Intermountain Foundation today announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees, marking a significant expansion of the leadership guiding its philanthropic efforts across the Intermountain Health system.

The appointments bring together some of the Mountain West’s most respected business, health care, and community leaders. Each one has already shown a deep belief in the Foundation’s mission as a generous philanthropist and active champion of the Foundation's work.

Together, these trustees bring deep experience across finance, real estate, medicine, and large-scale philanthropy, as well as a record of helping bring to life some of the region’s most significant health care initiatives. 

Their addition reflects both the Foundation’s continued focus on strong governance and the growing confidence among regional leaders in the role philanthropy plays in shaping the future of health care.

The new trustees are:

• Scott Anderson, non-executive chair and former president and CEO of Zions Bank; past chair of the American Bankers Association; nationally recognized leader in banking and economic development; chair emeritus of the Intermountain Health Board of Trustees; founding vice chair and recent past chair of Intermountain Foundation Board of Trustees. 

• Christian Gardner, CEO and chairman of the Gardner Group; co-founder of rPlus Energies and Philo Ventures; deeply committed to causes spanning education, the arts, mental health, homelessness, sports, and the environment. 

• Gail Miller, co-founder of the Larry H. Miller Company; chair of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation and chair emeritus of the Intermountain Health Board of Trustees; recipient of six honorary doctorate degrees and the Congressional Award Foundation’s Horizon Award; previous co-chair of the Intermountain Foundation’s Primary Promise campaign.

• Sandy Modersitzki, dedicated community leader and philanthropist with a longstanding commitment to strengthening families and expanding access to critical resources for youth, single mothers, and veterans; previous executive cabinet member of the Intermountain Foundation’s Primary Promise campaign.

• Dr. Neal Sorensen, longtime internal medicine physician in Billings, Montana, affiliated with Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital; served four decades as a clinical professor of medicine with the University of Washington School of Medicine; chair emeritus of the Board for both the St. Vincent Foundation and the Yellowstone Community Health Plan.

“These are leaders who have built organizations, shaped industries, and strengthened communities, and they joined the Board because they have seen what our mission is positioned to do, and believe how much more is possible up ahead,” said David Flood, chief development officer of Intermountain Health and president of Intermountain Foundation. “From the Nevada Campaign for Kids to our growing work in Montana, this is one of those rare moments when the stars align — and these five leaders will help define what comes next, to the life-enhancing benefit of our communities and countless families.”

The addition of these trustees expands both the expertise and geographic reach of the Board, which stewards philanthropy across the Mountain West.

Their arrival comes at a pivotal moment. The momentum created by the Primary Promise campaign, which raised more than $640 million to build the nation’s model health system for children, is now carrying the Foundation into a new generation of inspired projects, including major campaigns in Nevada and Montana. The Foundation is rising to meet this moment with governance on par with the country’s most accomplished health care philanthropies and vision worthy of one of the country’s most respected health systems. 

“On behalf of the Board, it is my privilege to welcome Gail, Christian, Neal, Sandy, and Scott,” said Bert Zimmerli, chair of the Intermountain Foundation Board of Trustees. “Each of these individuals brings an extraordinary record of leadership and service. More importantly, they share a deep commitment to the children and families at the heart of our mission. Their perspective will sharpen our strategy, deepen our credibility, and help ensure we are equal to the ambition of what we are building together.”

Intermountain Foundation serves as the centralized philanthropic arm of Intermountain Health, advancing charitable giving that strengthens care, expands access, and invests in the communities Intermountain serves. The Foundation Board of Trustees provides strategic and fiduciary oversight of philanthropic assets, ensuring alignment with donor intent and with Intermountain Health’s mission.

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Intermountain Health and the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, an outreach department of Southern Utah University, today announced a new partnership that will position Intermountain as the Official Health Partner and Medical Provider of the Games, strengthening support for athletes while advancing health, wellness, and community impact across Southern Utah.

As part of the partnership, Intermountain will serve in a lead health role for the Games and provide on-site athletic training and sports medicine support to help keep athletes safe, supported, and performing at their best throughout the event. 

“This partnership reflects our commitment to showing up in meaningful ways for the communities we serve,” said Jamison Robinett, president of Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital. “Through this collaboration, Intermountain Health is extending our mission to serve more people by expanding in ways that help individuals live the healthiest lives possible. The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games is a longstanding and important part of this community, and we are proud to support its athletes, families, and organizers in a shared commitment to health, wellness, and opportunity for all.” 

Jon Oglesby, director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, said, “We are excited to welcome Intermountain Health in this expanded role with the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games. Their support helps strengthen the athlete experience and reinforces our shared belief in the power of sport to improve lives, build community, and create lasting impact.

The 2026 Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games marks the organization’s 40th anniversary, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for the evening of Friday, June 5, 2026. 

The Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games center their program on “impact and opportunity through sports,” a theme that aligns closely with Intermountain’s mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible.  

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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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In a moment that captured the heart and soul of Las Vegas, global music icon Bruno Mars announced a $1 million gift to Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital during a live event at Toshiba Plaza with thousands of people in attendance, marking a powerful milestone in the hospital’s campaign for kids.

The announcement came on April 10 — officially recognized as “Bruno Mars Day” — a citywide celebration honoring Mars’ deep roots and enduring commitment to Las Vegas. Bruno Mars Day festivities celebrated the start of his sold out The Romantic Tour, which kicked off April 10 at Allegiant Stadium.

 The day also coincided with MGM Resorts International naming a Las Vegas street in his honor, a tribute to the artist whose performances have helped define the city’s modern entertainment legacy.

“Today, I'm going to donate $1 million to the future Intermountain Health Nevada Children's Hospital,” said Mars to the jam-packed crowd.

The $1 million gift will directly support lifesaving care, advanced pediatric programs, and expanded access for children and families across Nevada.

“This gift is pure Bruno — bold, joyful, and deeply rooted in community,” said David Flood, president of Intermountain Foundation and chief development officer at Intermountain Health.  “Bruno Mars doesn’t just perform in Las Vegas; he invests in its future. Because of his generosity, more kids will receive the care they need regardless of complexity, and the health trajectory of the entire region will be enhanced. This serves as a spark – one that we believe will ignite even more momentum and generosity for this historic campaign.”

On stage, Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle, Intermountain Health’s Nevada Campaign for Kids Co-Chairs; Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health and president of Children’s Health; and David Flood, accepted the gift from Bruno along with “Super Benji” and his mother, Azalea Sanchez. 

Mars asked Benji to come out on stage when announcing the gift. The crowd chanted Benji’s name, a Las Vegas resident and Intermountain Health patient who has faced cancer three times, and whose strength has inspired caregivers and families alike as a reminder for whom this gift is dedicated.

“Being with Benji and his mom on stage with Bruno made this about more than a donation,” said Wendy Hornbuckle. “It turned the spotlight on the urgent need for more pediatric care in our community and what’s possible when people come together to support kids and families.” Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive officer and president of MGM Resorts International added. “Today served as a reminder of what’s possible when music, generosity, and community come together for kids, Las Vegas style.”

Intermountain Health will build the stand-alone children’s hospital at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, in southwest Las Vegas, which is planned to open in 2030.

Intermountain Health is committed to funding two-thirds of the $1 billion+ project needed to complete the comprehensive vision for Nevada Children’s Health, including the standalone children’s hospital. Intermountain has commissioned Intermountain Foundation to seek the remaining funding through philanthropic support. 

Foundation leadership is working closely with the Hornbuckles in building the leadership framework of the campaign, which will provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations at all levels to become a part of this historic endeavor, and to impact the lives of countless families.

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Intermountain Health hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the new Intermountain Health District Clinic in Henderson, Nevada. 

This new medical office building brings together five existing clinics and introduces three new ones.

The state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot facility brings together senior primary care, oncology, and children’s health under one roof—creating a comprehensive and convenient hub for families across southern Nevada.

The District Clinic will also introduce wound care and palliative care, two new service lines, expanding the reach of Intermountain Health’s offerings in the community.

“What the District Clinic provides is a beautiful, single, modern location designed to strengthen access, improve coordination, and support long-term growth,” said Trevor Smith, Intermountain region vice president of Medical Group Operations. “We know that as our lives become busier than ever and our days fill with activities, it is more vital than ever to make world-class care as convenient as possible.”

With this facility, Intermountain Health is increasing access to high-quality, preventive, and specialty care to help meet the growing healthcare needs of the community—ensuring people can receive the care they deserve close to home.

“We are excited about what this means for our community and we’re so appreciative to Intermountain Health for making increased access to care a priority,” said Monica Larson, Henderson Mayor Pro Tem. “With population growth comes the need for services – for employment, for healthcare – and Intermountain is focused on bringing all of these to our community. These investments by Intermountain Health in our community are important for the well-being of our community and future generations.”

The focus on these clinics is to help bring important touchpoints for people to find providers and help get established with regular health visits, important screenings, and more.

“Intermountain Health’s mission is to help people live the healthiest lives possible, and that starts with making sure everyone has access to primary care physicians and that each person is able to see their primary care provider regularly,” said Lana Dawood, MD, associate medical director for Senior Primary Clinics for Intermountain Health. “Establishing preventive care where patients are receiving the right screenings keeps people healthy, out of the hospital, and living their lives to the fullest.”

There are also plans for additional growth, with the Badura Clinic, in southwest area, scheduled to open this summer and a comprehensive stand-alone Nevada Children’s Hospital breaking ground later in 2026 with opening planned for 2030.

For more information, or to find providers /clinics, go to intermountainhealth.org.

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Surrounded by community leaders and former and current Intermountain Health presidents, Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital unveiled new permanent displays Thursday that bring the region's medical history to life. 
 

The exhibits showcase historic medical instruments, physician keepsakes, and preserved artifacts from those who helped shape healthcare in Washington County.  

The new displays are located on the hospital's main floor and include historical artifacts that trace the evolution of care in the region over the past 100 years. 

Natalie Ashby, president at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital helped unveil the displays with three previous presidents: Mitch Cloward, Terri Kane, and Steve Wilson. 

Ashby said it was an honor to have them together as their vision helped bring the hospital to where it is today. 

“I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am so thankful for what they did,” said Ashby. “We’ve all been blessed, and I know each of them in their tenure had unique challenges. Since I have sat in this chair, each one of them has given me advice, counsel, and shared stories. I can never repay that.” 

The displays include a vintage wheelchair, a preserved nursing uniform, surgical tools, and notes featuring quotes and historical lessons.  

Returning the historical items back to the hospital required time, persistence, and community effort. Some were even discovered by sure luck when community members found them collecting dust in a home garage. 

They reached out Terri Draper, a longtime caregiver at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. 

Draper decided to make it a mission to start collecting more memorabilia and historical items.  

Draper, who retired from Intermountain Health in January, was able to work with team members to get them permanently preserved and now on display for the public. 

The origins of healthcare and Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital date back to 1913, when Washington County Hospital first opened their doors to the community. 

Several iterations of the hospital would come as the surrounding area grew. In 1975, the hospital was part of 15 hospitals system operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The Church donated all the hospitals in Utah, and turned over operations, to the new Intermountain Healthcare system. 

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to fully appreciate how difficult it was for those first pioneer families to make a settlement in this desert community. That would have been 1860, back before air conditioning and ice cubes,” said Steve Wilson, former president at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. “I appreciate progress. It doesn’t happen easily; it doesn’t happen simply.” 

Now, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital has a wide, extensive campus located on River Road in St. George. 

Plaques honoring each version of the hospital were created several years ago along the first-floor hallway. The new historical artifact displays are now in place in the same area – creating a gallery dedicated to honor important history.       

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The New Year began with joy and celebration at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital, where Utah’s first baby of 2026 was born. 

At 12:09 am on January 1, Valley Zohner made her grand entrance into the world. Her delighted parents, Kenedi and Zach, are thrilled to welcome their precious daughter to their family.

The Zohners live in Cedar City but chose to deliver at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital because their OBGYN works there. They had been anticipating the baby's arrival, and wanted to be prepared, so they had been staying Christmas week with family in St. George.

The plan was to arrive on New Year’s Eve to start her inducement, only to be surprised to find that she was already mid-labor when she arrived for her appointment. Kenedi said she  just was not feeling the contractions. With no inducement needed, the baby was near her arrival.

"This delivery was very easy and went very well. Baby came very fast and easy compared to my last baby,” said Kenedi Zohner. “All of the nurses have been nice, and lovely. They are great at their jobs.”

Valley weighed 6 pounds,1 ounce, and measured  20.5 inches long.

In 2025, there were 2,753 babies born at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital.

The new parents received a prize basket from Intermountain Health to celebrate the New Year's birth which included generous donations from Utah-based baby product vendors: Minky Couture; Loulou and Company; and Over the Moon.

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First Flight of Wyoming, a joint-venture air medical services program between Intermountain Health – St. Vincent Healthcare and Cody Regional Health, officially launched on October 1, 2023, in northern Wyoming and is proud to be the only hospital-owned flight program in the state of Wyoming providing access to life-saving medical transport services seven days a week.  

“First Flight of Wyoming will serve the needs of the Greater Wyoming Basin Region with high-quality, cost-effective transport services,” said Keith Ungrund, president of First Flight of Wyoming. “Cody Regional Health operates the largest EMS network in Northern Wyoming, while St. Vincent Healthcare, now part of Intermountain Health, has operated HELP Flight, an air medical transport program, for over 40 years. Our commitment to providing timely, high-quality medical transport is unwavering, and we look forward to serving Northern Wyoming and Southern Montana.”  

First Flight of Wyoming provides rapid air transportation and advanced life support care to patients at the transport scene and en route to medical facilities. The team serves outlying physicians and hospitals; emergency medical and law enforcement personnel; and residents of rural communities, farms and ranches. 

“With vast distances and challenging terrain, access to timely medical care can be a matter of life and death for Wyoming residents. First Flight of Wyoming will save lives and enhance the overall quality of health care in the Big Horn Basin and across Wyoming,” said Heather Stamey, senior director of Emergency & Critical Care at St. Vincent Healthcare. “This program is a testament to Intermountain Health and Cody Regional Health’s commitment to ensuring that every Wyomingite, regardless of their location, has access to the best possible medical care when they need it the most.” 

The flight team includes:  

• Flight Registered Nurses  
• Flight Paramedics  
• Flight Communications Specialists  
• Pilots and mechanics  

The flight RNs and paramedics are specially trained and experienced in critical care and emergency pre-hospital transport, ensuring the safe transportation of adult and pediatric patients with medical illnesses or trauma-related injuries from hospitals, clinics, and accident scenes. 

First Flight of Wyoming is the only hospital-owned flight program in the state of Wyoming. 

Broomfield and Aurora, Colo. (January 5, 2023) – Intermountain Healthcare and UCHealth are forming a new partnership to develop a clinically integrated network (CIN) with comprehensive patient resources. The venture will bring together 700 primary care physicians and hundreds of clinics and hospitals across Colorado, with support from specialists throughout the state. In addition, the partnership will help bring a new health insurance option to Coloradoans. 

The CIN aims to accelerate the transition to value-based care in the state by improving care coordination and providing higher-quality health care for more than 300,000 residents at lower costs. 

“For many years, UCHealth has focused on reducing healthcare costs, lowering insurance premiums, and improving the lives of our patients. We are excited to partner with Intermountain to advance these goals and to give Coloradans a new option for their health insurance that prioritizes value-based care,” said Elizabeth B. Concordia, UCHealth president and CEO.  “Together, we will help improve the overall health of the communities we serve.” 

Initially, Intermountain Health’s Colorado Quality Care Network and UCHealth’s Coordinated Care Colorado network will be brought together to create the joint venture CIN; other affiliated Colorado CINs/provider networks may join the venture in the future.

The partnership will also support health insurance products and programs offered through SelectHealth, which will provide Medicare Advantage and Individual ACA (Affordable Care Act) plans (pending regulatory approval) beginning on January 1, 2024. SelectHealth is a nonprofit health plan serving more than one million members in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. SelectHealth is a subsidiary of Intermountain Healthcare. 

“The CIN will treat SelectHealth just like all payers here. Any plan that aligns with the CIN’s goals of ensuring a better patient experience and health outcomes while lowering costs will be considered a valuable partner,” said Mark Korth, Intermountain Health’s regional president. “UCHealth and Intermountain look forward to the next evolution to our value-based care approach.” 

“UCHealth’s clinically integrated network, our employees, and the dedicated providers we work with have made significant strides in recent years, helping patients receive preventative care services, address chronic conditions, and utilize the most appropriate care. We have seen exciting results, including cost savings and improvements in our patients’ health,” said Michael A. Cancro, president of UCHealth Coordinated Care Colorado and chief strategy officer. “Together with Intermountain, these results will multiply, providing benefits for our entire state.” 

Though UCHealth and Intermountain are creating a new CIN partnership, the two health systems will remain separate and independent, and the CIN will be operated as an independent company. The two organizations expect their current contracts and relationships with insurance plans to continue as they work with all providers to improve quality and reduce costs. 

About Intermountain Healthcare

Intermountain Healthcare operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado and six other western states. Intermountain is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. To help people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by consistently using evidence-based best practices to deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. 

About UCHealth

UCHealth is an innovative, nonprofit health system that delivers the highest quality medical care with excellent patient experience. UCHealth includes 29,000 employees, 12 acute-care hospitals, and hundreds of physicians across Colorado, southern Wyoming, and western Nebraska. With University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus as its academic anchor and the only adult academic medical center in the region, UCHealth is dedicated to providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Offering more than 150 clinic locations, UCHealth provides extensive community benefits and pushes the boundaries of medicine through advanced treatments and clinical trials, improving health through innovation. 
 

November 17, 2022 – Rob Allen, Intermountain Healthcare’s long-standing chief operating officer, has been selected as the new president and CEO for the organization. He was selected through a thorough search process, which was led by the Intermountain Board of Trustees and included a group of distinguished healthcare leader candidates from across the country.  

“Rob embodies the Intermountain values and will provide steady, servant leadership to the organization. He has always put our patients and caregivers first,” said Mike Leavitt, chair of the Intermountain Healthcare Board and former Utah governor and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.  

Allen has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, serving as the CEO of hospitals in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wyoming, before joining Intermountain in 2008. In his time with Intermountain, Allen has served as a region operating officer, CEO of Park City Medical Center, region vice president, and most recently as chief operating officer for the health system, a role that he has held for nearly six years.   

“I’m humbled and proud to have this leadership opportunity, working with our incredible team of caregivers and providers,” said Allen. “Each of us has the privilege to build on Intermountain’s legacy and carry forward our mission and charge to be a model health system that inspires the world. Intermountain is a place for big ideas and even bigger hearts. I’m confident that we will continue helping people live the healthiest lives possible.” 

The leadership transition from Interim President and CEO Lydia Jumonville to Allen will take place Friday, December 1, 2022. Jumonville will continue to serve as the executive sponsor of Integration for Intermountain until her planned retirement at the end of 2023.   

About Intermountain Healthcare  

Intermountain Healthcare operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado, Montana, and five other western states. Intermountain is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth 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.

Intermountain Healthcare (formerly SCL Health) has awarded a major $250,000 grant to support and celebrate Tepeyac Community Health Center’s project to build a new clinic and expand access to primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services for uninsured and underinsured individuals in Denver and surrounding areas.

With continued support and partnership from Intermountain Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Tepeyac has provided healthcare and key services to the Hispanic/Latinx community in the Denver metro area for the past 25 years.

The new Tepeyac Community Health Center clinic will triple the number of patients Tepeyac can serve each year—currently, these patients may not have a primary care provider or may be waiting for a long time for an appointment to see a doctor.

According to the 2021 census, 29% of Denver residents are Hispanic/Latinx – and are Denver’s largest minority population.

With held of this significant grant, Tepeyac’s new facility will be co-located with 150 units of affordable housing and include more than 5,000 square feet for fresh food providers. The expansion will quadruple the original facility’s size to 24,500 square feet and resulting in an increase to the annual patient visit capacity from 20,000 to 37,000.

On Tuesday, Tiffany Capeles, Intermountain Healthcare’s new chief equity officer, presented the grant to caregivers at leaders at Tepeyac Community Health Center.

“Intermountain has a reputable legacy of standing in the gap to serve our communities that are most in need. This is fulfilled through offering health care options that are both high quality and affordable,” said Capeles. “For the members of the East Denver community, we understand there are growing needs within our Hispanic/ Latin American population. This community has seen an 88% growth increase between 2000 and 2019 and now makes up about 29% of the total population in Denver.”

“Our Intermountain Saint Joseph’s Hospital views its community partners as an extension of its ongoing mission, to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” she added. “The Tepeyac Community Health Center is a valued partner who is tuned in to and understands the cultural dynamics and necessary services that directly touch the lives of the communities it serves.”

The $250,000 grant from Intermountain Saint Joseph’s Hospital will enable the building of a new medical pod with 10 patient visit rooms around the perimeter, or the “bull pen”, and offers an open working environment. This area is where the clinical staff will be able to collaborate, share, and provide a team base approach.

“For the past 28 years, Saint Joseph’s Hospital has been a steadfast partner of Tepeyac Community Health Center and has stood with Tepeyac at every stage of our growth. As we prepare to open our new clinical facility, Saint Joseph’s has once again demonstrated their unwavering support, as we continue our mission of serving (or “of providing high quality, affordable healthcare”) to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jim Garcia, founder, and chief executive officer for Tepeyac Community Health Center.

Tepeyac will continue to be the health home for the medically underserved providing full spectrum high-quality care for the whole patient and the entire family. 

The lives of patients, such as Lucinda Vidal, have been impacted for the thanks to Tepeyac’s hospitality and patient-focused care.

Vidal worked as a dentist while living in Mexico, her home country. Upon moving to the metro Denver area, she found Tepeyac Community Health Center where she became a patient. 

Vidal and her family migrated to the United States from Mexico to seek refuge as violence infiltrated her hometown.

Empty-handed, with three suitcases of belongings to share between her family of four, and unable to pay for private insurance, she was referred to Tepeyac by a local family member and she became a patient until she and her family were able to get on their feet.

Vidal became inspired and was moved by the way that Tepeyac provided care for those in her community. She now works for Tepeyac and is an expanded dental duties assistant (EDDA), where she helps provide dental care in one of the offered services.

“After I had the opportunity to be employed, I saw that Tepeyac was hiring an EDDA. I thought about returning a little of the love and service that I received at the clinic, and I am excited to see Tepeyac grow and help as much as possible so that the dental office has what it takes to help my community”, said Vidal.

Some of the new services included in the expansion of Tepeyac include comprehensive imaging and pharmacy services, dental and behavioral health care (including treatment for children), retail space offering groceries and fresh food, 150 units of affordable housing, and play areas in a neighborhood that lacks them.

“Imagine being someone who migrates from Central, Latin America or Mexico, who lives in a rural community that doesn’t even have a dentist nor any type of dental care education, let alone preventive dental services. Many of our patients arrive with generalized dental problems, such as periodontal diseases and all forms of infections,” explains Vidal.

“We are patients with chronic infections, who cannot afford or be treated in a general office and have to be referred to a specialist who can administer some type of sedation. We are those who have not been able to obtain dental care for different circumstances including fear and ignorance in our home countries. With Tepeyac’s expansion, we have the opportunity to make the difference in someone’s dental care and smiles,” she added.

Since 1995, Tepeyac has provided team-based, affordable, quality medical, behavioral health, and dental care. Most of the clinical staff are bicultural and bilingual, and all direct-service clinic providers are proficient or fluent in both Spanish and English.

According to their 2020 Annual Report, the age demographic of their patients primarily lies between 18-64 years old.

“Anytime I meet anyone in a situation similar to mine, my first thought is to refer them over to Tepeyac. I do it because I have the confidence that they will receive a comprehensive service. Not just medical, but mental, behavioral health, and Dental service too,” said Vidal. “Tepeyac has a great platform to obtain different resources, our patient navigators will help them connect with other resources they may need as they journey through a new country and culture.”

Tepeyac’s expanded facility is expected to open in early 2023 and will continue to provide resources to communities and remove barriers to healthcare.

“The expansion of their services will not only enable more individuals to be served by 2.5 times, but also does so in a way that brings greater access to services for a fraction of the cost. Typically, hospitals are the most expensive place to seek care,” said Capeles. “Increasing access to healthcare saves lives. It delivers on the economic prosperity of our residents, and we, at Intermountain Saint Joseph’s, are committed to seeing this often under-invested geographic area of our community, thrive.”

“Tepeyac took care of me, my spouse, and my children and I realized at a challenging time that I could afford to pay for the live-saving medication I needed and have a comprehensive service,” said Vidal. “It meant everything to me at the time and still does.”

B-roll of the event: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pwar2l5amlnzh43/AAAkYNGJ3uuSv6xbYxXNrivWa?dl=0

CBS4's coverage of the story: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/tepeyac-community-health-center-grant-triple-patients-served/

Intermountain Healthcare recognizes the value of collaborating with and giving back to community organizations to further our mission. Intermountain’s IT department recently donated more than 170 Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Jamboards to the Village at Contemporary Learning Academy, the oldest pathway school in Denver Public Schools (DPS) that has served students and their families for the past 35 years. The value of the donation was around $139,000. What is more important than the dollar amount of the gift is its long-term impact on young people. 

The Village is a resource center that provides basic needs support to Denver Public School’s high school students, former students, and their families with the highest need. At the Village, their clients have access to an onsite grocery store, clothing closet, a workforce coordinator to assist with planning for and applying to college, and mental health support services. The Village aims to be a one-stop shop for students finishing high school and transitioning into adulthood. 

“The Google equipment was used to support the legacy SCL Health Google Workspace environment and during the merger with Intermountain Healthcare, we consolidated the organization to Microsoft for collaboration tools,” said Steven Michaels, Intermountain Healthcare Vice President, Technology Services. “This meant that we had Chromebooks, Chromeboxes and Jamboards that would no longer be needed by Intermountain.” 

Technology leader Tracy Shell suggested the equipment be donated to a local school, and The Village at Contemporary Learning Center was the perfect fit. “The Village’s mission is to focus on underserved and at-risk students in the community,” said Michaels. “It is an amazing organization that is changing lives. Who they are as an organization is closely tied to who we are and what our core values are at Intermountain.” 

“We are so grateful for this donation of technology,” said Hanna Pelican, Manager of the Village at Contemporary Learning Academy. “Although many DPS students have access to Chromebooks during their time in school, they must give them back as soon as they graduate, which means they no longer have that technology available as they transition into college or their career. This gift from Intermountain Healthcare allows us to provide those students with the means to continue their school or work after graduation.” 

Intermountain Healthcare recognizes the value of collaborating with community organizations to further our mission. As a part of its ongoing community benefit program, in March 2022, Intermountain approved $525,000 in Community Contributions to nine partners in Colorado and Montana to support health improvement programming. The funds are being given through one-time contributions to qualified non-profit and governmental partners.  

The Community Contributions are about our hospitals' legacies in the communities they serve, Intermountain Peaks Region's commitment to community, and addressing the community health needs uncovered during our Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) in 2018 and 2021. The contributions were made in the following categories: Improve Mental Well-Being, Address the Social Determinants of Health and Improve Access. 

On July 15, Intermountain Healthcare Peaks Region President, Mark Korth, visited Good Samaritan Medical Center, Lutheran Medical Center and Mount Saint Vincent to present the financial gifts.  

At Good Samaritan, a $15,000 check was given to Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) in support of its Aging Mastery Program (AMP) which helps older adults make meaningful changes to live well, do well and age well, minimizing their risk for mental stressors like depression and anxiety.   

AMP is a six-week fun, innovative and interactive program that empowers older adults and caregivers in Boulder County to spend more time each day doing things that are good for themselves. The classes are free and are hosted at Good Samaritan.  

“We prioritize giving to align with community health priorities identified by members of our community in order to allow for a broader impact,” said Mark Korth. “One of our priorities is improving mental well-being which includes efforts to decrease frequent mental distress rates and depression rates. The Boulder County Area Agency On Aging is well positioned to help people live healthier and happier lives with the incredible services and resources they provide.”

At Lutheran Medical Center, Chuck Ault, Senior Director of Regional Community Health Improvement for Intermountain Healthcare, joined Calvin Beasley, Lutheran Medical Center VP of Integrative Services, to present a $20,000 gift to the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation to support the Jefferson County Homeless Navigation and the City of Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation programs.  

The Homeless Navigator is part of a county-wide navigation model that works directly with people experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of homelessness find stable housing and connect them with services and resources to maintain that housing. The funds will be used for move-in kits, transportation and motel vouchers, housing deposits, hats, mittens and gloves.  

“As part of our mission to help people live healthier lives, we support community organizations that provide services that align with Intermountain’s mission and values,” said Mark Korth. “We are committed to helping support organizations like the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation and others in the communities that previously were served by Legacy SCL Health across Colorado and Montana.”  

A $50,000 check was given to Mount Saint Vincent to help support its innovative programs that provide foster care services for children and families recovering from trauma, abuse and neglect, as well as a high-quality early childhood learning center to help all children develop age-appropriate social and academic skills. 

“For more than 130 years, Mount Saint Vincent has transformed the lives of thousands of young people,” said Mark Korth. “We look forward to continuing to partner with them as we continue to evolve and create a model for the future of healthcare that focuses on keeping young people healthy and proactively provides behavioral health treatment, foster care services, individualized training, and trauma-informed training. Mount Saint Vincent is an important part of the Intermountain family, and we are proud to be able to help support the continuum of care for children and families recovering from trauma.

Five SCL Health, now Intermountain Healthcare, hospitals in Colorado received the Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) award for their dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care. The award, given by the American Heart Association (AHA), recognizes their performance in the GWTG-Stroke program.

The AHA is recognizing Good Samaritan Medical Center, Saint Joseph Hospital, Lutheran Medical Center, Platte Valley Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center nationally for the Gold Plus, Target Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards. This recognition is based on the 2021 data submitted. 

The award demonstrates our commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the best treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines that lead to more lives saved and reduced disability in stroke patients. To qualify for this award, hospitals must demonstrate how they’ve committed to providing quality care for stroke patients, as well as educating patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

This is a huge accomplishment and a true testament to each hospital’s incredible cardiovascular caregivers who go above and beyond to provide their patients with world-class stroke care.

According to the AHA, Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the AHA and the American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

The Target Stroke Elite Honor Roll award is given to hospitals that meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster drug, Alteplase. The Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award is given to hospitals that assure patients with Type 2 diabetes receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to a stroke.

The AHA will celebrate all award-winning hospitals nationally by including them in the AHA advertisement in US News and World Report “Best Hospitals” print and digital editions, and at AHA national conferences, including the International Stroke Conference & Scientific Sessions. 

For the full list of award-winning hospitals and EMS providers, visit the AHA website at www.heart.org/quality. 

SCL Health and Intermountain Healthcare have merged to form a new organization serving patients and communities in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. 

The scope and scale of the merger will enhance care provided at SCL Health’s legacy hospitals and clinics. Patients can access the same excellent providers and facilities, and use their same insurance plan with trusted caregivers. 

It’s also important to note that the names and focus of SCL Health’s hospitals, such as Lutheran Medical Center, will remain the same – to improve the health of the people and communities they serve and help them live the healthiest lives possible.  

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth found creative ways to provide healthcare in Colorado, Kansas, and Montana more than a century ago. Intermountain Healthcare will continue working through strong community partnerships, evidence-based programs, and services to help people outside the hospital walls. (link to rest of story: https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2022/04/the-future-of-healthcare-is-here-scl-health-and-intermountain-healthcare-have-merged). 

On April 1, SCL Health merged with Intermountain Healthcare to enhance the care of our patients and to create a nonprofit healthcare model of the future focused on keeping people healthy and providing high-quality, affordable and accessible care.

To celebrate the merger, on Tuesday, April 5, Intermountain Healthcare President and CEO Marc Harrison, MD, traveled from Utah to visit all four SCL Health front range hospitals to share the vision for our combined future. 

Dr. Harrison is a pediatric critical care physician with a track record as a top operations executive worldwide. As CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, his innovations designed to put patients at the center of care make him one of the most sought-after voices in healthcare. 

Dr. Harrison was joined by Lydia Jumonville, president and CEO of SCL Health, charged with leading the integration of the two organizations, and Mark Korth, regional president of Intermountain Healthcare.

The second hospital visited was Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, where Dr. Harrison had the opportunity to meet caregivers and associates. Afterwards, he took some time to share his thoughts about our organization’s future and expressed gratitude to all caregivers for their incredible commitment to our patients during the past two years of the pandmenic.

“As we start a new chapter today, I want to thank you for not allowing the merger to distract us from our primary mission – taking care of our patients, ourselves and the communities we serve,” Dr. Harrison said.

There was a great deal of buzz and excitement in the air as our new leaders spoke about our future as one Intermountain Healthcare, saying that we will create a model for the future of healthcare in our country that will focus on keeping people healthy, while addressing the causes of illness.

“This is an incredible day for all of us to be able to be here and to kick this off right,” said Mark Korth. “Your presence means a lot. You all are an amazing team at Saint Joe’s. Your culture, vibe, the way you work together, serve the community and honor our heritage doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re here to celebrate a new beginning and to be able to embrace the concept of what we are today as Intermountain Health.”

Dr. Harrison spoke next, saying, “Our reason to be is to help people live the healthiest lives possible, to keep people well, and to have their care be affordable, humane and equitable, and I can’t think of a better place to give this talk than right here at Saint Joe’s. This is your history. We’re really eager for the new system to come together. It’s a huge privilege and pleasure to be introduced as your new president and CEO. I hope that each and every one of you connects on a daily basis to your reason for being, which is to help your neighbors in all kinds of ways. Together we can truly do extraordinary things.” 

He explained how the merger came to be because SCL Health was looking for an opportunity to move into the future with a different footprint and scale and a different set of opportunities, and was very intentional about seeking out and evaluating all possible options. It brought two great, strong, clinically excellent community leading groups together and formed it into one. 

“I am really excited to be a part of this community,” he said. “I’m here to listen and learn because together great things can be done. Together we will set the standard for population health and value. Together we will set the standard for what rural healthcare should look like in the United States. Together we will set the standard for what dignity for our neighbors looks like, while stamping out inequity and disparity. It’s a privilege for me personally and I hope for all of you to be part of that journey.”

“What an exciting and historic day this is!” said Lydia Jumonville. “It’s one we’ve been looking forward to and working very hard to get to for many months now. I’m personally and professionally very excited to see the great things we’re going to do together at Intermountain Healthcare. Thank you to each of the 60,000 caregivers that make up Intermountain. You all have been through two of the toughest years in healthcare that any of us can remember. The great thing for me, Marc and the rest of our leadership team is that we could focus on the merger and look forward to the future because we knew you were taking care of all of our patients and our communities and that you wouldn’t miss a beat. We are so indebted to you and incredibly grateful.”

The event concluded with a crowd of more than 100 people launching confetti cannons into the air to celebrate our new beginning. 

We gathered today to celebrate @SCLHealth's official merger with @Intermountain. Thank you to Marc Harrison, CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, for visiting Lutheran and kicking off today's celebration! pic.twitter.com/jcrI1w8g9I

— Lutheran Medical Ctr (@lutheranmedctr) April 5, 2022