux can cause the familiar burning sensation known as heartburn, but symptoms often extend beyond that.

“Many people associate reflux with heartburn, but it can present in other ways,” Dr. Speer said. “Chronic cough, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and even chest pain that mimics a heart attack can sometimes be caused by reflux.”

Many GERD patients take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole to reduce stomach acid. 

While these medications can relieve symptoms, they do not stop reflux from occurring. Instead, they reduce the acidity of the stomach contents that flow back into the esophagus.

“Medications can make reflux more comfortable, but they don’t fix the underlying problem,” Dr. Speer said. “When we’re thinking about long-term solutions, we want to focus on stopping the reflux itself.”

Patients may benefit from a surgical evaluation if medications no longer fully control symptoms, if they have a hiatal hernia, or if they want to reduce or eliminate their need for long-term medication.

Many people are familiar with fundoplication, a procedure that has been used for decades to treat reflux. During the surgery, part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the valve that prevents reflux.

Some patients may qualify for incision-free procedures performed through a scope that help reinforce the reflux barrier without traditional surgery.

Another option is a procedure that uses a small ring of magnetic titanium beads placed around the lower esophagus. The device helps recreate the function of the body’s natural reflux barrier while allowing patients to swallow normally and have excellent reflux control.

Dr. Speer said the key is to match the right procedure to the right patient.

This is something Kathleen, a 78-year-old Montrose woman, learned. 

She saw Dr. Speer after learning she had complications from a hiatal hernia, where the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm. In Kathleen’s case, it impacted her breathing and caused her to need supplemental oxygen. She also suffered from reflux.

Dr. Speer repaired the hernia and performed surgery to stop the reflux. Kathleen said she has not had any concerns with her oxygen levels or reflux since having surgery.

She connected with Dr. Speer over a common interest in their daily devotional readings and appreciated how easy it was to talk with the surgeon. “She was my angel.”

Before recommending treatment, Dr. Speer said patients undergo specialized testing designed to assess how the esophagus, stomach, and reflux valve are functioning.

“We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach,” she said. “Our goal is to understand what’s happening anatomically and functionally so we can restore the system to normal as much as possible.”

The program also follows patients after surgery and measures outcomes to ensure long-term success. Patients undergo repeat testing about a year after surgery to confirm the repair is working as intended.

### 

When a Colorado woman in her 70s first noticed blood in her urine, she knew something wasn’t right. She brought it up with her doctor, and a urine test confirmed there was blood. 

She was referred to a urologist, beginning a years-long journey with bladder cancer and help from Shandra Wilson, MD, a urologist at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital. 

For this Colorado woman, who asked that her name be withheld to protect her privacy, the cancer was caught and contained within the bladder. 

That mattered. When bladder cancer is found early, there are often more treatment options. Still, early-stage bladder cancer can come back, which is why follow-up care remains important.

Over the years, she tried several treatments, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and gene therapy. 

The cancer either returned after treatment or did not fully go away. 

When it came back again, Dr. Wilson talked with her about the next option: removing her bladder and creating a new one, called a neobladder.

A neobladder is a new pouch made inside the body to store urine after the bladder is removed. Surgeons use about 18 inches of the small intestine to create the pouch, place it where the original bladder was, and connect it to the ureters to carry urine from the kidneys, and the urethra, to out of the body.

It was not an easy surgery. She spent time recovering in the hospital and continued rebuilding her strength at home.

A neobladder does not work exactly like a human bladder. People often need to learn a new way to empty it, using abdominal muscles and certain body movements. 

Some people may also need to use a catheter if the neobladder does not empty fully. Loss of bladder control can happen after surgery, especially early in recovery, and follow-up care is needed.

For her, there was one point of reassurance: because the neobladder was made from her own tissue, she understood that rejection was not a concern.

Today, she is focused on getting stronger and returning to the activities she enjoys with her family.

Staying active in ways that felt manageable, she believes, helped her through recovery. Her doctor encouraged her to keep moving and keep doing what she could.

Bladder cancer often starts in the cells that line the inside of the bladder.

One of the most common signs is blood in the urine. It may look red, pink, rust-colored, or cola-colored. Sometimes the urine looks normal, and blood shows up only on a lab test. Other symptoms can include frequent urination, painful urination, burning with urination, urgency to urinate without having an infection or back pain.

Blood in the urine does not always mean cancer. It can also happen with an infection, kidney stone, or other conditions. But it should not be ignored. If you see blood in your urine or have urinary changes that worry you, make an appointment with a doctor.

Some people have a higher risk of bladder cancer. Risk factors include smoking, age over 55, being male, exposure to certain chemicals, previous cancer treatment, chronic bladder inflammation, and a personal or family history of cancer. 

But bladder cancer can also affect people who do not have obvious risk factors.

That is a key reason the woman wants people to pay attention.

Her first sign was simple: blood in her urine. She spoke up. Her doctor checked it. And that one conversation helped start the care she needed. She also connected with a care team that stayed with her.

“She was with me the whole bit,” the woman said of Dr. Wilson.

Now, as she continues rebuilding her strength, she is focused on what comes next.

Don’t ignore blood in your urine

Dr. Wilson recommends that you talk with a doctor if you notice:

• Blood in your urine, even once
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Urinating more often than usual
• New urgency to urinate
• Back pain or other symptoms that worry you

These symptoms can have many causes. A doctor can help find out what is going on and recommend next steps.

                                                                                                      ###

For years, Sylvia learned to work around chronic back pain.

The 67-year-old Fort Lupton resident said discomfort had been part of her life for decades, but it became significantly worse during the last 10 years.

"If I cleaned the bathroom or vacuumed the floor, I was in bed for the next day and a half," Sylvia said. “I was always in pain."

Like many people with ongoing back pain, Sylvia believed arthritis was largely to blame. She managed symptoms with medications for years until stomach issues forced her to stop one of the treatments she relied on. 

Seeking answers, she visited a pain management clinic, where imaging revealed a more complex issue and led to a referral to Frank Walch, MD, a spine surgeon at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.

Dr. Walch reviewed her diagnosis and discussed several treatment options. After learning more about her condition and the likely progression without intervention, Sylvia decided to move forward with a new style of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure at the L5-S1 level of her spine.

"I wanted to spend my retirement years being able to care for my great-grandchildren," she said. "I wanted to help my family and enjoy my life."

Before surgery, Sylvia focused on preparing physically by building core strength with chair exercises and following her care team's recommendations to stay active. She underwent surgery in July 2025, spent one night in the hospital, and returned home the following afternoon.

"I was shocked at how minimally invasive it was," Sylvia said. "It was less invasive than I even thought it would be."

Her recovery required patience and discipline. For six weeks, she avoided bending, twisting, and lifting before beginning physical therapy. She continued her exercises on her own after formal therapy ended and credits that commitment for helping her achieve a strong recovery.

One year later, Sylvia said the results have exceeded her expectations.

Today, she regularly walks a mile with her husband and their greyhounds, manages stairs without difficulty, and helps her daughter with household tasks. Most importantly, she can care for her three great-grandchildren, something she wasn't physically able to do before surgery.

"I can get up and down in the pickup truck. I go for walks with my husband. I can go up and down the stairs 10 times a day and I'm okay," she said. "I could not do that before."

Sylvia admits she initially had concerns about spine surgery. She had heard negative stories over the years but chose to focus on the information provided by her care team and advances in modern surgical techniques. 
"Medical care has come so far," she said. "A lot of the horror stories people hear are from years ago when procedures were much more invasive."

Looking back, Sylvia believes preparation, a positive attitude, and having a care team she could trust played an important role in her success.

"It has been life-changing," she said.

For Sylvia, success isn't measured by scans or medical appointments. It's measured in everyday moments, from walking the dogs to spending time with family.

"Now I can take care of my great-grandchildren, help my family and enjoy my retirement," she said. "That's what matters most." 
 

Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver has been recognized by EMS for Children Colorado with a Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) designation, confirming the hospital’s emergency department is equipped, trained, and organized to deliver high-quality care for infants, children, and adolescents.

Intermountain Health’s Northglenn freestanding emergency department has also earned COPPER designation, becoming the first and only freestanding emergency department in the region to achieve this recognition.

In the United States, approximately 83% of children seeking emergency care are treated in general emergency departments rather than specialized pediatric facilities. 

Research shows pediatric-prepared emergency departments can reduce pediatric trauma mortality by up to 60%, highlighting the importance of readiness in community hospitals.

The COPPER designation reflects a comprehensive review of pediatric emergency preparedness, including specialized staffing, ongoing training, pediatric-focused protocols, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

At Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital, this work is driven by a multidisciplinary Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) team made up of emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing leadership, and frontline nurses. 

The team leads pediatric-specific education, quarterly mock trauma scenarios, and chart reviews to ensure the highest standard of care for young patients.

Simulations regularly bring together physicians, nurses, lab, radiology, and patient access teams, reinforcing that pediatric readiness is a shared responsibility across the emergency department.

“Every child deserves access to exceptional emergency care when they need it most,” said Ryan Paterson, MD, emergency department chairman at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital. “Achieving this COPPER certification reflects our commitment to clinical excellence and our investment in ensuring our emergency departments are fully prepared to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and support teams who work every day to provide safe, timely, and compassionate care to the children and families we serve.”

The COPPER designation assures patients, families, and EMS partners that Saint Joseph Hospital and the Northglenn emergency department are prepared to care for children of all ages, from newborns to teens, with specialized equipment, training, and protocols designed to quickly and effectively recognize and treat serious illness or injury.

Brian Saracino uses the phrase “an interesting twist” often when he talks about himself. He’s had many interesting twists throughout his life including a car accident that led to the discovery of a lung nodule that turned out to be melanoma.

Three years ago, a car made an illegal left turn in front of him, as Saracino moved through a green light, causing an auto accident on Kipling Avenue. His chest and knee were banged up. He was evaluated at the hospital with medical imaging and was fine except for damage to his left knee. Then, five months later during a wellness exam, Saracino’s personal physician mentioned that a lung nodule was visible in one of those scans. Nothing to worry about, the physician said, but they would watch it.

The nodule grew. After a year of continued growth, doctors scheduled Saracino for what was to be a simple surgery to remove the benign growth. However, the nodule wasn’t benign. They removed one-third of his lung along with 16 lymph nodes. The nodule was cancerous – specifically melanoma that had spread to his lung.

Saracino learned that skin cancer spreading to an organ is rare. He began treatment as the cancer metastasized to his neck and shoulder area, back and at one point to his brain.

“The good news,” he joked “is that it proved I actually have a brain.”

His cancer was stage 4, which means it had spread from its original location to distant parts of his body. Stage 4 cancers are advanced and often harder to treat successfully. Saracino said at that point a provider asked him what his plans were, implying that he had the choice whether to continue treatment or stop, effectively ending his life.

“I told her my plan was to keep working through this and take this one step at a time.”

Jeffrey Owsley, DO, a medical oncologist with Intermountain Health Cancer Centers of Colorado, said about 3% of melanomas present in situations where the primary lesion hasn’t been surgically removed and cancer is found as a distant metastasis, or as cancer cells that separated from the primary lesion and travel to a different part of the body to form a tumor.

“These can occur in sites with little to no sun exposure,” Dr. Owsley said. “One challenging aspect of melanoma is that it can metastasize to anywhere in the body.”

“Luckily, Brian has had a great response to immunotherapy, and he currently has no evidence of cancer.” Dr. Owsley said.

Saracino, who is now 68, had seen a dermatologist for full body skin checks annually since he was 25, but looking back there was confusion as to whether anything of concern was ever found. The dermatologist said he’d never found melanoma but later said a spot had been removed. Another “interesting twist,” Saracino said.

Today, he feels good. He has had side effects from immunotherapy but manages those with medication.

Yet another twist to the story: Years before his cancer diagnosis, he stood by his brother, a highly decorated Denver Policeman who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Saracino cared for his brother for six years until his brother passed away from the disease.

He also saw his father die from acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, which he described as “a tough one.” Both of those diseases give him a perspective about his own cancer diagnosis.

“Things could be worse,” he said. “Cancer is certainly challenging, and dementia is also.”

But Saracino shared that he feels so fortunate for the wonderful medical care his doctors have provided, using some of the latest medical technology in cancer care.

He also has a prevention message: “Take the simple steps necessary. Find a good sunscreen and take care of your general health,” he said. “If there is a twist, take that one step at a time.”

Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital is welcoming women from across the community to join a fun and meaningful Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, July 28 from 5 to 8 pm, MT, an evening designed to celebrate wellness, connection, and the power of prioritizing your health.

The event will bring women together to learn, recharge, and enjoy time with friends. 

Guests can expect health resources‑, conversations with trusted caregivers, and engaging activities created to support women at every stage of life.

“Women carry so much for their families, workplaces, and communities,” said Noah Knisely, president of Intermountain Platte Valley Hospital. “Ladies Night Out is our way of creating space just for them—where they feel supported, encouraged, and reminded that their health matters.”

Guests can connect with local healthcare providers, learn about the services available locally, practice hands-only CPR, have blood pressure checks, practice line dancing, enjoy food, and have a chance to win great prizes.

Topics to explore include labor and delivery services, mental health resources, breast health, women’s heart health, cancer care, blood pressure checks, menopause care, and more.

Gentry Johnson, nursing director for inpatient services at Intermountain Platte Valley Hospital, has great memories of the previous Ladies Night Out events that were held annually prior to the pandemic.

“The event is always packed and filled with enthusiasm,” she said. “It is truly exhilarating to witness the positive impact these gatherings have on the women in our community.”

From offering health screenings, educational resources, refreshments and giveaways to providing therapeutic benefits of laughter, each year brings a unique sense of fulfillment, Johnson said. “Volunteering at Ladies Night Out quickly became something I eagerly anticipated each year.”

Tickets for the event are available for $25 and can be purchased online at Ladies Night Out.

Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital is asking the community to respond to a critical need for blood and show support for local first responders at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on July 16. 

Appointments are limited, and donors can register now.  

In the Battle of the Badges, blood donors can schedule an appointment and choose a team (fire or police) that will receive credit for each unit donated. The team with the most units collected during the drive will win this friendly competition.  

Appointments are open between 8 am and 1 pm, MT, Thursday, July 16. The event will take place at the Learning Center in Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, 12911 W. 40^th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Colo.

“We’re asking that residents of Jefferson County step up and donate as we move into the active summer season. It’s vital that we have enough blood to treat patients who are undergoing surgeries and procedures, as well as trauma patients who are brought in from the scene of an accident who are fighting for their lives,” said Kaci Lawrence, pre-analytical lab coordinator at Intermountain Lutheran Hospital.  

Every donation saves multiple lives, Lawrence said. One whole blood donation can help multiple patients when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma, and platelets.

While all blood types are needed, Type O (both O positive and O negative) are in high demand. Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage.  

“It is the blood type used for the majority of our trauma patients,” said Lawrence. “Type O negative is the universal donor blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is a no time to determine the blood type of female and pediatric patients in the most serious situations.”  

Type O positive is the most common blood type and can also be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.  

To make an appointment to donate during the Battle of the Badges event, visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=x6FqFFLekThtNCfzOn*2Bhraut5AXviqIP0GOBi6MTCrQ*3D__;JSU!!HnyL5y5g8FOd9kGaVA!GOuQjiwcgSL3rxX79nox613NJ2af---GavDtz53QlZL7F0EVdyrRpuNdyCEJeVdi3IbLA9BaqGZTxNWEvehJpA$ . 

When Stephen Cote woke up for work two years ago, it felt like an ordinary morning, until it wasn’t. 

“All of a sudden, things didn’t work right,” Cote said. “My arm, my speech, everything was off.” 

Cote was having a stroke. 

His wife, who has experience in emergency medical services, recognized the warning signs and called 911 immediately. 

“I don’t remember everything clearly,” Cote said. “But she knew right away something was wrong.” 

Jessica Telesco, stroke coordinator and nurse practitioner at Intermountain Health, said that quick response likely saved his life and helped limit the stroke’s long-term effects. 

During Stroke Awareness Month in May, Intermountain Health stroke experts say every minute without treatment can increase the risk of permanent brain injury. 

“Time is brain,” Telesco said. “The faster we identify a stroke and get a patient to the hospital, the more brain function we can preserve and the better the chance of recovery.” 

An ambulance took Cote to Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where he was treated before beginning intensive rehabilitation. 

After returning home, he continued therapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and independence. 

“It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through,” he said. 

Cote, who previously served in the military, said recovery required persistence, patience and consistency. 

He said every stroke is different, but progress comes through steady effort, support and continued care. 

“Your stroke might not be the same as someone else’s,” Cote said. “But overcoming the deficits is about the work you put into it.” 

Telesco said recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is just as important as recovery. Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision problems and loss of balance can all be signs.  

The acronym BE FAST — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time, is commonly used to help people identify symptoms and respond quickly. 

“If you notice any of those signs, don’t wait to see if they go away,” Telesco said. “Calling 911 right away can save a life.” 

Today, Cote spends time supporting other stroke survivors, using his own experience to encourage people as they navigate recovery. 

“I know some people slip through the cracks,” he said. “They weren’t always getting the care they needed.”

As a volunteer, Cote checks in with patients after they have gone home from the hospital to ask about their recovery and whether they have returned to their daily activities. 

He also helps connect them with therapy services and community resources when needed. 

The work is personal for Cote. He understands the long road to recovery and the challenges that can come with it. 

One of his proudest milestones has been returning to the mountains. An avid skier before his stroke, Cote recently made it back onto the slopes. 

“That was huge,” he said. “Getting back out there meant everything.” 

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, but many cases can be prevented by managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular medical care. 

When a stroke does happen, early recognition and fast treatment can make a meaningful difference in recovery. 

For Cote and his family, that quick decision made all the difference. 

“If we had waited,” he said, “I don’t know where I’d be today.” 

At a time when birthrates continue to fall across much of the United States, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital is seeing a significant increase in deliveries.

Intermountain St. Mary’s is experiencing a 15% increase in births compared with the previous year, while new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that national birth rates remain in decline.  

The growth is being driven by families from across the greater Grand Junction area who are choosing to deliver at Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital.  

"The national data highlights just how notable this increase is for our region,” said Holly Smith, nurse clinical leader at Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. “We’re seeing strong demand from families right here in our community.” 

One of those families is Nevaeh LeBlanc, a 21-year-old first-time mother whose son, Klyde, was born 10 weeks early on April 19. 

Following his premature birth, Klyde was admitted to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he received specialized care for severe jaundice. 

“Coming into the NICU for the first time ever in my life was overwhelming,” LeBlanc said. “But they were the sweetest people. They’ve honestly been like friends to me through all of it.” 

After spending his first days under phototherapy, Klyde has continued to make steady progress and is now gaining weight and growing stronger. 

“He’s doing really, really good,” LeBlanc said. “He seems like he’s thriving right now.” 

Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital provides childbirth services that support a wide range of medical needs and birth plans, from uncomplicated pregnancies to high-risk care, ensuring families receive individualized support every step of the way. 

“Our goal is to empower patients with choice and ensure they feel supported throughout their birth experience,” Smith said. “Whether that means a low intervention or unmedicated labor, different pain‑management options, a planned Cesarean section, or specialized care for complications, we’re equipped to meet each mother’s individual needs.” 

Care is delivered by a coordinated team of certified nurse‑midwives, OB‑GYNs, nurses, and specialty staff who support mothers, babies, and families throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery. 

Labor and delivery rooms are designed to promote comfort, mobility, and bonding, while maintaining immediate access to advanced medical technology and clinical support. 

“Providing these options within a hospital setting gives families flexibility while knowing advanced care is immediately available if needed,” Smith said. 

That advanced care includes the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Western Colorado, offering specialized treatment for premature infants and newborns with complex medical conditions. 

The NICU is staffed by neonatologists, specially trained nurses, and pediatric subspecialists, and is equipped to support babies who may require assistance with breathing, feeding, or other medical interventions. 

For LeBlanc, that combination of clinical expertise and emotional support made all the difference during an unexpected and stressful start to motherhood. 

“They’ve been really helpful, especially with me being a new mom,” she said. “They answered all my questions, helped me find resources and support groups, and were there every step of the way.” 

As national birthrates continue to decline, Smith says the local increase reflects continued trust in maternity care at Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. 

“We are proud to support families during one of the most important moments of their lives,” Smith said. 

For more information on Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Hospital maternity care, visit here. 

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The visit starts the way many of Matt Jensen’s appointments do with a quick check-in, a blood draw, and a conversation about snow. 

Jensen, 47, comes to the Intermountain Health Cancer Centers of Colorado in Golden every three weeks. After lab work, a review with his care team, and a few hours of IV hydration, he heads home with a two-week course of oral chemotherapy, followed by one week off before starting the cycle again. 

This type of routine began after a sudden health crisis in early 2021, when Jensen was 42 and focused on running his vinyl decal installation business and raising two kids as a single dad. 

“One morning I woke up really sick, I couldn't go to work, and they hauled me off to the emergency room,” Jensen said. 

Doctors found a mass in his lower intestine and removed it. Tests confirmed colorectal cancer that had spread to his lungs, liver and lymph nodes — an advanced diagnosis that can be difficult to treat and was unlikely to be cured. 

Looking back, Jensen said there were warning signs that he brushed aside. “Being busy, I ignored the signs,” he said, noting how easy it was to delay care while working long hours and parenting teenagers. 

Today, Jensen’s children are in their 20s and live nearby. He hopes to be there for their milestones — and he’s planning his own wedding next year. 

“Living with advanced stage cancer is a day-to-day thing,” he said. “I really try to stay active and not think about it.” These days, he spends time with friends on the disc golf course, travels with his fiancé and keeps tabs on a group text to see who’s heading out to snowboard each Thursday. 

Snowboarding has been part of Jensen’s life since he was 18, and he still finds time for mountain days when he’s feeling well and snow permits. He and his fiancé also take road trips and explore local trails in an older off-road vehicle — adventures, he said, that help keep life feeling normal. 

Jensen said he had symptoms before his diagnosis, but he didn’t want to slow down long enough to get them checked. That experience now shapes what he tells others: Pay attention to your body and don’t delay care. 

Jeff Owsley, MD, a medical oncologist with Intermountain Health, said that for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, treatment often focuses on extending life while protecting what matters most day to day. 

“It’s very important with any patient that we do our best to keep them alive as long as possible while trying to marry their quality-of-life aspects,” Owsley said. “He’s a very active individual, and we keep that in mind.” 

Dr. Owsley said cancer care continues to evolve, bringing new options and better ways to manage side effects that can otherwise be debilitating. “New treatments emerge,” he said, and teams keep looking for what might help each patient next. 

For Dr. Owsley, Jensen’s approach has been a reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t erase a person’s identity. “It’s just his continuation of his life,” he said. “His ability to try to live his life has been awesome to watch.” 

Dr. Owsley also sees a troubling pattern nationwide as more younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, sometimes at later stages. The American Cancer Society has reported rising incidence in people under 55, increasing about 1% to 2% each year since the mid-1990s. 

Researchers are still working to understand what’s driving the shift, Dr. Owsley said, and the answers may involve multiple factors. In the meantime, he emphasized awareness, prevention, and timely screening. 

Medical experts recommend that people at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Anyone with a family history or other risk factors should ask their clinician whether screening should start earlier. 

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer can include abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue. Symptoms can have many causes, but Dr. Owsley said they should prompt a conversation with a clinician — especially if they don’t go away. 

For Jensen, the goal is simple: To keep showing up for the people he loves and the mountains he calls home. “I really try to stay active,” he said — a focus his care team supports, one three-week cycle at a time.

When 67-year-old Maureen Morgan considered scheduling a colon cancer screening last fall, she hesitated. She wasn’t eager to go through the preparation required for a colonoscopy, so she opted for an at home stool test instead.

That choice to be screened, she says, saved her life.

The test detected precancerous signs and led to a follow-up colonoscopy, where Intermountain Health doctors removed several small polyps. A larger one could not be removed in-office and required a larger procedure at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. While surgeons were able to remove most of the mass, pathology later confirmed it was cancer.

“Obviously, when the big one turned out to be cancer, that was very scary,” Morgan said. “It was hard for me to tell my children. They are my support system.”

Morgan was soon referred to Dr. Adam Bulter, chief and medical director of surgery at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Imaging brought relief — the cancer had not spread, and surgery was scheduled.

Dr. Bulter performed the operation using a minimally invasive surgery using the latest robotic technology that allows surgeons to remove her appendix, 21 lymphnnodes, and three feet of her colon.

“Her story is a powerful reminder of why screening matters, especially during Colon Cancer Awareness Month,” Bulter said. “Finding cancer early gives us more options, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, which reduces trauma to the body and helps patients recover more quickly. Maureen truly benefited from that approach.”

Despite the extent of the operation, Morgan said the recovery was far easier than she imagined.

“I can’t really say it was horrible pain,” she said. “I only needed one oxycodone in the hospital. After that, it was just an over the counter pain reliever.”

A self-described workaholic, Morgan was back to working a few hours from home shortly after returning from the hospital and has since transitioned back to working in the office. She continues to regain stamina and takes regular walks with her daughter and their dogs.

Her family, she said, played a vital role in her healing.

“My older daughter camped out here for two weeks,” Morgan said. “She knows her mama will try to do things she shouldn’t do. They were amazing, making sure I took my medicine and was eating enough.”

Morgan says her care team also made a tremendous difference.

“Dr. Bulter was amazing. My caregivers in the hospital were great,” she said. “I feel very blessed. I thank my family and thank the Lord that I’m still here.”

As part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Morgan hopes her story encourages others not to delay screening. Current guidelines recommend beginning routine screening at age 45.

“Just get screened,” she said. “Do an at home test or go for the colonoscopy. That few hours of discomfort could be worth your life. Get tested early and act quickly. Don’t let it sit.”

Intermountain Health and National Jewish Health are offering a new minimally invasive therapy that helps patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathe easier, be more active, and improve their daily quality of life.  

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) uses small one-way valves placed into the airways to reduce lung hyperinflation. Lung hyperinflation develops when the lungs can't completely push out air during exhalation. This leads to air being trapped and the lungs overexpanding, which puts the patient at risk for heart and breathing complications. 

Currently within Denver, this therapy is only available at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital and National Jewish Health. 

“Our goal is to identify the patients who will benefit most from this therapy,” said Kristen Glisinski, MD, interventional pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. “When someone is a good candidate, BLVR can make a meaningful difference in their ability to breathe and stay active.” 

Because BLVR is effective only for select patients, individuals undergo a comprehensive outpatient evaluation before the procedure. Assessments can be completed at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital or National Jewish Health and include CT imaging, pulmonary function testing and a clinical review of medical history. Patients must meet specific lung function criteria and can’t be current smokers.  

“While valves are not the right answer for every patient with COPD, the therapy has improved the quality of life for many,” said Sohini Ghosh, MD, interventional pulmonologist at National Jewish Health. “It is a great option for a chronic disease with limited treatment options.” 

The procedure is performed at Saint Joseph Hospital using a bronchoscope and requires no incisions. Most patients are monitored in the hospital for at least three nights and continue their prescribed COPD medications after discharge. 

To learn more or schedule an evaluation to see if you qualify, call 303-514-2394. 

Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital celebrated the opening of its newest cancer center, a major expansion that strengthens access to coordinated, comprehensive oncology care for patients throughout Colorado.  

Designed over the past year with significant patient feedback, the new center reflects Intermountain Health’s commitment to creating a more comfortable and intuitive experience for individuals navigating cancer treatment.  

The space brings all major oncology services into one central location and offers expanded treatment capacity, updated clinical technology, and a layout tailored to patient needs.  

“Our goal was to build a space that reflects the dignity, comfort, and coordinated support every patient deserves,” said Sarah Pike, oncology service line director at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital. “By expanding our treatment areas and bringing services together in one place, we’re able to provide more seamless, patient-centered care.”  

As the design came together, Pike said the team focused heavily on how patients move through their care.  

“This center was designed with our patients’ voices at the heart of every decision. Every design choice, from the layout of the infusion bays to the flow between clinics, was made to reduce stress and improve comfort,” she said. “Cancer care is complex, but the experience shouldn’t feel overwhelming.”  

The new space includes two treatment and procedure rooms, eight additional infusion bays with private and semiprivate options, an expanded rehabilitation gym, and an additional mammography machine. The breast surgery clinic has also moved to the same floor as breast imaging, creating a more efficient and coordinated experience for breast cancer patients.  

The celebration also included Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and leaders from the Colorado Cancer Coalition and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, who introduced Colorado’s new Five-Year Cancer Plan. 

“This facility represents hope, innovation, and the very best in cancer care for our community,” said Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. “Addressing cancer is deeply personal to me, as I have been diagnosed with four different cancers, on four separate occasions, so I understand firsthand the challenges that patients and their loved ones face medically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.”  

Intermountain Health clinical leaders highlighted how the expanded center will strengthen cancer care across the region.  

“This is an exciting moment, not just for our team, but for every patient and family we serve,” said Kevin Dryanski, oncology service line director for Intermountain Health’s Peaks Region in Colorado. “Our mission is to continually elevate the standard of care. By expanding our space and capabilities, we’re better equipped than ever to support patients throughout every stage of their cancer journey.”  

Dryanski added that the new center positions Saint Joseph Hospital as a strong partner in statewide cancer care.  

“This expansion strengthens cancer care not just at Saint Joseph Hospital, but across the entire Intermountain Health region,” he said. “It allows us to meet growing demand while improving coordination across our oncology programs.”  The new cancer center began seeing patients Feb. 24. 

Note for Media: Additional video and images available upon request.

Caregivers at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., recently came together to create a wedding ceremony for patient Muranda “Mandy” Lambert — a moment of love and dignity shared shortly before she passed away from stage four kidney cancer with bone metastases. 

Mandy and her husband Damon Lambert had married at a courthouse, but their plans for a formal ceremony were cut short when she was admitted to the hospital in December. When caregivers Berenice Aguirre‑Acosta and Ailis Yanez, a mother–daughter team on floor 10, learned this, they immediately offered to help.  

Word spread quickly, and caregivers across the unit united to plan a wedding that would give the couple a meaningful memory during a difficult time. 

“One nurse wasn’t even working that day — he came in with his wife just to be part of it,” said Daniell Lovett, nurse manager. “Everyone was excited. People were saying, ‘We’re having a wedding?!’” 

On the day of the wedding, the hospital’s family waiting room transformed into a warm, intimate space filled with decorations, music, and emotion. Mandy and Damon were surrounded by friends, family, caregivers, and even a group of student nurses experiencing their first week in the hospital. 

“There were definitely tears,” Lovett said. “It was beautiful.” 

Amid the celebration, Mandy reflected quietly on the steadfast support she received from Damon throughout her illness. “Since I got sick, he’s been right there by my side — hasn’t even left it,” she said. “I don’t know anybody else that would sit in a hospital for a month and not end up leaving.” 

The heartfelt ceremony wasn’t something Mandy expected, but the “I dos” shared in a room full of love became possible through the collective effort of her care team. 

For the team, the wedding reminded them of the heart behind their work. 

“These are the things we got into healthcare for,” Lovett said. “To take care of the person — not just the diagnosis. It’s an honor to be part of moments like this.” 

Remembering Mandy 

Mandy passed away shortly after the ceremony, leaving behind memories of resilience, humor, and a remarkable ability to find joy despite hardship. Even in her final weeks, she spoke openly about choosing gratitude and embracing moments of happiness whenever they appeared. 

“The way I look at it, I’m still here, so you’ve gotta go one day at a time,” she once said. “Life’s too short not to... you’ve gotta have fun.” 

Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital has launched a new program designed to expedite lifesaving care for patients suffering from some of the most catastrophic injuries in traumatic incidents. 

The new Direct-to-Operating Room (Direct-to-OR) initiative allows caregivers to take patients with penetrating injuries such as stabbings, shootings, or impalements directly from the ambulance bay or helipad to the operating room. This bypasses traditional emergency department processes when every minute counts. 

This approach is part of Lutheran’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. By streamlining the pathway for trauma patients, the program aims to reduce the time it takes to get into surgery, minimize complications and blood loss, and improve overall outcomes. 

“A penetrating trauma causes bleeding that is almost impossible to stop outside of an operating room,” said Jason Boitnott, Lutheran Hospital trauma performance improvement coordinator. “You need to go in and stop it.” 

Previously, when emergency room caregivers heard from an EMS crew that they were bringing a patient with this type of injury, the hospital would issue an overhead page for full trauma activation. Designated specialists from multiple disciplines would then report to the emergency room and prepare to care for this patient. Still in the emergency room, the patient would be stabilized and quickly prepared for surgery. 

“Now (people who are part of the trauma activation) go to the OR and that all takes place there,” Boitnott said. 

The goal is to move the patient from the ambulance bay or helipad to the dedicated trauma operating room in less than 2 minutes. 

Boitnott said the trauma surgeons who practice at Lutheran recommended the process change. By introducing Direct-to-OR, Boitnott said Lutheran is making advanced trauma care, including care for pediatric patients more accessible. 

“By reducing the steps between arrival and surgery, we’re not only saving time—we’re saving lives,” said Christopher Zaw-Mon, MD, trauma surgeon at Lutheran Hospital. “This program exemplifies our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible.” 

The Direct-to-OR program is the result of extensive planning and collaboration among emergency medical services, surgical teams, and hospital leadership. Dress rehearsals and process improvement initiatives have ensured that caregivers are prepared to deliver seamless, high-quality care from the moment a patient arrives. 

On Feb. 11, the teams ran through a mock exercise, testing the capabilities and readiness of Direct-to-OR. 
 

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive and high-quality cardiovascular care. 

Saint Joseph Hospital was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence for meeting accreditation criteria and ongoing performance registry reporting. 

Hospitals and health systems that have earned a HeartCARE Center designation have met a rigorous set of criteria. This includes participation in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) registries and targeted quality improvement campaigns such as the Patient Navigator Program: Focus MI, which are designed to help hospitals and institutions close gaps in guideline-based care. 

Additionally, Saint Joseph Hospital has achieved NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, and is also accredited for Cardiac Cath Lab with PCI, Chest Pain Center with PCI and Resuscitation, and Transcatheter Valve. 

Saint Joseph Hospital is ranked as High Performing in Heart Attack care from US News and World Report for all procedures including Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Aortic Valve Surgery, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Heart Bypass Surgery, and TAVR, and top star ratings as designated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), which places the hospital among the top hospitals in the nation. 

“This designation provides evidence of the elite status of Saint Joseph Hospital’s quality of cardiovascular care,” said Amy Blasing, president of Saint Joseph Hospital. 

“Saint Joseph Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Saint Joe’s with the HeartCARE Center designation.” 

Hospitals receiving the HeartCARE Center designation from the ACC have demonstrated their commitment to consistent, high-quality cardiovascular care through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement. 

Saint Joseph Hospital has proven to be a forward-thinking institution with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement. 
 

Intermountain Health will host four Heart Health Fairs on Friday, Feb. 6 across Colorado to kick off National Heart Month, reminding the community that good heart health can be a team sport.

The events in Denver, Grand Junction, Lafayette and Wheat Ridge, will give community members education and tools to help them improve heart health.

Abbie Donaldson, RN, is the chest pain coordinator at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital and spent several years working in the cardiac intensive care unit and cardiac cath lab. She said knowing that individuals can make a difference in heart health has inspired her work.   

“With risk factor modification and educating the community on heart attack care and CPR, we can come together, and we can take actionable measures to help people save lives,” she said.  

At the health fair, people can practice hands-only CPR. Donaldson said accurate, aggressive CPR started on someone who has suffered a cardiac event outside the hospital increases that person’s chance of survival by 85-90%. They also can see a demonstration of an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can be lifesaving when used with someone who has lethal heart arrythmia.   

“The best thing to do when someone suffers from a cardiac event is to start CPR, call for help and have someone go find an AED nearby,” Donaldson said.   

Other topics covered at the health fairs will include:  

• Smoking cessation
• Symptoms of heart attack or stroke
• Stroke education and prevention
• Heart-healthy exercise
• Mindfulness and stress reduction
• Blood pressure screening
• Hands-only CPR and AED demonstrations
• Nutrition and healthy snacks
• American Heart Association information and more. 

Health fairs will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, 200 Exempla Circle, Lafayette; Lutheran Hospital, 12911 W. 40th Ave., Wheat Ridge; and Saint Joseph Hospital, 1375 E. 19th Ave., Denver. In Grand Junction at Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital, 2635 N. 7th St., the event is 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 6.

Organizers encourage everyone to Wear Red for the day to celebrate the kickoff of National Heart Month.

Note: If members of the media want to attend, please contact Sara Quale, sara.quale@imail.org or call 970-310-3749, to coordinate.    

Children coming to the hospital for emergency medical care may look and act like small humans, but their needs – especially in a medical emergency – greatly differ from adults. 

That’s the premise behind Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER). 

Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette is now recognized as a COPPER Pediatric Advanced designated hospital. Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction also carries the designation.   

The COPPER designation underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional medical care to children in emergency situations. The certification, awarded by the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, ensures the highest standards of safety and preparedness for those young patients.  

Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital caregivers began the journey a year ago by updating policies, obtaining specialized equipment, and ensuring caregivers participated in ongoing education. The team had elements in place to address the unique needs of children in emergencies, and this recognition reinforces that commitment.   

“We are proud of the strides we have made in pediatric care and the positive impact it has on our communities,” said Jannice Juliano, regional service line director for emergency and trauma care for Intermountain Health. 

Juliano is the former emergency department director for Intermountain St. Mary’s Hospital and helped lead that team to achieve the designation.   

Pediatric patients comprise more than 5% of the overall annual volume of patients treated in the Good Samaritan Hospital emergency room, but those patients have unique needs. 

“It’s a lower volume, high risk population for us,” said Marian Dirks, emergency department director at Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital. “We want to make sure that we are focused on the things we need to do for the pediatric population because they’re not just small adults.”  

Intermountain Health, which has 34 hospitals in six states, continues to support pediatric readiness efforts across the system including regular meetings with the pediatric emergency care coordinators.

Talented Grand Junction, Colorado, artist Cori Ward has brought creativity and warmth to Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Cancer Centers of Colorado through her passion for painting the region’s beautiful surrounding landscape.   

The cancer center will host an open house Sept. 13 to celebrate the recent remodel and expansion which includes several of Ward’s paintings.  

Ward’s journey as an artist is a testament to her resilience and passion. A resident of Western Colorado since she was a young girl, Ward developed a love for flowers and makes that a recurring theme in her paintings. 

She pursued a degree in teaching at Colorado Mesa University and spent time teaching overseas, where she was inspired by the diverse cultures and people she encountered. Upon returning to Grand Junction, she worked with local high school youth and eventually earned a master's degree in clinical mental health. Her experiences as a grief therapist at a hospice agency further deepened her connection to art as a powerful tool for communication and healing.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ward began painting as a creative outlet and quickly gained recognition for her work. Her friends and family supported her passion project, which eventually grew into a successful art business she still calls a hobby. 

Her vibrant acrylic landscapes and florals have become a steady companion in her life, providing a simple yet profound creative outlet. She also works full time as a counselor for Fruita Monument High School.   

Over the past few years as Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital planned the expansion and remodel project, they needed to find an artist to work with as they designed the project. Oncology nurse manager Vanessa Sprang recommended Ward for the job.  

“Cori is full of love, compassion, and creative spirit,” Sprang said. “She embodies the core values of our cancer center, and her art is a visual expression of those values.”  

The hospital acquired 12 of her pieces, including canvases that make up the 20-by-10-foot mural that serves as a Celebration Wall.   

“Celebrating treatment milestones is an important part of the cancer journey,” Sprang said. “We wanted a beautiful space where patients and their loved ones could take photos of those milestones.”  

The mural, featuring Mount Garfield, aims to inspire and uplift patients undergoing treatment.  

“They told me that if people want to stay here for treatment and be close to home to receive care, then we want them to celebrate with an artist and a landscape that’s also from home,” Ward said. “They picked this giant piece as part of their Celebration Wall.”  

The public can view Ward’s work during an open house and health fair 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 13 at the cancer center, 750 Wellington Ave., Grand Junction. 

Visitors can use Entrance 25.  

Grand Junction’s tallest building is getting a facelift.  

Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital will begin installing the hospital’s sign and new logo on the building’s exterior in September, marking a milestone in the rebranding of the hospital.   

“When Intermountain Healthcare and SCL Health merged in 2022, we knew it would bring changes to our community,” said Bryan Johnson, president of Intermountain St. Mary’s and Intermountain Health’s Western Colorado market. “We have seen benefits in the form of shared medical and operational expertise as well as financial investments into the community.”   

Additionally, the hospital’s name changed in 2024 to better reflect Intermountain St. Mary’s Hospital evolving brand and vision for the future of healthcare.    

“Intermountain St. Mary's Regional Hospital represents growth, innovation, and a passion for helping people live their healthiest lives,” Johnson said. “What hasn’t changed is the high-quality care and services provided here.”   

The new signage displays the Intermountain Health logo in the colors of coral and fuchsia on a dark blue background. 

Blue represents and honors the health system’s legacy and St. Mary’s nearly 130-year history. Coral and fuchsia reflect the beauty in the natural surroundings of the Mountain West communities that Intermountain serves, which includes Western Colorado.   

Standing 12 feet tall and more than 90 feet wide, the signage will be visible from miles away, making it a new landmark for residents and visitors. 

Because of its size, the signs are made up of individual letters with a painted blue background and will be installed on the north and south sides of Intermountain St. Mary’s Century Tower.  

The installation process will be a feat of engineering, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. 

The hospital is working with Colorado-based Chambler & Sons to complete the installation over the next several weeks, weather dependent. During the installation, various areas of Intermountain St. Mary’s campus will be cordoned off for safety. There are no anticipated interruptions to patient care, air ambulance operations, or main hospital entrances.  

Once this project is complete, Intermoun tain St. Mary’s also will install a large cross to honor and reaffirm the hospital’s commitment to its Catholic health ministry. The cross is expected to be installed in the coming months.  

Work outside Intermountain Health Lutheran Medical Office Building in Wheat Ridge recently resembled an episode from Star Trek. The reality will bring down-to-earth medical care for people suffering from hard-to-heal wounds. 

Crews from Saunders Construction Inc. used a crane to hoist two hyperbaric oxygen chambers to the medical office building’s fifth floor. 

Each chamber measures 8 feet 8 inches by 3 feet 7 inches and weighs approximately 2,200 pounds. They were installed in the new Intermountain Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic. The clinic is set to open in November and will treat patients with hyperbaric therapy this winter.  

About 8 million people in the U.S. live with chronic wounds. Conditions requiring advanced wound care include diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, leg wounds caused from poor veins, and other non-healing wounds. 

Hyperbaric medicine can help patients with a range of problems including certain non-healing wounds, long term effects from cancer radiation treatment, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It can help speed up the wound healing process and help treat infection. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by placing the patient in a clear chamber that contains 100% oxygen (compared to normal room air that has 21% oxygen). This helps the body heal by growing new skin, blood vessels, and tissue. The duration of the treatment and number of visits will depend on the patient’s health condition. 

Providing outpatient wound care and hyperbaric therapy is a new service for Intermountain Health patients in Wheat Ridge, Golden, Arvada, Lakewood, and surrounding communities. Intermountain Lutheran Hospital provides wound care for hospitalized patients. Outpatient wound and hyperbaric medicine also is available at Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton.  

“Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital is incredibly excited to be able to provide a high quality of wound care and hyperbaric services coming in fall 2025,” said Matthew Ethington, Intermountain Health director of wound and hyperbaric services. “Bringing these services to our community has the potential of making a huge impact for many years to come to those in need.”  

Ethington said the arrival of the hyperbaric chambers is one milestone among many that Lutheran Hospital has marked to achieve a goal of healing complex wounds for community members. 

Four certified nurse midwives have joined Intermountain Health in Colorado to enhance obstetrics and gynecology care in the Boulder County with their personalized approach to care and commitment to helping women with low-intervention, natural childbirth. 

Virginial Nagel, CNM, Meagann Little, CNM, Jacy Jeffrey-Howe, CNM, and Valorie Hauck-Sorensen, CNM, together bring more than 40 years of experience and a personalized approach in helping patients navigate the different stages of their health journeys. 

The four see patients at Lafayette Women’s Clinic-OB-GYN, 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 470, Lafayette; and Superior Clinic-OB-GYN, 3 Superior Drive, Suite 400, Superior. They will deliver babies at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. 

Nagel said the openness, tools, and support from Good Samaritan caregivers toward low-intervention birth influenced her decision to move her practice to Intermountain Health.  

“Each room at Good Samaritan has birthing tubs where moms can labor,” she said. “They also have birthing balls, peanut balls and support bars for when mom gets tired during labor.” 

She added that if a laboring mother chooses to have medication for pain relief, the hospital has anesthesiology in house 24/7. 

“How well trained the staff members are to support natural birth surprised me,” Nagel said.  

If specialized care is needed for the baby after the delivery, Good Samaritan offers a neonatal intensive care unit, and the parents would be nearby. 

Virginia Nagel, CNM, came to Intermountain Health from another local health system and is dedicated to empowering women through education and compassionate care at every stage of life. Focused on providing comprehensive OB/GYN care, she takes a holistic approach to women’s health, supporting her patients through all phases of life—from adolescence and family planning to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. 

Outside of her practice, Virginia is an empty nester who enjoys everything about the outdoors, including hiking, camping, and reading a good book on the beach. 

Meagann Little, CNM, joined Intermountain Health in April with more than 10 years of experience providing midwifery care in Boulder County. She supports women through all stages of their lives, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. 

Her clinical interests include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), where she works closely with patients to manage hormonal imbalances and symptoms related to menopause, providing personalized care to optimize health and quality of life. Additionally, Little is passionate about normal physiologic birth, advocating for women to experience childbirth in the most natural and empowering way possible while offering education, support, and guidance throughout the pregnancy and delivery process. 

Outside of her practice, Meagann enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter, skiing, and cruising for vacation. 

Valorie Hauck-Sorensen, CNM, joined Intermountain Health on May 5. She is a certified nurse-midwife committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care for women throughout every stage of life. She offers the full scope of midwifery services, including prenatal care, labor and birth support, postpartum care, well-woman exams, family planning, and menopause management. 

When she's not in the clinic or attending a birth, Hauck-Sorensen enjoys going to the mountains, traveling, belly dancing, and scrapbooking. 

Jacy Jeffrey-Howe, CNM, also joined Intermountain Health on May 5. She is a certified nurse-midwife who provides compassionate, evidence-based care to women and families of all ages and stages.  She is passionate about partnering with patients to understand their bodies better and feel empowered in making decisions for themselves and their families.  

Jeffrey-Howe supports patients through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, and offers a full range of midwifery services including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, contraception counseling, and annual wellness exams.  

Ezra Cornell, fundador de Western Union y cofundador de la Universidad de Cornell, dijo: “La ociosidad es para la mente humana lo que el óxido es para el hierro”.

Con este pensamiento en mente, los cuidadores del Good Samaritan Hospital de Intermountain Health en Lafayette ayudan a los pacientes mayores a fortalecerse en una nueva unidad hospitalaria llamada Atención de Cuidados Intensivos para Personas Mayores (ACE, por sus siglas en inglés).

Según el Population Reference Bureau, se prevé que la cantidad de estadounidenses de 65 años o más aumente un 47 % para el 2050. El objetivo de los programas como ACE es ayudar a las personas a recuperar su salud durante y después de una estadía en el hospital.

En el Good Samaritan Hospital se atiende a una gran población de personas mayores. “Realmente sentimos que esta era una buena oportunidad para servir a esa población y a la comunidad que nos rodea”, afirmó Mary Cisneros, enfermera titulada y jefa de enfermería del nuevo programa. “Además, no es un servicio que se ofrezca en otros hospitales cercanos. Nos diferencia”.

En una visita a esta unidad, se encontrará con 30 habitaciones de pacientes al final de un piso del hospital, todas ellas acondicionadas para personas mayores de 70 años. Dos veces al día, podrá ver a los pacientes paseando, realizando actividades de manualidades y artísticas, tocando el piano o armando rompecabezas. La idea detrás de todo este movimiento es ayudarles a mantenerse activos e involucrados en lugar de quedarse sentados en silencio, solos y en sus habitaciones de pacientes.

El programa se basa en ciertos conceptos y funciones específicos.

Para aumentar la actividad, el hospital creó un puesto de técnico de movilidad. Se trata de un técnico de atención al paciente o un auxiliar de enfermería certificado que tiene una capacitación adicional para atender a pacientes mayores. Los técnicos de movilidad trabajan los siete días de la semana, y ayudan a los pacientes a caminar y a realizar otras actividades terapéuticas.

Otro elemento es el uso de rondas de visitas interdisciplinarias, que es una reunión diaria de diferentes cuidadores que pueden hablar sobre todos los aspectos del cuidado de la persona. “Implicamos a todas estas disciplinas para garantizar que cubrimos todas las necesidades del paciente en el momento oportuno”, afirma Cisneros.

Las personas que participan en las rondas de visitas diarias pertenecen a las áreas de farmacia, medicina física y rehabilitación, administración de casos, nutrición y enfermería. Cisneros y dos colegas están trabajando para obtener una certificación en un curso llamado “Mejora de la atención a las personas mayores en el sistema de salud”, y compartirán esa información con todas las personas que atienden a pacientes en esta unidad.

A través del programa de voluntarios de Good Samaritan, la unidad también tendrá actividades dos veces al día.

“Una vez más, esta es una oportunidad para involucrar a los pacientes de manera cognitiva y social y otra oportunidad para aumentar su movilidad”, informó Cisneros.

En esta unidad, las condiciones médicas de los pacientes siguen requiriendo atención hospitalaria para pacientes internados, y un médico los verá todos los días. El médico decidirá cuándo se encuentran médicamente preparados para irse del hospital.

Hasta ese momento, cuando los pacientes estén en condiciones, Cisneros espera mantenerlos ocupados y en movimiento.

“La prestación de todos estos servicios debería reducir la duración de la estadía en el hospital de los pacientes”, afirma. También debería aumentar la posibilidad de que los pacientes vuelvan a su hogar después de la estadía en el hospital, en lugar de ir a un centro de rehabilitación a largo plazo o un centro especializado de enfermería. También programas similares redujeron los costos de atención médica y la probabilidad de que un paciente vuelva a ingresar en el hospital.

Aunque este nuevo enfoque de atención de los pacientes mayores supone una inversión de tiempo y recursos para el hospital, eso no significa que los pacientes vean un incremento en su factura por este motivo, afirma Cisneros. El hospital hizo la inversión en este programa porque es una buena decisión para obtener los mejores resultados para los pacientes.

Cisneros prevé tener aproximadamente entre 15 y 20 pacientes en el programa. Existen pautas que indican qué personas pueden admitirse en la unidad: cualquier persona mayor de 70 años y que tenga un diagnóstico que lo califique para ser hospitalizado en un nivel de atención de unidad médica. No serían elegibles los pacientes que necesiten cuidados intensivos u observación por motivo de una condición médica cardiaca.

Recientemente, Cisneros y otros cuidadores organizaron una jornada de puertas abiertas para compartir información sobre el programa y mostrar los cambios que se realizaron en las habitaciones. Aunque las habitaciones de los hospitales suelen ser “aptas para personas mayores”, Cisneros explica que compraron relojes digitales grandes y equiparon todas las habitaciones con elementos que los pacientes geriátricos suelen necesitar, como cinturones de marcha para caminar y dispositivos para sentarse y levantarse.

El equipo también recolectó artículos para manualidades, rompecabezas, material para tejer a dos agujas y ganchillo, libros para colorear y un teclado pequeño y portátil para compartir con los pacientes de la unidad.

Obtenga más información sobre el Good Samaritan Hospital de Intermountain Health.

Ezra Cornell, founder of Western Union and co-founder of Cornell University, said “Idleness is to the human mind like rust to iron.”  

With this thought in mind, caregivers at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette are strengthening elderly patients in a new hospital unit called Acute Care for the Elderly, or ACE.  

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to increase by 47% by 2050. The aim for programs like ACE is to help people regain their health during and after a hospital stay. 

Good Samaritan Hospital cares for a large population of older adults. “We really felt like this was a good opportunity to serve that population and the community that surround us,” said Mary Cisneros, RN, nurse manager for the new program. “It’s also not something that is offered at surrounding hospitals. It sets us apart.”  

A visit to this unit will show 30 patient rooms at the end of one hospital floor all decked out for people over 70. Twice a day, you will see patients walking about, attending arts and crafts activities, playing the piano, or doing puzzles. The idea behind all the motion is to help them be active and engaged rather than sitting quietly, alone, in their patient rooms.  

The program is built on a few specific concepts and roles.  

For more activity, the hospital created a mobility tech position. This is a patient care tech or a certified nurse assistant who has additional training to care for elderly patients. Working seven days a week, mobility techs will help patients with walking and other therapeutic activities.  

Another element is the use of interdisciplinary rounds, which is a daily gathering of different caregivers who can talk about all aspects of the person’s care. “We are involving all these other disciplines to make sure that we are meeting all of the needs of the patient in a timely fashion,” Cisneros said. 

The people involved in the daily rounds come from pharmacy, physical medicine and rehabilitation, case management, dietary and nurses. Cisneros and two colleagues are becoming certified in a course called “Improving Care of Health System Elders,” and they will share that information with all who see patients in this unit.  

Through Good Samaritan’s volunteer program, the unit will also have activities twice each day. 

“Again, this is an opportunity to engage the patients cognitively and socially and another opportunity for increased mobility for them,” Cisneros said. 

In this unit, patients’ conditions are such that they still require inpatient hospital care, and they will be seen by a physician every day. The physician will decide when the patients are medically ready to leave the hospital.  

Until then, when patients are able, Cisneros hopes to keep them engaged and moving. 

“Providing all of these services should decrease the length of the hospital stay for patients,” she said. It also should increase the ability for patients to go home after their hospital stay rather than to a long-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. Similar programs also have lowered healthcare costs and reduced the likelihood that a patient could be readmitted to the hospital later. 

While this new focus on care for elderly patients is an investment of time and resources for the hospital, that doesn’t mean patients will see a higher bill because of it, Cisneros said. The hospital invested in it because it is the right thing to do to get the best outcomes for patients. 

Cisneros anticipates having about 15 to 20 patients on average in the program. There are guidelines to follow that dictate who can be admitted to the unit: Anyone 70 years and older and has a diagnosis that qualifies them to be hospitalized in a medical unit level of care. Patients who need intensive care or monitoring for a heart condition would not be eligible. 

Cisneros and other caregivers recently hosted an open house to share information about the program and show off changes made to the rooms. While hospital rooms tend to be “elder friendly,” Cisneros said they purchased large digital clocks and stocked each room with necessary equipment geriatric patients often need like walking gate belts and sit-to-stand aids. 

The team also collected items including arts and crafts supplies, puzzles, knitting and crocheting materials, coloring books, and a small portable piano to share with patients in the unit.  

Learn more about Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

A group of physicians at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver care for some of the hospital’s tiniest patients, but their impact on families is enormous. 

Six neonatologists work 24/7/365 in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), focusing on the medical care of newborn infants, including those who are ill or born early.  

“The neonatologists are the reason our son is alive,” said Briana Meketuk of Keenesburg, Colorado, whose son, Lowell, spent 168 days at Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital’s NICU. “We will forever be grateful for everything they did that allowed us to bring our son home.” 

Amber Gieri, MD, an Intermountain board-certified neonatologist, said her field requires intricate knowledge and compassionate caregiving skills to care for some of the most vulnerable patients. 

“The physiology in babies is very different from that of adults and requires a specialist trained in the care of premature or critically ill full-term neonates,” she said. 

The primary responsibilities of a neonatologist include diagnosis and treatment, working with healthcare teams, and guiding and supporting parents.  

Neonatologists diagnose and treat newborns with a variety of conditions ranging from respiratory distress, infections, and birth defects to more complex issues like congenital heart disease and genetic disorders. They continuously observe the vital signs and overall health of newborns and adjust care as needed to help with stability and recovery. 

Collaboration with the larger healthcare team is critical to the care provided in the NICU. 

Neonatologists work closely with nurses, respiratory therapists, surgeons, dietitians, and developmental therapists to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for each newborn. 

Dr. Gieri has been on the medial staff at Saint Joseph Hospital for six years while the other neonatologists have been there as long as 20. 

Until recently, they were employed by an independent large physician group. When that group announced it would no longer provide neonatal care at Intermountain Health, Dr. Gieri and her colleagues decided to change employers so they could maintain their work at Saint Joseph.  

“It really is a special NICU,” Dr. Gieri said. "Many factors played into all of us wanting to stay. The history of this unit is unique. It is very well established with a committed staff of nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and dietitians who are all invested in the best outcomes for our patients and their families.”  

She said the team at Intermountain Saint Joseph has a history of being progressive and patient- and family-centered. She noted the hospital was an early adopter in using donor breast milk because they recognized the benefits to the babies.  

“There is a commitment amongst all our staff and providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. That unwavering commitment made us want to stay,” she said. 

Later this spring two additional neonatologists will join the group. Together they support all four Intermountain Health hospitals in the Denver metro area.  

In addition to caring for babies, neonatologists also provide critical emotional and informational support to parents, helping them understand their child’s condition, treatment options, and prognosis. 

They guide parents on how to care for their newborn once they are discharged from the hospital. Babies and their families often stay in the NICU for several months and develop close relationships with their caregivers, she said.  

“We walk (parents) through what’s going to be a long NICU stay. It can be scary at times, but getting a baby to the date of discharge is very rewarding,” she said. “We enjoy the opportunity to partner with families, and that is key to the babies doing well.”  

Meketuk said neonatologists stopped every day and involved her and her husband in daily discussions, so they were aware of what the plan was for that day or if any changes were necessary for Lowell’s care.  

Lowell, now 2 years old, was born at 24 weeks gestation due to preterm, premature rupture of her membranes.  

“In the early days of his life when things were scary, they would always come in and check on us to make sure we were doing OK and made sure we had a good understanding of what care he was receiving,” she said. 

Meketuk said one of the hardest things about having an extremely premature baby is feeling like you are a parent. She said the care team always made sure she and her husband could do as much as possible when it came to caring for their baby.  

“We always knew our son was receiving the best care possible with the neonatologists we had,” she said.  

Intermountain Health welcomes the six neonatologists currently caring for newborns and families in the NICUs at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton, and Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. 

The physicians are: 

Amber Gieri, MD 

Anette Kunig, MD 

Ann Ryan, MD 

Brittany Butler, MD 

Corrie Alonzo, MD 

Yin Stein, MD

Intermountain Health and Gastroenterology of the Rockies have opened the new Downtown Denver Endoscopy Center to enhance patient care by offering better access and clinic experience to patients needing gastrointestinal care.

The new center is located at 1830 Franklin St. Suite 210 in Denver. It offers colonoscopy and endoscopy care where doctors use specialized medical imaging to screen, diagnose, and plan treatment for digestive conditions.

“This advanced facility is designed to enhance patient care by offering a high-quality experience for outpatient gastrointestinal procedures such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy,” said Lara Kelley, chief executive officer of Gastroenterology of the Rockies. 

The center began seeing patients in March.

The center is a joint venture agreement between Intermountain Health and Gastroenterology of the Rockies and is designed to bring quality healthcare close to where people live and work. It is conveniently located across the street from Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital.

“Intermountain Health has proudly served downtown Denver for more than 150 years, and we are excited to partner with these clinicians to support this service,” said Scott Peek, president of Intermountain Health's Front Range Market in Colorado.

Intermountain Health is highlighting awareness in March about the importance of colon cancer screenings with the “Let’s Get to the Bottom of Colon Cancer,” which features a giant inflatable colon available for public visits in the Denver metro area March 17-20.

The “Let’s Get to the Bottom of Colon Cancer” campaign aims to raise critical awareness about colon cancer and the importance of potentially life-saving screenings.  

The tour provides an interactive opportunity for the public to walk through the 12-foot long, 12-foot high, 113-pound inflatable colon, which depicts the different stages of colorectal cancer, starting with the earliest stage of a precancerous colon polyp.

“This tour is an opportunity to spread awareness to our patients and their families about colorectal cancer, knowing their risks of cancer, and the best screening tests to reduce that risk,” said Noelle Bertelson, MD, colorectal surgeon with Intermountain Health. “Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, beatable. In fact, colon cancer can have a greater than 90% survival rate when detected early.”

The American Cancer Society estimates that 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. They reported that about 53,000 Americans died from colon cancer in 2024.

“Altogether, aside from skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women in the U.S.,” said Dr. Bertelson. “An alarming trend is the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 55.”

In fact, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, people born around 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer as those born around 1958, hence the reason for the recommended screening age for colonoscopy screening being dropped to age 45.

Dr. Bertelson stresses the goal is to get the public to take control of their health and better understand that individual risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, inherited genetic disorders, or certain lifestyle choices may increase the likelihood that a person will develop colon cancer.

The only way to detect colon cancer is through screening. People with an average risk of colon cancer should start their screenings at age 45.

A colonoscopy, which is an examination of the inside of your colon, is the most effective method of screening for colon cancer, precancerous growths, and polyps. If an abnormal mass or polyp is identified during the outpatient procedure, the physician will identify the best course of treatment, which may include removing it during the procedure.

“Finding and removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent those polyps from developing into cancer,” said Dr. Bertelson. “Delays in screening could lead to a delayed cancer diagnosis. Screening can truly save a life and protect a family. We need everyone’s help to work together to prevent colon cancer across our communities.” 

Stops for the Intermountain inflatable colon tour are: 

• 10 am to 2 pm, March 17, at Lutheran Hospital, 12911 W. 40th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

• 10 am to -2 pm, March 18, at Saint Joseph Hospital, 1375 E. 19th Ave., Denver.

• 10 am to 2 pm, March 20, at Good Samaritan Hospital, 200 Exempla Circle, Lafayette.

Intermountain will have a livestream event on Facebook – Preventing and Screening for Colon Cancer. The event is on March 17 from 10:25 to 11:15 am. It can be found on the Intermountain Lutheran Hospital Facebook page. Experts from Intermountain Health will provide insights on preventing colon cancer and emphasize the importance of regular screenings. 

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For critically injured patients struggling to survive after a car crash or a fall from a high ladder or fast-moving bicycle, the difference between life and death can often be the care they receive at their local hospital trauma center.  

After a vigorous review, the American College of Surgeons has provided an additional level of reassurance to patients who receive care at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette.  

The ACS reviews compliance with specific standards and has reverified Intermountain Good Samaritan as a Level II Trauma Center.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which oversees trauma programs in the state, has designated the hospital as a Level II Trauma Center. 

A Level II Trauma Center is one of the highest levels for trauma care. It means the hospital can provide comprehensive care for nearly all major traumatic injuries and has 24/7 coverage by surgeons, specialists, and other members of the highly trained trauma team.  

“Level I and II Trauma Centers have the resources and can take care of the most critically injured patients,” said Edward Pyun, MD, trauma medical director for the Intermountain Good Samaritan Trauma Program.  

He noted that not every hospital has the community or resources to support a higher-level trauma center which makes it important for programs like Good Samaritan’s to work with smaller hospitals, share best practices and coordinate to cover all the needs of trauma patients. 

Dr. Pyun said the key to the program is a team approach. 

“Our emergency department, anesthesiology team, radiology department, surgical team, ICU, and operating room work together to provide the streamlined and efficient care that trauma patients need,” Dr. Pyun said. “It is a great team of which the trauma surgery team is just one part. We could not do what we do without them.” 

Located in south Lafayette near the intersection of U.S. 287, Northwest Parkway and Dillon Road, Intermountain Good Samaritan saw more than 35,000 emergency department visits in 2024 and admitted more than 1,100 trauma patients.  

The most common reasons for a patient visit involving a traumatic injury were falls, car crashes and motorcycle crashes.  

Trauma programs must reverify every three years to maintain their verification from the ACS. Intermountain Good Samaritan was first designated by the state as a trauma center in 2006, verified as a Level II Trauma Center in 2013 and has completed a thorough evaluation every three years to be reverified.  

“Being ACS verified means that Intermountain Good Samaritan has the training, personnel and equipment to take care of severely injured patients,” said Stephanie Vega, director of trauma services at the hospital. 

Requirements for a Level II Trauma Center also include:  

• 24/7 available surgical expertise in areas such as general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology 
• 24/7 availability of services including anesthesiology, medical imaging, emergency medicine and critical care 
• A team of experts dedicated to leading the care of complex trauma patients 
• A program for quality improvement to track cases and review outcomes 
• Community outreach programs to provide education on trauma-related issues.  

The Intermountain Good Samaritan Hospital Trauma Program also provides injury prevention education related to trauma awareness with class topics that teach about fall prevention, safe driving, Stop the Bleed, and Wilderness First Aid.   

For more information visit Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer in the U.S., and at least six in 10 U.S. adults (61%), more than 184 million people, are expected to have some type of CVD by 2050, according to recent projections from the American Heart Association. That is why the Association launched a new, lifesaving public awareness campaign in Colorado to help residents reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. Sponsored by Intermountain Health, the proud local Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. sponsor, Colorado’s “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will encourage everyone to take control of their heart health by learning their key health numbers and working with a health care professional to create a treatment plan.

The Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will launch on Feb. 7, 2025, at Heart Health Fairs at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction on National Wear Red Day. These free community events will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of each hospital. They will feature heart health education and hands-only CPR, cardiac rehabilitation information, and blood pressure checks. Saint Joseph Hospital is located at 1375 E. 19^th Ave., Denver. St. Mary’s is at 2635 N. Seventh St., Grand Junction.

As part of the Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk sponsorship with Intermountain Health, the “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will feature a year-round educational initiative focused on chronic disease prevention, a community conversation with Intermountain Health doctors, blood pressure awareness activities at Heart Walk, and a community CPR and AED readiness campaign.

“Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to your health. If you know your risk for heart attack or stroke, you can take steps to reduce your risk,” said Ruchika Husa, MD, Intermountain Health cardiologist. “Start today by working with your health care team to understand your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and create a treatment plan that works for you.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American adults, yet many risk factors can be prevented and treated. Health care professionals can test for risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and help patients control or manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. Medication management and health screenings are effective tools in addressing cardiovascular disease risks, alongside establishing and maintaining healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular physical activity and reducing stress.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

About Intermountain Health

Intermountain Health operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado and in five other western states. Intermountain is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. 

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association, 303-801-4650, Lyndsey.albright@heart.org

Intermountain Health, 970-310-3749, sara.quale@imail.org

The first baby born at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital came into the world at 3:23 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Baby girl Olive Arnold was welcomed by Taylor Ferraro and Joshua Arnold of Rifle, Co. Olive weighed 7 pounds and was 19.5 inches.

Ferraro said she was scheduled to be induced Dec. 30, then rescheduled for Dec 31 and finally delivered on New Year’s Day, so the family did not anticipate having the first baby of the year.

Olive will join older sister, Iris, who is 2 ½ years old.

Intermountain Health’s five Colorado hospitals together welcomed 8,838 babies in 2024. That is an increase from 8,780 in 2023. 

According to statistics gathered by the hospital labor and delivery teams, the most popular names for baby boys included Liam, Mateo, Oliver, James, and Noah. Some of the most popular names for baby girls in 2024 were Charlotte, Olivia, Mia, Amelia, and Camila.

To help members of the community who enjoy spending time outdoors in remote areas, Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital is offering a Wilderness First Aid Class. The class includes the opportunity to become certified in Wilderness First Aid.  

Help may be far away when you are injured or become ill while hiking or recreating in remote areas. As part of its community outreach and education efforts through the program as a Level 2 Trauma Center, Good Samaritan is working with Backcountry Pulse to provide 16 hours of Wilderness First Aid training over a two-day class Nov. 2-3. The course will teach participants how to anticipate risk and hazards, identify medical, traumatic, and environmental problems; recognize life-threatening issues; initiate basic care, and deliver a cohesive report to emergency medical personnel.  

 Dan Cheek is an emergency medicine physician at Good Samaritan and began his career after joining an outdoor leadership program in college followed by a career in ski patrol and teaching for Outward Bound.  

 “I was an avid outdoors person. I took the two-day course, and it completely blew my mind. I’d been venturing into the wilderness not knowing any of this information for years,” he said.  

 After that, he was intrigued about how to care for someone in that environment, limited to the resources you had in your backpack.  

Dr. Cheek said his first experience needing to know wilderness first aid came during that college program in a remote cabin while making dinner. A person spilled boiling water into their boot and suffered second degree burns. They had to hike six miles the next day, and Dr. Cheek said he was prepared to manage the situation well.  

He recommends the wilderness class for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 

This type of training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to handle medical emergencies when professional help is not immediately available. Here are some key reasons why wilderness first aid training is important: 

1. Immediate Response: In the wilderness, medical help can be hours or even days away. Wilderness first aid training enables individuals to provide immediate care, which can be critical in preventing further injury or complications.  

2. Life-Saving Skills: The training covers essential life-saving techniques such as CPR, wound care, and managing fractures. These skills can make a significant difference in survival rates during emergencies.  

3. Preparedness: Being trained in wilderness first aid means being prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from minor injuries to severe medical conditions. This preparedness can reduce panic and improve decision-making in stressful situations.  

4. Self-Reliance: Wilderness first aid training fosters a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies independently can enhance the overall outdoor experience and encourage more people to explore nature.  

5. Team Safety: For groups or teams venturing into the wilderness, having members trained in first aid ensures that everyone’s safety is prioritized. It also promotes a culture of care and responsibility within the group.  

6. Environmental Awareness: The training often includes education on environmental hazards and how to avoid them. This awareness can prevent accidents and injuries, making outdoor activities safer for everyone involved. 

The cost of the class is $195. The class is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Nov. 2-3. To register, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/classes-and-events/list/wilderness-first aid. Additional classes will be offered in 2025. 

For more information, email grace.greathouse@imail.org. 

Fit and fabric can make or break a bra. Just ask anyone who wears one. But who would have thought that could influence the medical outcome of open-heart surgery?

Medical professionals have long known the weight of larger breasts can strain the surgical incisions after open heart surgery and sometimes cause it to open. That’s why hospitals give patients a post-surgical bra designed to give support and avoid complications. Common practice is to dress the patients in this bra right after surgery and instruct them to wear it 20 hours a day for six weeks.   

It is not uncommon for women after open heart surgery to be vulnerable to bra-related complications such as pressure injuries and wounds at the incision site if the fit and fabric is not right.   

Cardiac nurses at Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital became curious when they cared for several women with larger breasts who were readmitted to the hospital after heart surgery. The women had wounds at their incisions or pressure injuries on their sides when the bras were too small.   

Ultimately, a patient mentioned the unmentionables, letting her caregivers know that the bra she was given was itchy and too small.    

This inspired Saint Joe’s cardiac nurses Lauren Zobec, RN, and Sarah Duart, RN, to learn more and look for a solution.   

“As long as I have been a cardiovascular nurse, we have used the same product. The fabric is scratchy and doesn’t breathe. There is a big elastic band that cut into people’s sides, and the biggest size we had just wasn’t big enough,” Zobec said. Patients get hot and sweaty thanks to hormone imbalances after surgery, and that post-operative bra just didn’t breathe.

“No wonder patients were not wearing them at home and came back in with wounds,” Zobec said. “We found lots of research about wound infections after open heart surgery.”   

That research showed patients indeed reported ill-fitting bras and ditching the bras once they got home because of the fabric.   

Zobec and Duart went bra shopping. They wanted a product that would reduce tension on the wound and have soft, stretchable material to manage swelling and moisture. The bra also needed to be available in larger sizes.   

They found that the right bra does exist. It was designed by a woman for patients after breast surgery.    

“It’s buttery soft, comfortable and supportive,” Zobec said. This new bra has openings on the sides, and it comes in sizes from small to 6XL.   

While no bras were burned, all the former “1970s-style” post-surgical bras were set aside in September 2023 in favor of the new, pink bra, Zobec said. The results: Saint Joe’s has had no post-operative wounds among the 71 female open heart surgery patients since then.    

Zobec said she’s been a cardiac nurse for 18 years and had always used the former product for patients after surgery. Duart, who has worked in other health systems agreed that that bra was the only one offered.    

When they began asking questions, the nurses had support from their leaders and the financial team that monitors supplies costs. The new bra does cost $5 more but will result in better outcomes and savings for the patient if it helps to prevent complications. By significantly reducing the chance for these complications, patients not only are more comfortable, but less prone to readmissions and complications.  

“We’re here to help patients, and I want to get this bra everywhere because it’s important and the right thing to do for these women,” Zobec said. Plus, it’s painful for the patient undergoing treatment to then have wounds and pressure injuries, she added.    

“Open heart surgery is a major thing to go through and to come back (to the hospital) because you didn’t have the right product. ... We just want to help,” Duart said.   

Zobec and Duart have submitted applications to speak at national nursing conferences to share what they have learned in hopes of bringing comfort to other heart patients throughout the country. Ingenuity, innovation, inspiration – two nurses who cared enough to search for solutions for improved patient care.  

WHAT:

Intermountain Health East Crossroads Medical Office Building in Aurora will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and members of the media are invited.

Patients can access appointments for primary care, podiatry and heart and vascular services in this new medical office building. In the coming months, Intermountain Health will add medical professionals in general surgery, orthopedics, and spine care.

“As the Denver metro area continues to grow, we are focusing on providing affordable primary and specialty care to more patients, and meeting the increased demand for quality healthcare,” said Lee Syphus, region vice president of Intermountain Health Medical Group operations.

The East Crossroads Medical Office Building is a continuation of Intermountain Health’s expansion into Aurora and the surrounding areas in the east Denver metro area. The clinic provides a connection to other east Denver clinics including Green Valley Ranch, Buckley, Copperleaf, and Brighton. The clinic also is conveniently located to Intermountain Health’s Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and Platte Valley Hospital in Brighton. “This gives patients a pathway to more options for acute care when that is needed,” said Rob Ferguson, Intermountain Health region chief medical officer.   

Construction began on the 80,000-square-foot building in spring 2023. The project was completed in partnership with Nexcore and Nuveen.   

WHEN:  

4-6 pm , MT, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024

WHERE: 

23750 E. 14th Ave., Aurora, CO. 

 Please contact Sara Quale, sara.quale@imail.org/970-310-3749, if you plan to attend 

El sábado por la mañana, Intermountain Health Lutheran Medical Center abrió sus puertas con 159 pacientes.

Al término de la jornada, las habitaciones quedaron vacías, los pasillos, en silencio, y la sala de conferencias a aproximadamente 3.5 millas, en el nuevo Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, se colmó de aplausos de los cuidadores en la celebración oficial del primer día de operación del nuevo hospital.

El sábado 3 de agosto fue el histórico día de la mudanza, que los cuidadores planificaron minuciosamente durante más de dos años.

Intermountain Health Lutheran Medical Center, el cual funcionó en Wheat Ridge por más de un siglo, cerró sus puertas de manera oficial a las 6 de la mañana. Durante las siguientes ocho horas y quince minutos, se dio de alta a los pacientes o se los trasladó en ambulancia de manera segura al nuevo Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, que abrió en el mismo horario.

El sábado a las 3 a. m., los equipos de planificación del hospital se reunieron en las salas de conferencias de ambos hospitales para hacer un recuento de la cantidad de pacientes hospitalizados, analizar el estado de salud de los pacientes y controlar el traslado al nuevo hospital o el alta a sus hogares.

Luego, comenzaron a trabajar en la coordinación de las salidas de los pacientes. Durante todo el día, aproximadamente 20 ambulancias con equipos de servicios médicos de emergencia circularon de un hospital a otro.

Kathy Crabtree, directora médica de Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, mencionó que, como se esperaba, el día fue agitado, pero que, en general, el traslado seguro de los pacientes fue todo un éxito.

“Nuestros cuidadores fueron increíbles y trabajaron mucho para coordinar el traslado seguro de los pacientes desde el anterior campus hacia el nuevo hospital”, mencionó. “No lo hubiéramos logrado sin este esfuerzo colaborativo. Sentimos mucho orgullo por todo nuestro equipo y les agradecemos enormemente”.

Durante los días previos al traslado, Heidi Boyd, enfermera a cargo de la unidad de cuidados progresivos, dedicó muchas horas a hablar con los pacientes y sus familias sobre este cambio. Pasó el sábado en el hospital anterior y ayudó a trasladar a 19 pacientes.

“Todos estamos muy emocionados de tener un hospital completamente nuevo, y los pacientes también lo están. Pero siempre hay un poco de nervios. Este edificio siempre ha estado aquí. Muchos de nosotros trabajamos aquí desde hace varios años, así que es un sentimiento agridulce”, dijo Boyd, que trabaja en Lutheran Medical Center hace 10 años.

La médica hospitalaria y directora médica de Lutheran Hospital, Ritika Patel, fue una de las líderes que trabajó en el centro de comandos en la coordinación del flujo de tráfico y fue quien informó a los médicos cuándo se trasladaría a sus pacientes.

Parte de ese trabajo implicaba garantizar que cada equipo de atención de los pacientes se trasladara al nuevo hospital con el paciente correspondiente.

“Si esos equipos atendían a sus pacientes en el hospital anterior, también lo harían en el nuevo”.

Llegado el mediodía, como la cantidad de cuidadores en cada hospital era la misma, en ese momento planificaron trasladar a los pacientes que estaban más graves.

“Es un momento de nostalgia y emoción”, mencionó la Dra. Patel, quien trabaja en Lutheran Medical Center desde su residencia. “Aquí me he desarrollado como médica. Se vienen recuerdos al caminar por los pisos del hospital y al hablar con las enfermeras que trabajaron aquí tanto tiempo como yo. Todos conocemos esa habitación. Algunas unidades me marcaron profundamente”.

La Dra. Crabtree comenzó su jornada en el centro de comandos en el nuevo hospital, y fue allí cuando los cuidadores anunciaron que se había completado el traslado del último paciente.

“Hoy tengo muchas emociones encontradas. Tengo muchos recuerdos en nuestro hospital anterior. Pasé gran parte de mi carrera allí y el edificio fue una parte muy importante de la historia de nuestra comunidad, así que me entristece dejarlo. Sin embargo, estoy muy emocionada por nuestro nuevo hospital, que se diseñó para que podamos brindar la mejor atención posible y que representa una promesa para nuestra comunidad como lugar de sanación”, mencionó.

De esta forma comienza el próximo capítulo de la historia de la atención médica para la comunidad.

Intermountain Health Lutheran Medical Center began Saturday morning with 159 patients. 

When the day ended, the rooms were empty, hallways quiet, and a conference room about 3.5 miles away at the new Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital filled with caregivers erupted in cheers as the new hospital officially celebrated its first day of operation.  

Saturday, Aug. 3, was the historic Move Day caregivers carefully planned for more than two years.  

Intermountain Health Lutheran Medical Center, which has operated in Wheat Ridge for over a century, officially closed its doors at 6 am. For the next eight hours and 15 minutes, patients were safely discharged home or transported by ambulance to the new Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital that also opened at 6 am. 

Hospital planning teams gathered on Saturday at 3 am in conference rooms at both hospitals to count the number of inpatients and review the health status of patients and monitor their transfer to the new hospital or discharge home.  

Then they got to work coordinating patient departures. Throughout the day, about 20 ambulances with EMS crews circulated back and forth between the hospitals.  

Kathy Crabtree, MD, chief medical officer for Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, said the day was hectic, as expected, but overall, very successful in safely moving patients.  

“Our caregivers were amazing and worked so hard to coordinate a safe transfer of patients from the old campus to the new hospital,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without this collaborative effort. We’re really proud and grateful to our entire team.” 

Heidi Boyd, RN, charge nurse for the progressive care unit, worked long hours during the days leading up to the move talking with patients and their families about the move. She spent Saturday at the existing hospital and helped move 19 patients.  

“I think we’re all super excited to have a brand-new hospital, and the patients are, as well. But there's those nerves. This building has been here forever. A lot of us have worked here for several years so, it’s bittersweet,” said Boyd who has worked at Lutheran Medical Center for 10 years.  

Lutheran Hospital hospitalist and site medical director Ritika Patel, MD, was one of the leaders working in the command center, coordinating the flow of traffic and informing physicians when their patients would be transported.  

Part of that work involved making sure each patient’s care team transferred over to the new hospital with that patient.  

“If they cared for them in the existing hospital, they will care for them in the new hospital,” she said.  

Because the number of caregivers at each hospital was balanced at midday, that’s when they planned to transfer the patients who were most critically ill. 

“It feels pretty nostalgic, emotional,” said Dr. Patel, who came to work at Lutheran Medical Center after her residency training. “I feel like I have grown up here as a physician. Walking through or past the floors and talking to some of the nurses who’ve been here as long as I have, and we all remember that room. Some units hit home hard.” 

Dr. Crabtree began her day at the command center in the new hospital, and it was there when caregivers announced the final patient transport was complete.  

“Lots of mixed emotions today. Our old hospital has had so many memories for me. I’ve spent much of my career there and it has been such an important part of our community’s history, that I’m sad to see it go. However, I’m really excited for our new hospital, which has been designed to enable us to provide the best care possible, and the promise it holds for our community as a place of healing,” she said. 

With that, begins the next chapter of the history of healthcare for the community.   

El Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital en Wheat Ridge, Colorado, les dio la bienvenida a casi 7500 invitados durante las celebraciones previas a la inauguración, les agradeció a los líderes y donantes y les dio un vistazo al interior del nuevo hospital de 620,000 pies cuadrados (188,976 metros cuadrados).

Intermountain Health llevó a cabo una recepción el jueves 18 de julio para los dignatarios, los donantes, los líderes del sistema de salud y los cuidadores del hospital. El sábado 20 de julio, la presidente del Lutheran, Andrea Burch, se unió al alcalde de Wheat Ridge, Bud Starker, y a las cámaras de comercio para realizar una ceremonia de corte de cinta en la entrada del hospital. Luego, se abrieron las puertas para realizar visitas guiadas de la unidad de partos y cuidados, la unidad de cuidados intensivos, la sala de emergencias y el vestíbulo principal. Los invitados disfrutaron de entretenimiento en el parque de estacionamiento y de casillas educativas sobre distintos departamentos de salud y el grupo médico de Intermountain Health.

El nuevo campus reemplazará al centro médico Lutheran ubicado casi 3.5 millas (6.5 km) hacia el este. Ese campus se fundó en 1905 como un sanatorio para tratar la tuberculosis. Al mismo tiempo que la comunidad de Wheat Ridge creció, se construyó un nuevo hospital en 1961, con nuevos edificios que se agregaron a lo largo de los años.

“La realidad es que ni siquiera una renovación nos hubiera dado los mismos beneficios que comenzar desde cero y construir un edificio completamente nuevo”, dijo Burch en el evento del día sábado. La nueva construcción contará con tecnología avanzada hoy y en el futuro.

Burch también resaltó el acceso mejorado al Lutheran, el cual en la actualidad tiene una de las salas de emergencias más concurridas de Colorado, dijo ella. El campus original se construyó en el medio de un campo. Ahora, está rodeado de casas y comercios, y el tráfico ha aumentado. El nuevo hospital está a la salida de la Interestatal 70 y la 40^th Avenue y ayudará a los servicios de emergencias médicas cuando necesiten trasladar pacientes. El nuevo hospital también cuenta con un helipuerto en el techo, con acceso directo a las salas de trauma, de partos y nacimientos y de atención a accidentes cerebrovasculares.

El diseño del nuevo hospital es más eficiente, las áreas de procedimientos están más cerca entre sí y el laboratorio de cateterismos cardíacos se encuentra cerca de la sala de emergencias.

“Esto es mejor para los pacientes y el personal”, dijo Burch.

El nuevo hospital tendrá 226 camas con licencia, que es igual al número actual de camas. Lutheran mantendrá la designación de trauma nivel 2 y continuará siendo el único hospital en el condado de Jefferson que asista partos.

Burch dijo que estaba especialmente orgullosa del proyecto de arte del nuevo hospital. Un comité seleccionó más de 600 piezas de arte para que se coloquen. Casi todas son obras de residentes de Wheat Ridge o Colorado.

La inauguración del nuevo hospital está programada para el 3 de agosto, día en el que a las 6 a. m. cerrará la sala de emergencias anterior y abrirá la nueva. A las 8 a. m., los cuidadores usarán cerca de 20 ambulancias para trasladar a alrededor de 180 pacientes desde el hospital anterior hasta la nueva ubicación.

Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, CO., welcomed nearly 7,500 guests during pre-opening celebrations thanking leaders and donors and giving them a look inside the new 620,000-square-foot hospital.  

Intermountain Health held a reception on Thursday, July 18, for dignitaries, donors, health system leaders, and hospital caregivers. On Saturday, July 20, Intermountain Lutheran President Hospital Andrea Burch joined Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker and local chambers of commerce for a ribbon cutting at the hospital entrance. 

Then, doors opened for guided tours of the labor and delivery unit, neonatal intensive care unit, emergency room and main lobby. Guests enjoyed entertainment in the parking lot along with educational booths from different hospital departments and the Intermountain Health Medical Group.  

The new hospital campus replaces the current Intermountain Lutheran Medical Center, located about three miles to the east. That hospital campus was originally founded in 1905 as a tuberculosis sanitorium. As the community of Wheat Ridge grew, a new hospital was built in 1961, with buildings added over the years.  

“The truth is that even a renovation would not have brought us the same benefits as starting from scratch and building the hospital over,” Burch said at the Saturday event. 

New construction will accommodate advanced technology today and into the future.  

Burch also highlighted the improved access to Lutheran, which currently has one of Colorado’s busiest emergency department, she said. 

The original campus was built amid farmland. Now, it is surrounded by homes and businesses, and traffic has increased. The new hospital is off Interstate 70 and 40^th Avenue and will aid emergency medical services when they transport patients. 

The new hospital also has a helipad on its roof with direct access to the trauma rooms, labor and delivery, and stroke care.  The new hospital design is also more efficient with procedural areas close together and the heart catheter lab close to the emergency department. 

“This is better for patients and staff,” Burch said.  

The new hospital will have 226 licensed beds, which is like the current number of beds. Lutheran will maintain its Level II trauma designation and will continue to be the only hospital in Jefferson County to deliver babies.  

Burch said she was especially proud of the art project at the new hospital. A committee chose more than 600 pieces of art to be installed. Nearly all were created by residents of Wheat Ridge or from throughout Colorado. 

The new hospital is scheduled to open Aug. 3, when the former emergency department will close at 6 am and the new one will open. At 8 am, caregivers, with the help of more than 20 ambulances, will move an estimated 180 patients from the former hospital to the new hospital. 

                                                                     ###

Los miembros de la comunidad podrán conocer el interior del nuevo Lutheran Hospital de Intermountain Health de 9 a. m. a 1 p. m. el sábado 20 de julio. El hospital lo celebra con un acto de preinaguración gratuito y abierto al público en el nuevo centro, que se encuentra en 12911 W. 40^th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

El acto contará con las siguientes actividades:

·       Recorridas por el nuevo hospital, que incluyen el departamento de urgencias, la unidad de partos y nacimientos, la unidad neonatal de cuidados intensivos y mucho más.

·       Visitas con los cuidadores del hospital para aprender sobre los servicios que prestan.

·       Actividad colectiva de pintar por números.

·       Búsqueda del tesoro con premios.

·       Tapiz en telar colectivo.

·       Maquillaje artístico, juegos infantiles, puestos de comida y entretenimiento.

La construcción del nuevo hospital de 620,000 (seiscientos veinte mil) pies cuadrados comenzó en 2021 en la urbanización Clear Creek Crossing. El nuevo Lutheran Hospital abrirá sus puertas a los pacientes el 3 de agosto y sustituirá al actual Lutheran Medical Center situado junto a la 38^th Avenue, en Wheat Ridge.

WHAT:

Community members can get their first look inside the new Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. The hospital is celebrating with a pre-opening event free and open to the public at the new site at 12911 W. 40th Ave., Wheat Ridge. 

The event will feature: 

- Tours of the new hospital including the emergency department, labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care unit and more. 
- Visits with hospital caregivers to learn about the services they provide. 
- A community paint-by-number. 
- Scavenger hunt with prizes. 
- A collective tapestry loom. 
- Face painters, children’s games, food trucks and entertainment! 

Construction of the new 620,000-square-foot hospital began in 2021 in the Clear Creek Crossing development. The new Lutheran Hospital opens for patients Aug. 3 and will replace the existing Lutheran Medical Center off 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge.

WHEN:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024

WHERE: 

New Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital 

12911 W. 40th Ave.

Wheat Ridge, CO

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Community members can pick up a free firearm lockbox from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. The event is sponsored by several community health, law enforcement, civic, and nonprofit groups. 

With 430 lockboxes available, they will be distributed first come, first served. The items are limited to one lock per person and two per household.  

Colorado law requires firearms to be securely stored when they are not in use to prevent unauthorized access. These lockboxes are 10-by-7-by-2 inches and provide secure storage for handguns at home, on a nightstand or in the car. They come with a heavy duty 1500-pound-rated steel cable that secures to any stationary object including a vehicle seat or piece of furniture.  

This drop-by event also is a chance for people to gather information about the safe storage of firearms and free locking devices for firearms from partner organizations.  

Firearms are the leading method of suicide in the Mountain West, said Grace Greathouse, Intermountain Health injury prevention and outreach coordinator. When used in a suicide attempt, firearm injuries usually result in death. 

“Given the frequency and fatality with which guns are used in suicides, injury prevention experts advise that no person in suicidal crisis should have access to a gun,” Greathouse said. Because suicidal crises usually arise in just minutes, putting space and time between a person who is struggling, and a firearm lock box, can save a life by allowing the crisis period to subside and the person to get help. 

Safe firearm storage is one of the simplest and most effective things we can do to prevent suicide, she said.  

The event will take place on the far west side of the Good Samaritan Hospital campus in the back of the Emergency Department parking lot, 200 Exempla Circle in Lafayette. Organizers request that no firearms be brought to the event.  

Partner organizations helping to distribute lockboxes and provide education include the City and County of Broomfield, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County District Attorney’s office (Twentieth Judicial District), Adams and Broomfield County District Attorney’s office (Seventeenth Judicial District), Broomfield Police, Erie Police Department, Lafayette Police, Louisville Police, United Church of Christ of Longmont, and Intermountain Health.   

 To learn more about Firearm Safety, visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/office-of-gun-violence-prevention.  

Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital celebrated Zafiro Portillo Primera, a high school intern who graduates from Arrupe Jesuit High School May 24 and has received the prestigious Daniels Scholarship. She has been accepted into the nursing program at Regis University.  

Portillo Primera is one of many students from Arrupe and Denver Public Schools who participate in an internship, mentorship, or job training program at the hospital each year. Saint Joseph’s Community Benefit team organizes five separate programs to provide job training and work experience in the emergency department, nursing, simulation education, the foundation and in physician clinics.  

In August, the hospital will add Project SEARCH which provides internships designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

“These high school career education programs serve multiple purposes. They give students the chance to see options for careers that pay livable salaries, and they help grow the future healthcare workforce,” said Chuck Ault, Intermountain Health community benefit manager. 

The internship at Saint Joseph influenced Portillo Primera's decision to pursue nursing in college, she said. 

“I found it fascinating that medicine helps the human body heal itself,” she said. “Nurses play a huge role in interacting more with patients in an impactful way.”  

Portillo Primera spent this past school year working at Saint Joe’s Education and Simulation Lab to help create materials for caregiver education including models for practicing medical procedures. She was nominated for a special employee recognition during the internship because of her passion and curiosity for learning. She shared that she hopes to come back to work at Saint Joe’s when she finishes her studies.  

Portillo Primera also interned at a corporate office but knew that her future career plans were in healthcare. She had heart surgery at the age of 10 and remembered how kind the nurses were and how the caregivers educated her about her condition.  

Lisa Maskus, simulations lab educator, said she hosts several interns during the school year and in the summer teaching them about different healthcare careers and enjoying when they make connections and learn. 

Intermountain Health is the recipient of a $1.9 million seed grant from the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program, which aims to transform Colorado's growing workforce with new job opportunities.

The grant was one of 43 grants announced by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis that were awarded in 17 industries and is provided through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

The grants from Opportunity Now are designed to spur innovation in education for employment and workforce development through new partnerships and solutions.

Intermountain Health will use the grant to launch Pathfinders: an AI-supported fully connected talent pipeline to engage, hire and provide upfront tuition coverage for entry-level frontline healthcare job seekers.

"It's no secret the nature of work is changing, and employers around the world are needing to adapt in new innovative ways. I'm proud to say at Intermountain, we aren't just adapting, we're leading the way through programs like Pathfinders,” said Heather Brace, chief people officer at Intermountain Health. “By staying true to our values and embracing new ways to reach future employees, we can build the kind of diverse talent pipeline that ensures Intermountain Health will continue to innovate, adapt, and succeed." 

The Pathfinders program provides job matching based on skills, on-the-job-training, portable credentials, mentoring, and guided career steps toward higher-level healthcare jobs -- including upfront tuition funds to complete certifications or pursue college degrees.

The grant benefits job seekers in the Denver and Grand Junction areas, who currently work in jobs in any industry that pays less than $15 per hour, do not have a four-year college degree, or are unemployed.

Pathfinders also aims to reach nontraditional students over 25 years of age, full-time workers, or parents of small children. It provides full-time employment, fully funded academic programs, and strategic skill-building for a lifetime of growth. Additionally, learners receive career and financial coaching and language skills support.  

Job applicants who are hired and accepted into the Pathfinders pilot project can start in roles as certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, or sterile processing technicians which lead to careers in nursing, imaging, and behavioral health.

Through a series of specific career steps and completion of a corresponding higher education degree, the employee can become a nurse (RN and/or BSN) radiology tech, or licensed clinical social worker. There are two career pathways for nursing careers, one path for nurses who will work in hospital units or in clinics, and another path for nurses who will work in surgical operating rooms.

“The program is inspired by my own and others’ experience as an underestimated, non-traditional student with minimal support. My experience taught me that multiple factors contribute to a person’s ability to grow their career, none of which can be taken for granted,” said Marguerite Samms, chief learning officer at Intermountain Health, who is leading the program.

The Pathfinders program offers career growth by supporting life, work, and learning. Participants will have ready access to financial coaching, transportation, nutrition support, medical premium assistance, and education funding as an employee.

Pathfinders participants will be hired as an Intermountain caregiver and immediately begin on-the-job training in departments led by managers who are specially trained to support their success. Learning opportunities include healthcare credentials, resume writing, interview skills, English language learning, and post-secondary workforce readiness skills of self-empowerment, communication, problem solving, and community membership skills as outlined in the Colorado Career Cluster Model.

Program participants will utilize the FutureFit AI  platform to start the job-matching process. The platform uses proprietary algorithms to deduce job seekers’ skills and guides discovery of in-demand careers pathways, skills, gaps, relevant learning and resources, and quality job opportunities.

Intermountain’s recruiting team will hire qualified candidates from the FutureFit skills-based hiring platform which recommends candidates based on skills and potential.

Program participants are then eligible to receive live career coaching, including interview preparation, to help them go through Intermountain’s regular hiring process and be matched and hired into a critical entry-level job. Once matched, they can begin their training to advance within the health career pathways included in the program.

The program will provide on-ramps into healthcare careers based on skills, not degrees, for 30 Coloradans each year of the pilot project, for a total of 60 people.

Employees hired by Intermountain for Pathfinders are eligible for no-cost education during the pilot project. After the pilot, those working as little as 20 hours a week will have access to the ongoing support of $5,250 in education and training funding annually through Intermountain’s Path to Education, Advancement, and Knowledge (PEAK) program which partners with Colorado schools and online schools and is administered through InStride.

Following successful implementation in two Colorado counties, Intermountain aims to scale the Pathfinders talent pipeline pilot project to other Colorado healthcare employers and other locations where Intermountain has facilities.

Job seekers can find more information about jobs available at Intermountain Health in the Denver and Grand Junction areas by visiting the Intermountain Health careers webpage or by sending an email to recruitment@imail.org or by calling 1-800-843-7820.

 Mercy Community Capital, part of Mercy Housing Inc., provides innovative financing arrangements to developers of affordable housing when conventional financing is not available or affordable.  

Intermountain Health’s investment is part of its  Place Based Investment, aiming to build healthier, more inclusive communities. 

The loan will ultimately serve low- and moderate-income communities, including Overlook at Uplands in Westminster, Colorado. This 247-unit-to-be-built affordable rental property will have 182 units at or below 60% Area Medium Income (AMI), and 65 units at or below 70% AMI.    

The loan will also help serve people with low incomes, seniors, farmworkers, formerly unhoused people, and people with special needs. 

“Bringing critical affordable housing to those most in need does not happen without partners like Intermountain Health,” said Stefanie Joy, President of Mercy Community Capital. “We are grateful for the investment Intermountain Health is making to build more much-needed affordable, inclusive communities in Colorado.”  

The investment is a continuation of the partnership Mercy Community Capital had with SCL Health, which merged with Intermountain in 2022. SCL Health first invested with Mercy Housing in 1998. 

The loan will provide funds for acquisition, construction, bridge, or predevelopment financing. Housing developments may include single- and multi-family units and rental and homeownership for low-income families and individuals. In addition to Colorado, Mercy Community Capital has provided loans in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Mercy Community Capital has also provided loans in Intermountain Health’s services areas, including Colorado.  

Mercy Community Capital and Intermountain Health will continue to work together and pursue opportunities in states served by the healthcare provider.  

Nicholas Fritz, Intermountain Impact Investing director, said these types of investments are an added resource to the communities served by the healthcare organization.  

“Institutions like Mercy Community Capital are the life blood of affordable housing development,” Fritz said. “We are proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Mercy. We view safe, healthy, and affordable housing as a prerequisite to achieving good health and are happy to support its development in the communities we serve.” 

Intermountain’s Place Based Investment seeks to address the social determinants of health for low-and-moderate income residents of the communities they serve. Since 2019, Intermountain has provided over $110 million in loans and other investments, supporting the development of over 2,000 units of affordable housing and the financial wellbeing of more than 900 individuals.