Intermountain Health ha publicado su nueva Evaluación de las Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria (CHNA, por sus siglas en inglés) y las Estrategias de Implementación de Salud Comunitaria (CHIS, por sus siglas en inglés) para Nevada, en las que identifica dónde se encuentran las mayores necesidades de atención médica para las comunidades y las acciones que se deben tomar para mejorar la salud comunitaria.

El nuevo informe de la evaluación indicó que las necesidades de salud más significativas en el condado de Clark son mejorar el acceso a la atención médica conductual, invertir en factores sociales (como vivienda, alimentos y seguridad), aumentar el acceso a la atención y prevenir lesiones y enfermedades infantiles.

"Estas evaluaciones son un proceso basado en datos que nos ayuda a priorizar las necesidades de salud y luego a tomar medidas", dijo Lisa Nichols, vicepresidenta de salud comunitaria en Intermountain Health. "Al combinar los datos con la información personal, podemos centrar nuestros esfuerzos allí donde Intermountain Health puede tener el mayor impacto en la salud de la comunidad; a esto lo llamamos necesidades de salud significativas".

También se presta especial atención a la salud de la primera infancia. Iniciativas como las pruebas de detección en los controles de niño sano, las vacunas y la educación sobre el sueño seguro ayudan a las familias a proteger a sus bebés y a prevenir posibles tragedias. Además, este trabajo incluye la prevención del abuso y la negligencia infantil en nuestros vecindarios y comunidades.

El plan de acción también incluye el fortalecimiento de las coaliciones locales y los grupos de defensa para llegar a la mayor cantidad de personas posible.

"En Nevada, los datos señalan sistemáticamente que la salud conductual es un desafío compartido entre las comunidades", dijo Will Rucker, director de salud comunitaria de Nevada en Intermountain Health. "Estamos trabajando para abordar este desafío a través de un enfoque más estructural, fortaleciendo las condiciones que promueven el bienestar antes de que ocurra una crisis. Eso significa generar confianza, aumentar el acceso a través de colaboraciones comunitarias y ampliar la capacidad de los miembros de la comunidad, como educadores y otros adultos de confianza, para reconocer las señales y conectar a las personas con el apoyo adecuado en el momento oportuno".

En las comunidades del sur de Nevada, el informe concluyó que es fundamental ampliar los recursos de salud conductual y fortalecer las iniciativas de prevención del suicidio. Las medidas incluyen mejorar la seguridad, por ejemplo, al facilitar el acceso al almacenamiento seguro de armas de fuego mediante el uso de candados para armas y la capacitación familiar.

La salud en la primera infancia continúa siendo una prioridad clave en Nevada. Los esfuerzos se centran en prevenir problemas de salud, fortalecer los factores de protección y ofrecer educación para la prevención de lesiones adaptada a cada cultura para ayudar a adoptar prácticas seguras.

"Hemos estado colaborando con varios grupos y organizaciones comunitarias, como RTC, Safe Kids of Clark County y la YMCA, entre otros, para aumentar el acceso a dispositivos de seguridad como cascos de bicicleta y chalecos salvavidas", afirmó Rucker. "Todos tenemos objetivos similares, que son proteger y apoyar a nuestros niños y a las familias".

Intermountain Health está trabajando para que el hospital pediátrico Nevada Children’s Hospital se construya en el Parque de Investigación y Tecnología de la UNLV. Se prevé que este hospital estará terminado para 2030.

La metodología de la CHNA incluye trabajar con organizaciones comunitarias, departamentos de salud y otros para encontrar las mayores necesidades de las zonas aledañas.

El informe y las estrategias de implementación ayudan a Intermountain Health a escuchar, enfocarse y actuar frente a las necesidades de la comunidad.

Para obtener más información, se puede acceder al informe completo en la página web de la CHNA.  

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Intermountain Health has published its new Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the Community Health Implementation Strategies (CHIS) for Nevada, identifying where the greatest healthcare needs for the communities and the actions that must be taken to enhance community health.

The new assessment report found the most significant health needs in Clark County are: improvement in access to behavioral health care, invest in social drivers (such as housing, food, and safety), increase access to care, and preventing childhood injury and illness.

“These assessments are a data-driven process to help us prioritize health needs and then take action” said Lisa Nichols, vice president of community health at Intermountain Health. “By combining data with personal insight, we can focus our efforts where Intermountain Health can make the biggest impact on community health, we call these significant health needs.”

There is also a strong focus on early childhood health. Efforts such as screenings at well-child checks, immunizations, and safe sleep education help families protect their infants and prevent possible tragedies. This work also includes preventing abuse and neglect among children in our neighborhoods and communities.

The action plan also includes strengthening local coalitions and advocacy groups to help reach as many as possible.

“In Nevada, the data consistently points to behavioral health as a shared challenge across communities,” said Will Rucker, director of community health in Nevada at Intermountain Health. “We’re working to address this challenge through a more upstream approach by strengthening the conditions that shape well-being before a crisis occurs. That means building trust, increasing access through community-based collaborations, and increasing the capacity of community members, such as educators and other trusted adults, to recognize the signs and connect people to the right support at the right time.”

In southern Nevada communities, the report found that expanding behavioral health resources and strengthening suicide prevention efforts are vital. Action includes improving safety, including increasing access to safe firearm storage through gun locks and family education.

Early childhood health remains a key priority in Nevada. Efforts are centered on prevention, strengthening protective factors, and delivering culturally relevant injury prevention education to help adopt safe practices.

“We have been engaging with several groups and community organizations, such as RTC, Safe Kids of Clark County, and the YMCA, among others, to increase access to safety devices such as bike helmets and life vests,” Rucker said. “We all have similar goals, which are to protect and support our kids and families."

Intermountain Health is working toward the Nevada Children’s Hospital to be built on the UNLV Research and Technology Park. The children’s hospital is slated to be completed by 2030.

The CHNA methodology includes working with community organizations, health departments, and more to find the greatest needs for the surrounding area.

The report and implementation strategies help Intermountain Health listen, focus, and act to community needs.

To find out more, the full report can be accessed here on the Intermountain Health CHNA webpage.  

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SafeNest, Nevada’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, today held a housewarming media event in Las Vegas for its new trauma triage center. 

SafeNest purchased the two-story building two years ago with funding from Intermountain Health’s Place-Based Investment portfolio. Intermountain secured for SafeNest a loan of nearly $1 million to allow them to purchase the center with very low interest rates and non-profit center tax credits. 

Intermountain Health Region president and community health lead, Mitch Cloward, shared that SafeNest’s focus on addressing the devastating impact of domestic violence aligns with the nonprofit health system’s mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible. 

“Domestic violence is a key social driver of health, non-medical factors that can significantly impact the health of a family, neighborhood, and community,” Cloward said. “As a forever anchor institution, Intermountain is committed to serving our communities with the long-term health of all individuals as our top priority. We are honored to have been able to create a sustainable resource for our community partner SafeNest and its clients for years to come.” 

The new center has 10 beds for clients who have been screened through SafeNest’s hotline. Domestic violence survivors may stay at the center for 72 hours and work with a case manager. 

The 2,000-square-foot center is designed to resemble a spa-like refuge for decompressing: quiet, tranquil and calm. SafeNest’s staff reviews the clients’ options for living arrangements. If there are no friends or family to safely take the client, SafeNest moves them into its confidential shelter. 

Downstairs, the center also has a kitchen and children’s library. SafeNest staff and advocates have their offices upstairs to provide immediate accessibility. 

“This is where hope begins,” SafeNest CEO Liz Ortenburger said. 

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Septiembre es reconocido como el Mes de Concientización sobre la Prevención del Suicidio y Las Vegas Raiders e Intermountain Health comparten el objetivo común de priorizar el bienestar mental.

Juntos, El Las Vegas Raiders e Intermountain Health organizaron una jornada deportiva sobre bienestar mental con el tema de Salud para niños denominada “El juego más fuerte: ganar el juego mental, dentro y fuera del campo”. El evento interactivo celebrado en el centro de rendimiento de Intermountain Health se diseñó para que 250 jóvenes y tutores participaran en actividades divertidas, educativas y motivadoras que promueven el bienestar mental.

Las familias pudieron participar en actividades de fútbol, yoga, estaciones prácticas de bienestar, puestos de apoyo al bienestar mental, recursos para llevar un diario personal y recursos nutricionales como parte de la feria de bienestar mental. Esto también incluía una distribución gratuita de candados de seguridad para armas y cascos para bicicletas.

Los cofundadores de The Defensive Line, Chris y Martha Thomas, los atletas alumnos y los expertos en la salud conductual de Intermountain fueron parte de la mesa redonda. Se unieron gracias a Raiders Alumnus Carl Nassib, que habló sobre su propio proceso de bienestar mental durante el evento del panel “El juego más fuerte es pedir ayuda” que tuvo lugar el año pasado durante un partido importante en Las Vegas.

Los fundadores de The Defensive Line fueron Solomon Thomas, liniero defensivo de fútbol profesional y anteriormente Las Vegas Raider, y sus padres, Chris y Martha, quienes han estado difundiendo el mensaje de prevención del suicidio luego del suicidio de la hermana de Solomon, Ella, en 2018.

Solomon y sus padres han dedicado sus vidas a compartir la historia de Ella y a trabajar para ponerle fin a la epidemia del suicidio de jóvenes, especialmente, de jóvenes de color. Para ello, transforman la manera en la que nos comunicamos y conectamos con respecto a la salud mental.

“Lidiar con la pérdida de un ser querido es extremadamente desafiante y abrumador. En 2018, perdimos a Ella por suicidio y no hubiéramos podido sobrevivir al dolor sin el apoyo de la terapia, la familia, la comunidad, fe y la capacidad de compartir nuestra historia”, dijo Chris Thomas, cofundador de The Defensive Line. “Este tipo de programas nos permiten comunicar y conectar con la salud mental y compartir recursos que salvan vidas. Esto contribuye en gran medida a que todos podamos construir un mundo en el que ningún joven de color muera por suicidio. Si alguna vez necesita apoyo, comuníquese y escriba un mensaje de texto que diga 988 o TALK al 741741”.

Solomon y sus padres han dedicado sus vidas en compartir la historia de Ella y en convertir su dolor en un propósito. Como resultado de su pérdida, crearon The Defensive Line con esta misión: ponerle fin a la epidemia del suicidio de jóvenes, especialmente, de jóvenes de color. Para ello, transforman la manera en la que nos comunicamos y conectamos con respecto a la salud mental.

“A través de colaboraciones intencionales, como con The Defensive Line y The Vegas Raiders, pudimos mejorar la salud en nuestras comunidades”, dijo Will Rucker, director de salud de la comunidad de Intermountain en Nevada. “El suicidio sigue siendo una de las causas principales de muerte entre adolescentes, y los jóvenes de color se ven especialmente afectados. Es por eso que es tan importante para nosotros que nos unamos, para conectar a los jóvenes con apoyo, recursos y un mensaje claro de esperanza”.

El suicidio es un problema importante, especialmente en Nevada, ya que el estado está en el decimoprimer lugar en el país en cuanto a las muertes por suicidio en todas las edades. El suicidio es también la novena causa principal de muerte en Nevada y la segunda causa principal a nivel nacional entre los niños de 10 a 24 años, según datos recopilados por la Fundación Americana para la Prevención del Suicidio.

Según el Centro de control de enfermedades, los suicidios entre jóvenes afroamericanos están aumentando dos veces más rápido que entre otros grupos étnicos. Además, también se observa un aumento en los suicidios entre los indios estadounidenses y los indígenas de Alaska, que duplican con creces el índice nacional. 

The Defensive Line proporciona formación en prevención del suicidio en Las Vegas y a nivel nacional a orientadores, asesores y otros líderes de jóvenes. La formación se centra en la sensibilización y la educación mediante el intercambio de sus historias y las experiencias de otras personas en relación con la salud mental, las enfermedades mentales o la supervivencia o la pérdida de un ser querido por suicidio.

Intermountain Health ha definido la prevención del suicidio como una de las prioridades de salud de la comunidad en los años recientes.

Intermountain ha trabajado para educar a los miembros de la comunidad, junto con los proveedores de atención médica, profesores, personal de primera respuesta y otros, en la capacitación de Preguntar, Convencer, Derivar (QPR, por sus siglas en inglés).

Intermountain ha distribuido 67,000 candados para armas gratuitos a las comunidades de varios estados. Los candados para armas se entregan junto con información sobre prevención del suicidio y constituyen un elemento clave para ganar tiempo entre la crisis y la persona en riesgo, así como para limitar el acceso a medios letales.

Para obtener más información sobre los esfuerzos de bienestar mental de Intermountain y los recursos disponibles, visite intermountainhealthcare.org/behavioralhealth.

También puede ver las iniciativas en las que The Raiders ha trabajado en la comunidad a través de raiders.com/champ.

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health share a common goal of prioritizing mental wellness.

Together, the Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health recently hosted a Children’s Health themed mental wellness field day for adolescent youth titled “The Strongest Play – Winning the Mental Game, On and Off the Field”. 

The interactive event at the Intermountain Health Performance Center was designed for 250 youth and guardians to engage in fun, educational, and empowering activities that promote mental wellness.

Families were able to participate in football activities, yoga, hands-on wellness stations, mental wellness support booths, journaling resources, and nutrition resources as part of the mental wellness fair. This also included the free distribution of gun safety locks and bike helmets.

The Defensive Line co-founders Chris and Martha Thomas, student athletes, and Intermountain behavioral health experts were part of the panel discussion. They were joined by Raiders alumnus, Carl Nassib, who talked about his own mental wellness journey during the “The Strongest Play Is Asking For Help” panel event last year during the big game in Las Vegas.

The Defensive Line was founded by Solomon Thomas, a pro-football defensive lineman and former Las Vegas Raider, along with his parents, Chris and Martha, who have been spreading the message of suicide prevention after Solomon’s sister, Ella, died by suicide in 2018.

Solomon and his parents have dedicated their lives to sharing Ella’s story and working to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.

“Coping with the loss of someone you love is extremely challenging and overwhelming. In 2018, we lost Ella to suicide and we wouldn’t have survived the pain without the support of therapy, family, community, faith, and the ability to share our story,” said Chris Thomas, co-founder of The Defensive Line. “Programs like this allow us to communicate and connect about mental health and share life-saving resources. This goes a long way in helping all of us build a world in which no young person of color dies by suicide. If you ever need support, please reach out by texting 988 or TALK to 741741.”

Solomon and his parents have dedicated their lives to sharing Ella’s story and turning their pain into purpose. Out of their loss, they formed The Defensive Line with this mission: To end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.

“It is through purposeful collaborations, such as with The Defensive Line and the Las Vegas Raiders, that we’re able to improve health in our communities,” said Will Rucker, Intermountain’s director of community health in Nevada. “Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, with youth of color especially impacted. That’s why it’s so important for us to come together – to connect young people with support, resources, and a clear message of hope.”

Suicide is a significant issue, especially in Nevada, as the state ranks 11th in the country for all ages in suicide deaths. Suicide is also the ninth leading cause of death in Nevada and the second leading cause nationwide for kids aged 10 to 24, according to data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

According to the Center for Disease Control, Black youth suicides are rising twice as fast as other ethnic groups. In addition, American Indians and Alaskan Natives also see increasing suicides at two and half times the national rate. 

The Defensive Line provides suicide prevention training in Las Vegas and nationally to educators, coaches, and other leaders of young people. The training focuses on awareness and education efforts by sharing their story and the stories of others’ experiences regarding mental health, mental illness, or surviving or losing someone to suicide.

Intermountain Health has identified suicide prevention as one of its community health priorities in recent years.

Intermountain has worked to educate the community members, including healthcare providers, teachers, first responders, and others, on QPR training (question, persuade, and refer for suicidal risks).

Intermountain Health has distributed 67,000 free gun locks to the communities through several states. The gun locks are delivered with suicide prevention information and serve as a key element in putting time between the crisis and the person at risk and limiting access to lethal means.

To learn more about the mental well-being efforts of Intermountain and for resources available, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/behavioralhealth.

You can also view the initiatives that the Raiders have worked through the community at raiders.com/champ.

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As kids return to school beginning this week in Nevada on Monday, bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes will be increasing around Clark County. This is also at the time that first responders have seen an alarming rise in the number of crashes and fatalities involving these modes of transportations for children and adults. 

The Intermountain West also has the fourth-highest traumatic brain injury hospitalization rate in the country for children. Some of these injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet. 

Child trauma incidents historically rise in the summer months, and peak in July. 

“I have personally seen the profound impact of the head injuries that can occur in our children here from bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and more,” said Taryn Bragg, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon with Intermountain Health in Las Vegas. “Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating for kids and their families with lifelong aftereffects. Helmets, and proper-fitting ones at that, are vital to our safety for our children, as well as adults.”

Dr. Bragg is the only full-time, board-certified pediatric neurosurgeon in the entire state of Nevada. She sees the effects that head injuries have on families on a near-daily basis.  

 Parents can check the fit of their child’s helmet by making sure of the following:

• The helmet fits snugly and sits level on the child’s head. 
• The helmet fits two finger widths above the child’s eyebrow
• The side strap V-shape fits just under the child’s ears.
• One adult’s finger can fit between the child’s chin and the strap. 

“Helmets are not a one size fits all situation,” said Will Rucker, Nevada Community Health director. “As parents, and as a community, we need to be sure that our vulnerable children are protected as much as possible. Make sure those helmets fit and are being worn properly.” 

Safe Kids of Clark County have been working diligently with communities to get the word out on bike helmet safety.  

“Parents should take the time to ride or walk the route to school with their children, to make sure that they are always following the rules of the road. Also, remember the helmet is the most important piece of equipment that the child must have,” said Jeanne Marsala, MSN, RN, Executive Director Clark County Safe Kids.

Officials in Nevada have been working to help curb the injuries and fatalities over recent years. New e-scooter ordinances that began May 21, 2025, detailing several new restrictions including a speed limit of 15 mph and limits on riding in park areas, and riders under age 18 must wear a helmet.

“Please, slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for children biking and walking to school,” said Commissioner Michael Naft. “It is a responsibility of drivers to acknowledge and share the road with all road users. By remaining mindful and considerate of all modes of transportation in school zones, we can ensure a great start to the school year.”

Intermountain Health is committed to strengthening collaborations with local organizations, state and local officials, and community advocates working to prevent and decrease injuries for children. This commitment is part of the Intermountain Community Health Needs Assessment.

The bike safety event was held at Amplus Academy and the school participated with several students’ showing proper helmet safety while riding a bike course. Amplus Academy is next to the site where Nevada’s first comprehensive stand-alone children’s hospital will be built to meet growing regional children’s health needs. It will include specialty-based care, such as oncology and cardiovascular services, and others that patients have had to travel out-of-state to receive this care. 

The new children’s hospital, projected to be completed by 2030, is an historic initiative that represents one of the most significant and exciting opportunities to elevate children’s health in Nevada. Philanthropy and community partnerships are critical to make this vision a reality, and campaign planning is underway.      

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A través de colaboraciones significativas y programas innovadores, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital está dando forma al futuro de la salud del condado de Mesa al fomentar la confianza, la resiliencia y el bienestar en la próxima generación.

El hospital ha colaborado con el sector Western Slope del programa Girls on the Run para brindar educación sobre la salud a 26 niñas entre las edades de 8 y 11 años durante su campamento de verano, el cual se llevó a cabo a principios de junio en un museo de ciencias local. 

El programa Girls on the Run se enfoca en empoderar a las niñas para creer en sí mismas y en sus capacidades, tanto mentales como físicas. Entrenadores voluntarios imparten clases que combinan la actividad física con el desarrollo de habilidades para la vida que incluye regular las emociones, fomentar la amistad y demostrar empatía.

“Nuestra misión general es incorporar el movimiento mientras aprendemos sobre importantes habilidades para la vida y habilidades sociales que pueden surgir de hacer amistades, tomar buenas decisiones, comprender que es normal tener emociones y saber cómo manejarlas de una manera segura y con confianza”, dijo Brittany Markert, líder del campamento Girls on the Run.

Además de patrocinar el campamento de una semana, el personal de St. Mary's se ofreció como entrenador de manera voluntaria, instruyendo a las niñas en un tema de salud diferente cada día. Los temas abarcaron desde la importancia de usar un casco y mirar a ambos lados antes de cruzar la calle, hasta aprender sobre la alimentación saludable y mantenerse activas.

“Enseñarles hábitos saludables a los niños desde pequeños siembra semillas que se arraigan y se convierten en bienestar para toda la vida, y estos forman su salud física, mental y emocional para el futuro. Lo que les inculcamos desde pequeños se convierte en la base sobre la que construyen, permitiéndoles así prosperar y tomar decisiones conscientes al afrontar los desafíos de la vida”, afirmó Victoria Grasmick, gerente de Community Health Program. 

El capellán de St. Mary’s, Alan Amos, enseñó una lección sobre cómo manejar nuestras emociones y utilizó la película popular, Inside Out, para ilustrar y normalizar la “montaña rusa de emociones” que experimentamos todos los seres humanos. 

“Todo el grupo habló sobre los sentimientos al aprender a preguntarse: ‘¿Es real lo que sentimos? ¿Es cierto lo que sentimos?’. Y se mostraron muy entusiastas”, dijo Amos.

Las niñas también participaron en una actividad de ejercicio con la fisioterapeuta Keesah Matz y aprendieron sobre la importancia de los hábitos alimenticios saludables con la nutricionista clínica Erika Forsman.

“Creo que es un programa de gran impacto que llega a niñas en una edad muy vulnerable”, dijo Grasmick.

Cuando se les preguntó sobre lo que les gustó o aprendieron durante la semana de campamento con Girls on the Run, muchas niñas gritaron: "hacer amigas", seguido de comentarios entusiastas acerca de aprender a hacer “slime” en las clases de ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería, artes y matemáticas.

St. Mary’s planea capacitar a las entrenadoras de Girls on the Run en primeros auxilios y RCP (resucitación cardiopulmonar) este otoño. Planean organizar dos campamentos en 2026.

Through meaningful collaborations and innovative programs, Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital is shaping the future of Mesa County’s health by nurturing confidence, resilience, and well-being in the next generation. 

Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional collaborated with the Western Slope chapter of Girls on the Run to provide health education to 26 girls aged 8-11 during their summer camp in early June at a local science museum.  

The Girls on the Run program focuses on empowering girls to believe in themselves and their capabilities, both mentally and physically. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skills development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy.  

“Our overall mission to incorporate movement while learning about important life skills and social skills that can be from making friends, making good decisions, realizing that emotions are OK to have and how to handle those emotions in a safe and confident way,” said Brittany Markert, camp leader of Girls on the Run.

In addition to sponsoring the week-long camp, Intermountain St. Mary’s caregivers volunteered as coaches, engaging the girls in a different health topic each day. Topics ranged from the importance of wearing a helmet and looking both ways before crossing the road to learning about healthy eating and staying active.  

“Teaching children healthy habits early plants seeds that take root and grow into lifelong well-being, shaping their physical, mental, and emotional health for years to come. What we instill in them at a young age becomes the foundation they build upon, enabling them to thrive and make mindful choices as they navigate life’s challenges,” said Victoria Grasmick, community health program manager for Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. 

Intermountain St. Mary’s chaplain Alan Amos taught a lesson on managing our emotions and used the popular movie, Inside Out, to illustrate and normalize the “rollercoaster of emotions” all humans experience.  

“The whole group discussed feelings by learning to ask ‘Is what we’re feeling real? Is what we’re feeling true?’ and they were very enthusiastic,” Amos said.  

The girls also participated in an exercise activity with Intermountain St. Mary’s physical therapist Keesah Matz and learned about the importance of healthy eating habits from clinical nutritionist Erika Forsman.  

“I think it is an impactful program that is reaching girls at a very vulnerable age,” Grasmick said.  

When asked what they loved or learned during camp week with Girls on the Run, many girls shouted, “making friends,” followed by enthusiastic endorsements of learning how to make slime in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math education.  

Intermountain St. Mary’s plans to provide Girls on the Run coaches with First Aid and CPR training this fall. They plan to host two camps in 2026. 

The YMCA of Southern Nevada hosted the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day^® on April 26th from 12pm-2pm located at the Durango Hills YMCA. 

The free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season. With water safety top of mind, registration for our Safety Around Water (SAW) program designed with a specific sequence of skills proven to ensure children have a safe and fun aquatics experience will also begin on Healthy Kids Day. 

The Y offers this program at no cost to youth in our community.

Sponsored nationally by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day’s mission is to prepare Las Vegas families for a safe, healthy, and fun summer. One of the biggest highlights of the event is early access to the YMCA’s outdoor water park, giving families a head start on summer fun before it officially opens for the season. 

In addition, engaging safety around water demonstrations will be offered, helping parents and kids learn essential tips to stay safe in and around the water. The day also features a variety of community vendors, making it a celebration for the whole family.

"It’s crucial for kids to stay active during the summer, both physically and mentally," said Shene Tracy, Sr, experience director for the YMCA of Southern Nevada. “At the Y, we’re dedicated to providing families with the resources they need to build healthy habits year-round. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community event designed to encourage families to explore all the amazing summer activities the Y has to offer.”

Locally, Healthy Kids Day is sponsored by Intermountain Health, and POOLCORP.

Intermountain Health has made children health and safety part of their main health priorities. The critical areas were identified as part of the current Community Health Needs Assessment, which was built from extensive research from local health status, health needs, and assets that allow the nonprofit health system to inform and identify key local area health priorities, including the sustaining health needs of children and families. 

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. The majority of drowning deaths occur in family pools. The most common drowning victim is a child four years of age or younger, occurring between noon and dinner. These tragedies often occur while parents are home and there is a brief lapse in supervision.

“We encourage parents and youth to learn the ABCD’s of drowning prevention: Adult Supervision, Barriers like self-closing gates, Classes, swimming, water safety & CPR and devices like life jackets,” said Will Rucker, community health director for Nevada for Intermountain Health. “There is no substitute for active adult supervision, which is why we recommend an “adult water watcher” be assigned any time children are swimming or around water to prevent drowning.”

Today, Intermountain Health donated 129 life jackets to the YMCA of Southern Nevada to be used for free at the four waterpark YMCA locations. 

Intermountain announced in October, plans to build Nevada’s first comprehensive stand-alone children’s hospital.The facility, set to be located in the UNLV Research and Technology Park, is projected to be completed by 2030, providing specialized pediatric care to meet the growing needs of the region.

For more information, contact the YMCA of Southern Nevada at (702) 240-9622 or visit lasvegasymca.org. 

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Las Vegas. La YMCA del sur de Nevada organizó el Healthy Kids Day^® (Día del Niño Saludable) anual el 26 de abril de 12 p. m. a 2 p. m. en la YMCA de Durango Hills. El evento anual y gratuito ofrece una variedad de actividades familiares para fomentar la salud de los niños, de las familias y un comienzo saludable de la temporada de verano. Teniendo presente la seguridad en el agua, en el Día del Niño Saludable también comenzará la inscripción para nuestro programa Seguros cerca del agua (SAW, por sus siglas en inglés), que está diseñado con una secuencia específica de habilidades probadas para garantizar que los niños tengan una experiencia acuática segura y divertida. La YMCA ofrece este programa sin costo para los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad.

Patrocinado a nivel nacional por Peanuts, la misión del Día del Niño Saludable es preparar a las familias de Las Vegas para un verano seguro, saludable y divertido. Uno de los aspectos más destacados del evento es el acceso anticipado al parque acuático al aire libre de la YMCA, que les permite a las familias disfrutar de la diversión veraniega antes de la apertura oficial. Además, se ofrecerán demostraciones interesantes de seguridad en el agua, que ayudarán a padres y niños a aprender los consejos imprescindibles para mantenerse seguros en el agua y cerca de ella. La jornada también contará con la presencia de distintos proveedores de la comunidad, lo que la convertirá en una celebración para toda la familia.

“Es fundamental que los niños se mantengan activos durante el verano, tanto física como mentalmente”, indicó Shene Tracy, directora sénior de Experiencia de la YMCA del sur de Nevada. “En la YMCA, nos dedicamos a ofrecer a las familias los recursos que necesitan para crear hábitos saludables durante todo el año. El Día del Niño Saludable es un evento comunitario divertido y gratuito diseñado para animar a las familias a explorar todas las actividades estupendas de verano que ofrece la YMCA”. 

A nivel local, el Día del Niño Saludable cuenta con el patrocinio de Intermountain Health y POOLCORP.

Intermountain Health hizo que la salud y la seguridad de los niños sea una de sus prioridades de salud principales. Se identificaron las áreas importantes como parte de la Evaluación de necesidades de salud comunitaria actual, que se creó a partir de una amplia investigación del estado de salud local, las necesidades de salud y los activos que permiten al sistema de salud sin fines de lucro informar e identificar las prioridades clave de salud del área local, incluidas las necesidades de salud sostenibles de los niños y las familias. 

Ahogarse es una de las principales causas de muerte infantil en Las Vegas y sus alrededores. La mayoría de las muertes por ahogamiento se producen en las piletas de las familias. Las víctimas de ahogamiento más comunes son los niños menores de cuatro años y se producen entre el mediodía y la cena. Estas tragedias suelen ocurrir cuando los padres están en el hogar y hay un pequeño lapso en la supervisión.

“Recomendamos a los padres y jóvenes a que aprendan los principios básicos de la prevención del ahogamiento: supervisión de un adulto, barreras como puertas de cierre automático, clases, natación, seguridad en el agua y RCP, y dispositivos como chalecos salvavidas”, informó Will Rucker, director de Intermountain Community Health en Nevada. “No hay nada que pueda sustituir la supervisión activa de un adulto, por lo que recomendamos que se asigne un ‘adulto vigilante del agua’ cada vez que los niños estén nadando o cerca del agua para evitar que se ahoguen”.

Actualmente, Intermountain Health ha donado 129 chalecos salvavidas a la YMCA del sur de Nevada para que se utilicen de manera gratuita en las cuatro sedes de la YMCA de los parques acuáticos. 

En octubre, Intermountain anunció su intención de construir el primer hospital infantil independiente de Nevada. Se prevé que el centro, situado en el Research and Technology Park de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés), esté terminado en 2030 y ofrezca atención pediátrica especializada para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de la región.

Si quiere obtener más información, comuníquese con la YMCA del sur de Nevada al (702) 240-9622 o visite lasvegasymca.org.  

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Intermountain Health marcó un récord en 2024 por la distribución de kits de naloxona mediante su programa de educación sobre opioides y distribución de naloxona en Utah. Este programa colabora con la organización Utah Naloxone, que ofrece kits de naloxona que se distribuyen en nuestras comunidades con un fin educativo.

Intermountain está trabajando para reducir las muertes por opioides, además de afrontar el estigma y los obstáculos que, a menudo, no permiten que las personas busquen ayuda. Reconocer esto es un problema fundamental al que se enfrentan nuestras comunidades; forma parte de las Evaluaciones de necesidades médicas comunitarias de Intermountain Health.

Las muertes por opioides aún representan una crisis de salud pública importante con consecuencias devastadoras en todo el país. Es por esto que Intermountain Health implementó estrategias comunitarias, y colaboró con organizaciones externas y equipos clínicos en un intento por reducir el uso indebido de los opioides y reducir las muertes por sobredosis. 

“Sabemos que los sistemas de salud pueden tener un papel importante en la prevención de las muertes por sobredosis de opioides”, afirma Lisa Nichols, vicepresidenta de Salud Comunitaria en Intermountain Health. “El trabajo que llevamos a cabo es crucial: campañas educativas para la comunidad, reducción del estigma, distribución de naloxona y modificaciones en las prescripciones”.  

Desde 2015, Utah Naloxone suministra kits de rescate de naloxona de forma generalizada en espacios comunitarios, y estamos orgullosos del trabajo realizado para disminuir las muertes por sobredosis de opioides en todo el estado”, afirma Nichols.

Gracias al incansable trabajo de muchas personas, Utah pasó del puesto nro. 4 (2014) al 42 (2021) respecto a las tasas de muerte por sobredosis en el país.

“Desde hace más de una década, Intermountain Health se compromete y está dispuesto a abordar activamente la crisis de muertes por sobredosis de opioides en Utah. Pocos meses después de que se aprobaran las leyes de acceso a la naloxona, Intermountain unió sus esfuerzos con Utah Naloxone para educar, concientizar y aumentar el acceso a esta herramienta que salva vidas”, indicó Jennifer Plumb, MD, MPH, directora médica de Utah Naloxone. “Desde ese momento, se informaron más de 12,500 (doce mil quinientos) casos en los que se pudo prevenir la muerte.  Miles de personas están vivas gracias a estos esfuerzos, y estamos muy agradecidos por esta importante colaboración”.

La Dra. Plumb mencionó que Intermountain Health trabajó para convertirse en un socio fundamental desde el comienzo cuando apenas se legalizó la naloxona en Utah: el objetivo era convertirse en una pieza fundamental del cambio cultural que modificó la forma en la que Utah ve y trata a las personas que lidian con trastornos por abuso de sustancias.

El programa de naloxona de Intermountain Health también incluye una red de oradores en Utah y Idaho, conformada por cuidadores de Intermountain, quienes se ofrecen como voluntarios para asistir a los eventos comunitarios y proporcionar capacitaciones sobre cómo reconocer una sobredosis por opioides y responder ante ella, además de informar sobre el uso de la naloxona.  

Intermountain incluyó la distribución de naloxona en sus servicios a pedido. Para obtener más información sobre la distribución de naloxona en Utah, Idaho, Montana y Nevada, visite el sitio de naloxona a pedido.  

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Intermountain Health set a record in 2024 for distribution of naloxone kits, through Intermountain’s Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution program in Utah. 

The program collaborates with the organization Utah Naloxone, which provides naloxone kits used to educate and distribute in our communities.

Intermountain is working to reduce opioid deaths, along with addressing the stigma and barriers that often prevent people from seeking help. Recognizing this as a key issue facing our communities, it is part of Intermountain Health’s Community Health Needs Assessments.

Opioid deaths continue to be a significant public health crisis with devastating impacts across the country. This is why Intermountain Health has implemented community-based strategies and collaborated with outside organizations and clinical teams in effort to reduce opioid misuse and overdose deaths. 

“We know that health systems can play an important role in preventing opioid overdose deaths,” said Lisa Nichols, vice president of Community Health at Intermountain Health. “The work we do toward community education campaigns, stigma reduction, naloxone distribution, and prescribing practice changes is crucial.”  

Utah Naloxone, a nonprofit organization, has been furnishing life-saving naloxone rescue kits broadly in community spaces since 2015, and Intermountain is proud of the work to decrease opioid overdose deaths statewide, said Nichols.

Utah has gone from 4^th in the nation in 2014 to 42^nd in 2021 for overdose death rates due to the tireless efforts of many.     

“Intermountain Health has been onboard and eager to aggressively address the opioid overdose death crisis in Utah for over a decade. Within months of naloxone access laws being passed, Intermountain joined forces with Utah Naloxone to spread education, awareness, and access to this life saving tool,” said Jennifer Plumb, MD, MPH, medical director of Utah Naloxone. “There have been over 12,500 life-saving reversals reported since that time.  Thousands are alive thanks to these efforts, and we are so grateful for this vital partnership.”

Dr. Plumb said Intermountain Health has worked to become a crucial partner from the beginning when Utah first legalized naloxone – becoming a critical piece of the culture shift that has changed the way Utah sees and treats individuals struggling with substance use disorder.

The Intermountain Health naloxone program also includes a speaker’s bureau of Intermountain caregivers in Utah and Idaho who volunteer to attend community events and provide training on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose – and how to use naloxone.  

Intermountain has included naloxone distribution as part of its new On-Demand services. 

To learn more about Intermountain’s naloxone distribution in Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada visit the naloxone on demand site.  

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LAS VEGAS. Intermountain Health ha dado a conocer su estrategia de implementación de salud comunitaria, en la que se describe un plan integral para mejorar los resultados sanitarios de las poblaciones más vulnerables del sur de Nevada.

La estrategia se basa en los resultados de la primera Evaluación de las Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria (CHNA, por sus siglas en inglés) de Intermountain en el sur de Nevada, que identificó el bienestar mental, los determinantes sociales de la salud, el acceso a la atención médica, las enfermedades crónicas y la mejora del bienestar de los niños y las familias como necesidades de salud importantes.

En el informe de la CHNA, se proporcionaron amplios detalles sobre el estado, las necesidades y los activos de salud locales que permiten que el sistema sanitario sin fines de lucro informe e identifique las principales prioridades de salud del área local. Intermountain creó esa evaluación inicial después de involucrar a organizaciones que representaban una amplia gama de intereses en la comunidad del sur de Nevada. Los participantes concedieron entrevistas detalladas para compartir sus perspectivas sobre las necesidades sanitarias a fin de ayudar a priorizar el trabajo de Intermountain Health para colaborar con otras personas en la mejora de la salud comunitaria.

“La estrategia de implementación nos proporciona un marco claro como sistema para abordar estas importantes necesidades de salud en colaboración con nuestra comunidad”, comentó Will Rucker, director de Intermountain Community Health en Nevada. “Si aprovechamos nuestros recursos y trabajamos junto con las principales partes interesadas, podemos tener un impacto medible en la salud y el bienestar de nuestros vecinos más vulnerables”.

A continuación, se mencionan las áreas de interés y las tácticas que Intermountain implementará en colaboración con los socios comunitarios. La lista completa está disponible en el documento Estrategia de implementación.

Mejorar el bienestar mental

·       Reducir las muertes por suicidio

·       Reducir los trastornos de salud mental frecuentes en adultos y jóvenes

·       Reducir el impacto del abuso de sustancias

La estrategia de implementación de Intermountain incluye capacitaciones, recursos, educación, financiación para grupos comunitarios y colaboración con coaliciones y grupos de trabajo.

“Un ejemplo de este trabajo es la reducción del acceso a medios letales mediante la distribución de aproximadamente 575 candados para armas desde el pasado mes de junio a los socorristas y a otras organizaciones con el fin de que las entreguen a las familias”, afirmó Lisa Nichols, vicepresidenta de Community Health. “Hemos comprobado que separar en tiempo y distancia a un medio tan letal como un arma de fuego de una persona que atraviesa una crisis puede salvarle la vida”.

Mejorar los resultados sanitarios crónicos y evitables

·       Prevenir la presión arterial alta y la diabetes

·       Aumentar las tasas de inmunización

·       Reducir las lesiones de los niños 

Intermountain Health se ha comprometido a reforzar la colaboración con las organizaciones locales que trabajan para prevenir la diabetes y la presión arterial alta, reducir las lesiones de los niños y aumentar las tasas de inmunización.

El año pasado, Intermountain Children’s Health colaboró con Nevada Highway Patrol, SafeKids del condado de Clark y los socorristas para concienciar a Nevada sobre los peligros de dejar a los niños en un automóvil a temperaturas elevadas. Intermountain también colaboró con SafeKids del condado de Clark, así como con el Healthy Living Institute del University Medical Center (UMC, por sus siglas en inglés), para concienciar sobre el aumento de las peligrosas falsificaciones de sillas de automóviles.

Abordar los determinantes sociales de la salud e invertir en ellos

·       Mejorar el acceso y la coordinación de la atención social

·       Invertir en viviendas asequibles y mejorar la seguridad alimentaria

·       Aumentar la cobertura y el acceso a la atención médica

Una estrategia clave para mejorar la salud comunitaria es reforzar el programa de trabajadores de salud comunitaria (CHW, por sus siglas en inglés) de Nevada. A través de una colaboración con Nevada Community Health Workers Association, estamos apoyando el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral para ampliar este rol vital. Los CHW son profesionales de la salud pública capacitados que sirven de puente entre su comunidad y los recursos sanitarios y sociales esenciales. Gracias a su experiencia vivida y a sus profundos vínculos con la comunidad, ayudan a derribar las barreras que impiden la salud y el bienestar de las personas de mayor riesgo.

Mejorar el bienestar de los niños y la familia

·       Mejorar la seguridad de los niños y las familias

·       Prevenir lesiones

·       Defender a los niños y las familias

Intermountain Health se ha comprometido con la salud física y mental de los niños y sus familias. Este trabajo incluye la colaboración con grupos comunitarios, la interacción con funcionarios locales y estatales y la aplicación de programas basados en pruebas para mejorar los resultados de la salud infantil en todo el sur de Nevada.

Como parte de este compromiso, Intermountain Health anunció el pasado octubre sus planes de construir el primer hospital infantil independiente de Nevada. Se prevé que el centro, situado en el Research and Technology Park de la Universidad de Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV, por sus siglas en inglés), esté terminado en 2030 y ofrezca atención pediátrica especializada para satisfacer las crecientes necesidades de la región.

La CHNA actual de Intermountain abarca el período de 2022 a 2025. Se está trabajando en la próxima CHNA, que orientará las prioridades de salud comunitaria para los tres años siguientes. El equipo de Intermountain Community Health está colaborando con socios para evaluar las necesidades de salud emergentes con el fin de asegurarse de que la próxima evaluación refleje los activos y oportunidades actuales para el sur de Nevada. 

“Nuestro compromiso con Nevada tiene como base la compasión y la colaboración. Las Evaluaciones de las Necesidades de Salud Comunitaria y la estrategia de implementación nos ayudan a identificar necesidades de salud importantes y a respaldar el increíble trabajo que ya se está realizando. Nuestro rol consiste en conectar las piezas para llenar los vacíos y que nadie quede en las brechas. Nevada, estamos aquí para ayudar. Si trabajamos en conjunto, podemos construir un futuro más saludable para todos”, afirmó Rucker.

Todas las CHNA y estrategias de implementación de Intermountain Health pueden consultarse aquí.
 
 

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Intermountain Health released its Community Health Implementation Strategy, outlining a comprehensive plan to improve health outcomes for southern Nevada’s most vulnerable populations.

The strategy builds on findings from Intermountain’s first Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) in Southern Nevada, which identified mental well-being, social determinants of health, healthcare access, chronic diseases, and improving children and family well-being, as significant health needs.

The CHNA report provided extensive details about local health status, needs, and assets that allow Intermountain Health, a nonprofit health system, to inform and identify key local area health priorities. 

That initial assessment was created by Intermountain after engaging organizations that represented a broad range of interests in the Southern Nevada community.

Participants gave in-depth interviews to share their perspectives on health needs to help prioritize Intermountain Health’s work to collaborate with others in improving community health.

“The implementation strategy provides us with a clear framework as a system to address these significant health needs in collaboration with our community,” said Will Rucker, community cealth director for Intermountain Health in Nevada. “By leveraging our resources and working alongside key stakeholders, we can make a measurable impact on the health and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The following are areas of focus and tactics that Intermountain will deploy in collaboration with community partners. The full list is available in the Implementation Strategy document. 

1. Improving Mental Well-Being

·       Reduce suicide deaths

·       Reduce frequent mental health distress in adults and youth

·       Reduce the impact of substance misuse

Intermountain’s implementation strategy includes trainings, resources, education, funding for community groups, and collaborations with coalitions and workgroups.

“One example of this work is reducing access to lethal means by distributing approximately 575 gun locks since last June to first responders and other organizations to get out to the families,” Lisa Nichols, vice president of Community Health, said. “Because we have seen proof that creating time and distance to such a lethal means as a firearm with a person going through a crisis can save their life.”

Improving Chronic and Avoidable Health Outcomes

·       Prevent high blood pressure and diabetes

·       Increase immunization rates

·       Decrease injury for children

Intermountain Health is committed to strengthening collaborations with local organizations working to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, decrease injury for children, and increase rates of immunization. 

Last year, Intermountain Children’s Health collaborated with Nevada Highway Patrol, SafeKids of Clark County, and first responders to bring vital attention to Nevada about the dangers of leaving children in a hot car. 

Intermountain also worked with SafeKids of Clark County as well as the Healthy Living Institute at UMC to raise awareness about the rise of dangerous counterfeit car seats.

2. Addressing and Investing in Social Determinants of Health

·       Improve social care access and coordination

·       Invest in affordable housing and improve nutrition security

·       Increase healthcare coverage and access

A key strategy in improving community health is strengthening Nevada’s Community Health Worker (CHW) program. Through a collaboration with the Nevada Community Health Workers Association, we are supporting workforce development to expand this vital role. CHWs are trained public health professionals who serve as a bridge between their community and essential health and social resources. With lived experience and deep community connections, they help break down barriers to health and well-being for those most at risk.

Improving Child and Family Well-Being

·       Improve child and family safety

·       Injury prevention

·       Child and family advocacy

Intermountain Health is committed to both the physical and mental health of children and families. This work includes collaborating with community groups, engaging with local and state officials, and implementing evidence-based programs to improve child health outcomes across southern Nevada. 

As part of this commitment, Intermountain Health last October announced plans to build Nevada’s first comprehensive stand-alone children’s hospital. The facility, set to be located in the UNLV Research and Technology Park, is projected to be completed by 2030, providing specialized pediatric care to meet the growing needs of the region.

Intermountain’s current CHNA covers the period from 2022 to 2025. Work is underway on the next CHNA, which will guide community health priorities for the following three years. 

The Intermountain Community Health team is collaborating with partners to evaluate emerging health needs to ensure the next assessment reflects the current assets and opportunities for southern Nevada. 

“Our commitment to Nevada is rooted in compassion and collaboration. The Community Health Needs Assessments and Implementation Strategy helps us identify significant health needs and support the incredible work already happening. Our role is to connect the pieces – filling gaps so no one falls through the cracks. Nevada, we are here for you. By working together, we can build a healthier tomorrow for us all,” Rucker said.

All of Intermountain Health’s CHNA and Implementation Strategies can be found here.

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On October 29, Utah Business and Roseman University announced their annual Healthcare Heroes Awards with two notable recipients: Lisa Nichols, from Intermountain Health, and Dawn Wright, from Select Health.

This annual award celebrates individuals making significant contributions to improving healthcare in Utah. Both Nichols and Wright were honored among five recipients in the Community Outreach category for their involvements to help improve community health through their advocacy and outreach throughout Utah

Nichols has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to addressing health disparities and ensuring access for underrepresented communities.

As Vice President of Community Health, Nichols leads the Community Health portfolio, which includes Intermountain’s Community Health Needs Assessments. The work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and health disparities through community-based collaborations and strategic philanthropy.

In addition, Nichols supports Intermountain’s initiatives to serve as an anchor institution, ensuring the organization deploys its assets to address Intermountain’s mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible through local hiring, local sourcing, impact investing, and sustainability.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the Intermountain Health team and the strong collaborations built within our communities,” said Lisa Nichols. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for this honor and for recognizing the importance of our work in creating a healthier, more equitable future."

Throughout her career, Dawn Wright has combined leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to expanding healthcare access. Her early career began with leading marketing efforts at the Salvation Army in Southern California, where she amplified the organization's mission to support vulnerable populations. Later, as Director of Marketing & Communications for Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City, she continued her advocacy for children with orthopedic conditions.   

Currently, as the Director of Community and Public Relations at Select Health, the nonprofit insurance arm of Intermountain Health, Wright oversees charity giving, community programs, and partnerships that increase healthcare accessibility. In 2023 alone, her leadership helped direct more than $1 million in contributions for initiatives addressing housing, food security, access to care, positively impacting lives across Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. 

Under her guidance, Select Health has collaborated with more than 200 community organizations and businesses to promote healthcare initiatives, expanding its programs to new markets. Her efforts have reinforced the importance of community giving as a core value within the healthcare system. 

Wright has also driven key initiatives such as the Select Health Awards, which annually supports ten Utah organizations dedicated to health, and Brain Body Boost, a school-based program promoting healthy behaviors. Additionally, she oversees the Select Health Scholarship Program, providing financial aid and mentorship to Salt Lake Community College students pursuing healthcare careers. 

"Dawn has an exceptional ability to mobilize people and resources to drive meaningful change in communities we serve," said Nate Foco, Select Health chief marketing and strategy officer. "Her leadership has expanded access to care, resources, and support services for countless individuals across the Mountain West. She has elevated our outreach efforts and created lasting relationships that have significantly strengthened our impact in the region.” 

In 2023, Wright produced Select Health’s first-ever Community Impact Report, highlighting the success of her team’s initiatives. She exemplifies how a strong leader can mobilize resources and partnerships to create lasting change in healthcare. 

"I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Healthcare Hero by Utah Business. This acknowledgment reflects not just my passion for service, but the collective effort of my team and our community in striving for better health and well-being,” said Dawn Wright, Select Health director of community and public relations. “By fostering strong community relations and supporting accessible healthcare, we can empower individuals to lead healthier lives. Together, we can create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive." 

Nichols and Wright will be a part of the October 2024 issue of Utah Business magazine with the other winners. The digital edition can be viewed when published at utahbusiness.com.

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Vegas Inc announced Intermountain Health Desert Region Chief Nursing Officer Keyona Cole and Care Management Manager in Ambulatory Care LaTeisha Morgan as 2024 Health Care Headliners. Cole received the recognition in the Nursing category and Morgan in the Community Outreach category.

Vegas Inc published the 2024 Health Care Headliners in the Healthcare Quarterly special section released today. Health Care Headliner categories also included Dentistry, Education, Emergency Services, Innovation, Physician, Research/Science, and Lifetime Achievement. Vegas Inc accepted nominations from the public and a panel comprised of independent judges reviewed and selected the winners. A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.

“Intermountain Health is proud to serve the Las Vegas Valley to ensure patients have access to affordable, high-quality health care,” said Mandy Richards, Chief Nursing Executive for Intermountain Health. “The recognition by Vegas Inc for our caregivers Keyona Cole and LaTeisha Morgan underscores their commitment to providing leadership for our teams for providing compassionate care our patients and strengthening opportunities to improve and sustain the overall health of our communities.”

Since 2021, Cole, FNP, has served as Chief Nursing Officer for Intermountain Health’s Desert Region, which is comprised of southern Nevada and southwest Utah. In addition to supporting clinical operations, she serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee leaders and has initiated and overseen innovative solutions to Nevada’s medical assistant shortage. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Association and currently serves on the Goodwill of Southern Nevada Board of Directors. Earlier this month, Cole received national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review when she was named to the 231+ Black healthcare leaders to know - 2024 list.

“I am grateful that these honors bring additional recognition to our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Keyona Cole. “Achieving health equity is a marathon not a sprint. Intermountain is well-positioned to continue to make significant impact in the Nevada and Southwest Utah communities.”

Morgan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has been significantly involved in advocacy work in the Las Vegas area for nearly two decades. Her diverse career includes roles such as a family service specialist, case manager supervisor, and director of operations within prominent social work organizations in Las Vegas. Morgan’s commitment to the elderly community is evident through her work with the State of Nevada Elder Protective Services. Additionally, her role as a specialty court specialist with Clark County 8th Judicial District showcased her dedication to justice and rehabilitation. Morgan also is committed to providing awareness to suicide prevention to the community through supporting the HOPE Squad, a high school peer lead suicide prevention group which aims to spread suicide awareness and connectivity.

“These roles give me the opportunity to fulfill my purpose and support my community on a macro and micro level,” said Morgan. “I am honored to assist individuals as they work through challenging times, help our community heal and thrive, and foster the growth of the next generation of mental health clinicians and social workers through my work as a clinical supervisor.”

Vegas Inc established the Health Care Headliners awards in 2006 to highlight the phenomenal talent of the finest medical professionals who are leading the way. Vegas Inc’s Health Care Quarterly is mailed to every M.D., D.O., medical office in Clark County, all area hospitals, and is distributed to every local Albertson’s location.

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Utah is home to the largest per capita population of Pacific Islanders in the continental United States.

Pacific Islanders are excelling in every sector of Utah society, but some challenges and disparities persist- such as with vaccination rates in children and adolescents.

Intermountain Health is partnering with the Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition to assist families in getting their children immunized and have helped created this community event to help families with their immunizations.

"We are excited to connect with the community on health overall and the key role that early childhood immunizations play in protecting children,” said Neal Davis, MD, senior medical director of pediatrics for Intermountain Health.

“The Protect Our Kids Pacific Islander Family Wellness Tailgate” event will feature health promoting messages and important wellness related resources into a fun, familiar context that is welcoming, family-friendly, and community-centered to help families and children be as healthy as possible.  

The event will take place on Saturday, June 15 from 10 am to 2 pm at LaVell Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo. Attendees can go to the Cougar Club Parking Lot #4.

This family-oriented vaccination event will also include an outdoor health fair format featuring information tables, activity stations, an "Ask a Doctor" booth, and music and entertainment from a Utah County-based Polynesian performing arts group.

Pacific Islander community health workers have been tirelessly raising awareness about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and have created a "Protect Our Kids" slogan to support this.

Regular well-child visits should include reviewing important immunizations required for school enrollment and are a good time to complete medical forms required for some school activities. 

Vaccines are also available from your local health department. If a patient doesn’t have insurance, the Vaccines for Children Program is available to those who qualify.

The mission of the Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition is to reduce health disparities and increase access to affordable and culturally responsive wellness services for Utah Pacific Islanders.

Intermountain Health supports numerous community health efforts throughout the state.

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Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital donará 900 chalecos a puestos de renta de chalecos salvavidas en todo el estado para contribuir a la seguridad de las familias en el agua este verano.

Dado que el Día de los Caídos se considera el inicio del verano, los expertos en seguridad del Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital lanzan un comunicado: tanto los chalecos como la supervisión son aspectos fundamentales para cuidar a los niños en el agua  

Intermountain Primary Children’s ha colaborado con agencias de salud y de la comunidad locales de todo el estado para proporcionar chalecos salvavidas a varios puestos de renta para la gente que quiera disfrutar del agua este verano.

Estos chalecos están disponibles por orden de llegada y en varios talles, tanto para niños como adultos, y deben devolverse al final de la jornada.  

“El ahogamiento es la segunda causa principal de lesiones mortales prevenibles entre los niños de Utah menores de 14 años y el 70 por ciento de las muertes por ahogamiento se producen entre mayo y agosto”, afirma el Dr. Wing Province, director médico y médico de medicina de emergencia del Intermountain Park City Hospital.

Según el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos, aproximadamente un tercio de los ahogamientos en Utah suceden en lagos, ríos, canales y otros cuerpos de agua. Los estudios muestran que la mayoría de los ahogamientos pudieron haberse prevenido con el uso de un chaleco salvavidas.

“La meta del programa de renta de chalecos salvavidas es que sean más accesibles y así poder incrementar su uso en actividades acuáticas. También sirve como oportunidad para poder concientizar al público acerca del uso adecuado de los chalecos salvavidas”, comentó Karlee Kump, jefa de salud comunitaria del Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.

"Ya sea un centro recreativo en el condado de Salt Lake o uno de nuestros muchos lagos, tenemos excelentes socios, como Intermountain Health, que también se preocupan por mantener a los niños seguros mientras están en el agua", dijo McKell Christensen, de la Coalición de Prevención de Ahogamientos de Utah. "Sin embargo, todos debemos recordar que nunca hay un sustituto para la supervisión de un adulto en el agua y usar un chaleco salvavidas puede salvar una vida".

Lance y Danielle Bradshaw, de Draper, afirman que hubieran deseado tener puestos de renta de chalecos salvavidas hace dos años cuando sufrieron un accidente el 29 de junio de 2022 en Blackridge Reservoir.

Danielle, una buena nadadora, se encontraba en una balsa con sus hijas, de 2 y 5 años, cuando volcaron mientras intentaban sacar basura del agua.

Nos cuenta que tuvo que hacer un gran esfuerzo para mantenerse a flote mientras sostenía a sus hijas.

Un grupo de personas las vio en el agua, oyó sus gritos de auxilio y las llevó a la orilla.

El hijo de Danielle consiguió ponerla a salvo, pero ella sufrió un paro cardíaco.

Lance, quien estaba en camino para reunirse con su familia con chalecos salvavidas, recibió una llamada desesperada de su hija de 10 años diciendo: “Mamá se ahogó y ya no respira”.

Antes de que Lance pudiera llegar, un oficial de policía fuera de servicio intervino y rápidamente comenzó a hacerle RCP.

Luego de pasar un día en el hospital, Danielle volvió con su esposo y sus ocho hijos y le agradeció al oficial por su rápida respuesta.

 “No tengo palabras para agradecer a aquellos que no dudaron en ayudar y salvarnos”, mencionó Danielle. “Ahora me doy cuenta que siempre es mejor prevenir que curar”, afirma Danielle.

“La realidad es que siempre hay que estar preparados por cualquier cosa que pueda pasar” dijo Lance. “Todos deberían tener el hábito de usar chaleco salvavidas, aún en aguas poco profundas ”.

Los expertos en seguridad del Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital coinciden. Dicen que la mejor prevención es llevar un chaleco aprobado por la guardia costera y la supervisión adecuada de un adulto.

Estas son otras formas de mantener a los niños a salvo cerca del agua:  

• Designe a un “vigilante acuático” para que supervise a los niños sin distracciones. Establezca turnos y cree una referencia visual, como un cordón o una gorra, para que todos sepan quién vigila. 

• Drene por completo las piscinas para niños y las cubetas y póngalas boca abajo cuando no las utilice. 

• Asegúrese de que la familia entera sepa nadar. 

• Asegúrese de que los niños utilicen chalecos aprobados por la guardia costera en lugar de flotadores de brazo, que se pueden desinflar o salir de los brazos del niño. 

• Cierre las piscinas y jacuzzis (hot tubs) con puertas de cierre automático y bloqueo.   

• Enséñeles a los niños a mantenerse alejados del agua cuando vayan de excursión o campamento.   

• Si un niño se pierde, siempre compruebe primero el agua más cercana.  

• Si un niño se cae en aguas correntosas, llame al 911. No salte tras ellos.  

• Aprenda RCP. 

Si irá a uno de los lagos, reservas o ríos de Utah para divertirse, a continuación, le ofrecemos consejos adicionales para mantener la seguridad de su familia: 

• Utilice un chaleco salvavidas aprobado por la guardia costera. 

• Ser un buen nadador no garantiza la seguridad. 

Tanto niños como adolescentes deberían nadar con un adulto.  

• Recuerde que los adolescentes son un grupo en riesgo que también necesita recordatorios y ser supervisado. Suelen ser muy confiados e impulsivos, lo que puede ser peligroso en aguas abiertas.  

• Nadar solo nunca es buena idea. 

• Conozca sus alrededores Los lagos aún están muy fríos y pueden afectar rápidamente a los nadadores con calambres peligrosos, estado de shock, hipotermia y dificultad para respirar. 

• Si alguien se encuentra en peligro en aguas abiertas, no nade para salvarlo. En su lugar, lance algo para que puedan flotar y pida ayuda. 

• El alcohol y la natación no van de la mano. 

La prevención de lesiones forma parte del proyecto de Intermountain Health de más de $600 millones, Promesa Principal, destinado a crear el sistema sanitario de niños modelo del país. Esta campaña histórica es una asociación entre Intermountain Health y sus comunidades y ha recaudado más de $500 millones hasta la fecha. 

Para más información acerca de la seguridad de los niños y la prevención de lesiones, visite primarychildrens.org/safety. 

Los puestos de renta de chalecos salvavidas se encuentran en las siguientes ubicaciones: Lincoln Beach, Vineyard Beach, Lindon Marina, American Fork Marina, Saratoga Springs Marina, The Knolls, Mill Race, Sandy Beach, Utah Lake State Park 1 y 2, Saratoga Springs Marina 2, Saratoga Springs North Marina, Bear Lake State Park, Hyrum State Park, Starvation Boat Ramp, Jordanelle Reservoir, Otter Creek, Halls Crossing Marina, Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, y algunos centros de recreación de Salt Lake .

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is donating 900 life jackets to Life Jacket Loaner Stations across the state to help keep families safe around water this summer.

With Memorial Day viewed as the start of summer, safety experts at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital are issuing a reminder: Life jackets and supervision are critical to keeping kids safe around the water.  

Intermountain Primary Children’s has collaborated with local health and community agencies throughout the state to provide life jackets for various loaner stations for people getting out this summer to enjoy the water.

The life jackets are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis in various sizes for children to adults and should be returned at the end of the day.  

“Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable injury death for Utah children under age 14, with 70 percent of drowning deaths happening between May and August,” said Wing Province, MD, Intermountain Park City Hospital chief medical officer and emergency medicine physician.

About one-third of drownings in Utah occur in lakes, rivers, canals, and other bodies of water, according to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services. Research also shows that most drownings could have been prevented if a life jacket had been worn.

“The goals for the life jacket loaner program are to make life jackets more available and increase the wearing of life jackets during water-based activities. It’s also an opportunity to educate the public on the proper use and fit of life jackets,’ said Karlee Kump, community health manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

“Whether a rec center in Salt Lake County or one of our many lakes, we have great partners, like Intermountain Health who are also concerned about keeping kids safe while in the water,” said McKell Christensen, Utah Drowning Prevention Coalition. “However, we all need to remember, there is never a substitution for adult supervision in the water and wearing a life jacket can save a life.” 

Lance and Danielle Bradshaw of Draper say they wish a life jacket loaner station would have been an option for them two years ago when they had a freak accident on June 29, 2022, at Blackridge Reservoir.

Danielle, who is a good swimmer, was on a raft with her girls, ages 2 and 5, when they flipped over while trying to retrieve some garbage.

She says she struggled to stay afloat while keeping her babies above water.

Bystanders saw them thrashing in the water and heard her calls for help and got the two girls to the shore.

Danielle’s son pulled her to safety, but she was in cardiac arrest.

Lance, who was on his way to meet his family with life jackets, received a frantic call from his 10-year-old daughter, saying, “Mommy drowned and isn’t breathing anymore.”

Before Lance could get there, an off-duty police officer jumped into action and quickly started CPR.

After spending one night in the hospital, Danielle was back with her husband and eight kids and giving thanks for the officer’s quick response.

 “There’s no way to repay those who didn’t hesitate to step-in and save us,” said Danielle. “I realize now it’s always better to be safe and cautious than to be sorry,” said Danielle.

“The reality is you always want to be prepared for whatever might happen,” said Lance. “Everyone should get in a habit of wearing a life jacket, even in shallow water.”

Safety experts at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital agree. They say the best prevention comes from a Coast Guard-approved jacket and appropriate adult supervision.

Here are some other ways keep young children safe around water:  

• Appoint a “water watcher” to supervise children without distraction. Take shifts and create a visual cue, like a lanyard or silly hat, so everyone knows who’s watching. 

• Fully drain kiddie pools and buckets and turn them upside down when not in use. 

• Ensure the whole family learns to swim. 

• Have children wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets instead of water wings, which can deflate or fall off a child’s arms. 

• Enclose pools and hot tubs with self-closing and locking gates.   

• Teach children to stay away from water while hiking or camping.   

• If a child is missing, always check nearby water first.  

• If a child falls into rushing water, call 911. Don’t jump in after them.  

• Learn CPR. 

If you’re headed to one of Utah’s lakes, reservoirs, or rivers to recreate, here are additional tips to keep your family safe: 

• Use a Coast Guard approved lifejacket. 

• Being a good swimmer isn’t a guarantee of safety. Children and teens should swim with an adult.  

• Remember, teens are an at-risk group who also need supervision and reminders. They are often overconfident and impulsive, which can be dangerous in open water.  

• Solo swimming is never a good idea. 

• Know your surroundings. The lakes are still very cold and can quickly affect swimmers with dangerous cramps, shock, hypothermia, and difficulty breathing. 

• If someone is in danger in open water, don’t dive in to save them. Instead, throw something to help them float and call for help. 

• Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. 

Injury prevention is part of Intermountain Health’s more than $600 million Primary Promise to create the nation’s model health system for children. This historic campaign is a partnership between Intermountain Health and its communities and has raised more than $500 million to date. 

For more information about child safety and injury prevention, visit primarychildrens.org/safety. 

Some of the Life Jacket Loaner Stations can be found at the following locations: Lincoln Beach, Vineyard Beach, Lindon Marina, American Fork Marina, Saratoga Springs Marina, The Knolls, Mill Race, Sandy Beach, Utah Lake State Park 1 and 2, Saratoga Springs Marina 2, Saratoga Springs North Marina, Bear Lake State Park, Hyrum State Park, Starvation Boat Ramp, Jordanelle Reservoir, Otter Creek, Halls Crossing Marina, Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, and some Salt Lake Rec Centers.

Intermountain Health Community Health Team and Cheryl Swapp, a community health worker employed by the Utah’s Sanpete County Sheriff’s Department, were honored for their work with substance use and opioid use disorders with incarcerated individuals. Swapp’s work resulted in a remarkable reduction in recidivism – where individuals are resent to the jail after release for repeating criminal behavior.  

In the 18 months before Swapp was hired, Sanpete County had 599 repeat offender bookings. In the 18 months since the community health worker program with Swapp began at the jail, there have been 236 repeat offender bookings, representing a 61 percent reduction in recidivism.  

Intermountain’s Community Health team, alongside community health worker Cheryl Swapp, presented this initiative and its results at the 2024 Health Resources and Services Administration Reverse Site Visit Meetings in Washington, DC.

The 1,000-person audience of grantees and HRSA officials selected Intermountain’s Community Health team as one of six grantees to present at the conference out of hundreds that were represented in attendance. The team’s presentation was the top winner among the other six other grantees based on the following criteria: community impact, creativity, wow factor, applicability, and overall presentation.  

As the team noted in their presentation, the resources and clinical support provided through this grant and Intermountain Health have resulted in a large reduction in repeat offender bookings at Sanpete County Jail.  

The project started back in 2020 when Intermountain’s Community Health team received a HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Planning Grant to conduct a robust needs assessment in Central Utah.  

In 2021, Intermountain Health received two HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) grants: Implementation III and the Psychostimulant Support Grant, totaling $1.5 million dollars in funding.     

With that funding, Intermountain hired Swapp, a community health worker employed by the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2022. Swapp has become an advocate for people in the jail in many ways, during their sentence and after they leave. 

"Cheryl is deeply connected to the community she serves. She advocates effectively for the individuals she works with and supports them with compassion, thoughtfulness, and empathy,” said Sarah Diefendorf, Intermountain Community Health director. “Cheryl embodies the best of community health workers and the best of caregivers, and we could not do this work without her."

Swapp conducts the substance and opioid use screenings, works to help send jail staff to conferences and trainings, and holds Moral Reconation Therapy. USARA is able to hold peer support classes as well. Swapp then meets with incarcerated individuals in the criminal justice system and follows up with upon their exit from the jail. 

“Access to resources is a necessity for individuals leaving incarceration. With our Community Health Worker, we now have the tools to effectively assist these individuals in reintegrating into the community,” said Sgt. Gretchen Nunley, with Programming at Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office. “Rather than departing without guidance on their next steps, they leave with a plan and a sense of security, knowing they have our community health worker to support them.”

Dominique Felton was one of the people helped by the program and Swapp. She had started using drugs at 13 years old. In her 20’s, which escalated to selling drugs to maintain her habit. By the time she was incarcerated, she had 10 warrants for her arrest. 

In the Sanpete County Jail in Utah, her life would get the turn-around needed thanks to the work of Cheryl Swapp and Intermountain’s Community Health team.  

“Cheryl kept in contact with a rehab [facility] that I wanted to go to and made sure they had a bed for me,” Felton said. “Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Felton is now over a year sober, employed, and reconnected with her children.

“There are people back at the Sanpete County jail that are waiting to take that first step in a lifestyle change and I can’t wait to be there to help them. There is so much more I want to do to expand the program before the grant ends,” Swapp said.  

This would not be possible without key community collaborators in this work, including the: 

•  Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office 
• Central Utah Counseling Center 
• Central Utah Department of Health 
• Fourpoints Health 
• Salt Lake Harm Reduction Coalition 
• Snow College 
• South Sanpete County School District 
• Utah Office of the Medical Examiner 
• USARA (Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness) 

“I think this work embodies one of our core values as an organization: that we are better together,” Diefendorf said. “We would not see the success we celebrate today with our work on opioid use in Central Utah without the strong support and collaboration with our community partners and project officers at HRSA. This funding has given us the opportunity to build a new program to respond to a community need together.” 

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1.5 million with 100 percentage funded by HRSA/HHS and $0 and zero percentage funded by nongovernment sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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In a groundbreaking move, Intermountain Health has partnered with Elevation Community Land Trust to inject $2 million into the heart of Denver’s housing market, marking a significant stride towards fostering housing equity in Colorado. This collaboration signifies Intermountain Health’s inaugural Colorado Place-Based Investment, aiming not just to construct buildings, but to build healthier, more inclusive communities. 

 With a commitment to making homeownership attainable for more Colorado families, Elevation CLT uses the innovative community land trust model. This approach has already placed more than 250 families into homes across 14 cities in the state, cementing its position as a trailblazer in affordable housing solutions. This new infusion of funds is set to exponentially expand Elevation CLT’s reach, projecting to serve around 2,000 residents within five years and adding significantly to its portfolio of permanently affordable homes.  

The $2-million loan to Elevation CLT will be part of a fund used to buy new properties to be added to the land trust and preserved for affordable housing. The investment also will enable Elevation CLT to award bids to a more diverse group of project developers. 

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

“The investment from Intermountain Health allows us to better leverage the public and private capital needed to build this type of affordable infrastructure – accelerating our goals and resulting in more homes affordable to more Colorado families,” said Stefka Fanchi, president and CEO of Elevation CLT. “We are especially excited about this partnership because it makes very clear the alignment between affordable homeownership and health and wealth equity.” 

One project, The Burrell, is in the immediate service area of Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. 

The Burrell is a condominium project with 49 permanently affordable homes in Five Points, a historically Black neighborhood in the River North District. The project is named after renowned Denver jazz musician Charlie Burrell. Buyers of the 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units priced in the $200,000s will be asked to meet income qualifications. Historical and/or familial ties to the neighborhood will be considered.  

For more information about the Intermountain Place-Based Investing portfolio, visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/about/who-we-are/community-health/impact-investing. Visit elevationclt.org to learn more about Elevation CLT.