Patients from four hospitals whose lives have been transformed through heart transplantation joined with physicians, nurses, caregivers, and healthcare leaders on Tuesday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program, one of the nation’s most unique and successful heart transplant programs.

The milestone event commemorated 40 years of collaboration, innovation, and life-saving care made possible through a unique cooperative partnership among heart transplant teams at Utah’s four heart transplant hospitals: Intermountain Medical Center, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah Health, and the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center.

Since performing the program’s first heart transplant in March 1985, the UTAH (Utah Transplantation Affiliated Hospitals) Cardiac Transplant Program has performed 2,074 life-saving heart transplants, providing hope and a second chance at life to thousands of patients and families throughout Utah and across the nation.

It’s one of the most unique and successful programs of its kind in the United States.

Rather than competing, the four hospitals work together to share expertise, resources, research, and clinical talent with a singular focus on improving outcomes for adult, pediatric, and veteran patients with advanced heart failure and those in need of a heart transplant.

As the only heart transplant program in the Mountain West, the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program has become nationally recognized not only for its clinical excellence, but also for its uncommon model of cooperation among four independent health institutions.

“For 40 years, this consortium has represented something truly special: the power of collaboration,” Rami Alharethi, MD, medical director of the Heart Transplant Program at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. “These four institutions, each bringing unique strengths, expertise, and commitment, came together around a common purpose – to provide state of art care for patients with advanced heart failure across the Mountain West and throughout the United States. This collaboration has been the foundation of our success.”

The consortium’s collaborative model is unlike most transplant programs in the United States. Physicians, surgeons, advanced practice providers, nurses, researchers, and support staff from the four member hospitals work together to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, conduct research, and provide coordinated care before and after transplantation.

This partnership allows patients to benefit from the collective expertise of some of the nation’s leading heart failure and transplant specialists while maintaining access to care within their own health system.

By pooling resources and knowledge, the program can offer highly specialized services, accelerate the adoption of new treatments, and ensure patients receive the best available care regardless of where they enter the system.

"Four decades ago, the UTAH Cardiac Program was founded on the idea that collaboration could transform advanced heart care,” said Josef Stehlik, MD, medical director of the Heart Transplant Program at University of Utah Health. “Today, that spirit of innovation drives groundbreaking research in heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and heart recovery that helps patients far beyond our state borders. Families travel to us from across the Mountain West and the nation because the transplant breakthroughs made in our labs and clinics directly translate into longer, healthier lives."

For many transplant recipients, the 40^th anniversary of the consortium serves as a reminder of the precious gift of time.

“Every transplant represents more than a medical procedure,” said Ashwin Lal, MD, a pediatric cardiologist for University of Utah Health/Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Each transplant represents more birthdays celebrated, milestones reached, families kept together, and futures made possible through the generosity of organ donors and the dedication of multidisciplinary care teams through the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program.”

Over the past four decades, the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program has helped establish Utah as a global leader in heart transplantation and advanced heart failure care. Its physicians have pioneered innovations in transplant medicine, mechanical circulatory support, and heart failure treatment, improving care not only for patients in Utah but for patients around the world.

“We’re just one of six VA facilities in the nation that provide heart transplants, and we are honored to serve veterans through our partnership in the UTAH Cardiac Transplant Program,” said Stavros G. Drakos, MD, co-chief of Heart Failure & Heart Transplant at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City. “This collaboration has touched the lives of veterans from across the country, ensuring they receive the combined skill, dedication, and resources of all four medical teams and helps us fulfill VA’s mission to care for those who have served our nation’s military.”

As the program enters its fifth decade, clinicians remain committed to expanding access to advanced heart failure therapies, advancing research and innovation, and strengthening the collaborative model that has defined the program since its inception in 1985.

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The Las Vegas Raiders and Intermountain Health today announced a $25 million gift to help build Nevada's first stand-alone children's hospital. 

The gift was led by Raiders owners Mark Davis, Egon Durban, and Michael Meldman – each of whom contributed $5 million toward the development – and the Raiders, which committed the additional $10 million.

“The Las Vegas Raiders are making our largest philanthropic commitment in franchise history because we are dedicated to building a healthier future for kids in Nevada,” said Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. “We want this gift to remind children and families that they have our team backing them and that the support of the entire Raider Nation is in their corner.”  

The hospital, located at the UNLV Harry Reid Research and Technology Park, will be the first of its kind in Nevada, anchoring a new future for kids and families across the state and delivering comprehensive, high-acuity pediatric care. 

The 828,000 square-foot standalone children’s hospital will be located on a 33-acre campus and feature 180 patient beds, with room to grow. It will provide advanced emergency services designed specifically for children and a full spectrum outpatient center alongside inpatient and specialty care. 

“The Raiders are committed to excellence, and this gift is a generational investment that will keep families closer, strengthen our community, and give every kid every chance to thrive," said Mitch Cloward, Intermountain Health region president.

In recognition of this landmark gift, Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital’s physical therapy and rehabilitation space, along with its bistro – spaces designed for healing and recovery, will be named in the Raiders’ honor.

The future Las Vegas Raiders Bistro, located adjacent to the hospital’s main lobby, will provide nourishment, comfort, and a moment of respite for families. This will be a space where caregivers and parents navigating the complexities of having a child in the hospital can pause. Whether gathering strength for the next conversation, sharing a quiet meal, or seeking a moment of normalcy, families will find support here. 

"Sports remind us that we do our best when we have the right team around us," said Michael Meldman. "Families deserve to feel supported every step of the way. In addition to the experts at Intermountain Health, the Raiders family stands with our community's kids.”

The Las Vegas Raiders Inpatient Rehab Gym will help children heal, grow stronger, and regain confidence through movement and play. Purposefully created to be both innovative and whimsical, the space will feature advanced therapeutic equipment alongside playful design elements. Here, therapy will feel empowering and fun, while supporting physical recovery, nurturing resilience, independence, and joy. 

The Raiders’ commitment to children’s health helps make every developmental milestone possible.

“When we invest in children, we invest in everything that comes next — their education, their opportunities, and their future,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders. “We want Nevada’s kids to know that their home team is cheering them on.”

The Nevada Campaign for Kids will strengthen, address, and extend pediatric care for children across the region. Led by co-chairs Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle, this visionary effort will be accomplished through building a broad coalition of philanthropic, clinical, and community partners committed to exceptional care for children.

The Raiders monumental gift will help make that vision possible by expanding access to exceptional pediatric care and creating a hospital experience designed around the needs of children and families.

“This incredible gift honoring Raider Nation is among the largest contributed through an NFL franchise and serves as a pacesetting prelude to the region’s most impactful and galvanizing healthcare campaign for children ever,” said David Flood, president of Intermountain Foundation and chief development officer at Intermountain Health. “This great organization loves these communities, this state, their players and personnel, and of course, their incredible fans. From our very first conversations with the Raiders leaders, this gift was envisioned as a lasting investment in families for generations to come. We are honored, and hopeful, that many will soon be inspired to follow.”

Intermountain Health has been the official healthcare partner of the Las Vegas Raiders since 2019. Construction is expected to start on the hospital in the coming months, with an anticipated opening date in 2030.

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Intermountain Children’s Health has launched a new pediatric asthma initiative designed to help children receive more timely, consistent, and evidence-based care closer to home.

The goal of the new initiative is to help kids breathe easier, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and return to the activities they love.

The Intermountain initiative builds on proven asthma care practices at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, where changes in emergency medicine treatment has helped avoid about one in four hospitalizations for children with asthma.

Intermountain Children’s Health caregivers are now working to expand the same standard of care across other emergency departments at hospitals, urgent care clinics, and KidsCare clinics throughout Utah.

Asthma attacks can be frightening for children and their families.

During an attack, airways tighten, swell, and fill with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Without the right treatment early, children may need emergency care, hospital admission, or transfer to a higher level of care.

To address this condition, Intermountain Children’s Health caregivers developed a standardized approach that helps care teams treat asthma symptoms quickly and consistently, regardless of where a child receives care.

“By acting quickly, caregivers can stabilize symptoms sooner, prevent escalation and transfers that take a child far from home, and reduce the need for hospital admission.,” said Mike Johnson, MD, a pediatrician in the emergency department at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and an asthma care advocate. “We want caregivers to have every tool they need to start treatment sooner, when it can have the greatest impact.”

The initiative focuses on early treatment for children experiencing moderate to severe asthma attacks.

As part of this care process model, caregivers administer critical medications, including oral steroids, along with breathing treatments such as albuterol, as early as possible to open airways and reduce inflammation before hospitalization becomes necessary.

The work is already improving pediatric asthma care in emergency departments and the urgent care clinics across Utah.

At Intermountain Health, approximately 70% of the children with asthma in emergency departments now receive steroid within 60 minutes of arrival. This early intervention is helping kids get the right treatment closer to home.

In urgent care and KidsCare clinics across Utah, care teams are working to give steroids before albuterol treatment whenever appropriate.

This gives the steroid more time to work, may help reduce vomiting after treatment, and can help prevent a child from needing a transfer to an emergency department or hospital for admission.

More than 80% of children now receive a steroid before other treatments are started.

Together, these changes are helping more children receive the right care sooner and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. As the work expands to more sites, Intermountain Children’s Health leaders expect to prevent about one-fourth of asthma-related hospitalizations and transfers.

“The biggest win is that children across the state of Utah can now receive the same high standard of care in any Intermountain Health emergency department, urgent care clinic, or KidsCare location that they would get at Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Angelene Hunt, pediatric acute care clinical program manager for Intermountain Children’s Health.

The initiative also extends beyond hospital walls. Intermountain Health is partnering with local first responders, including South Davis Metro Fire, to begin treatment even before children arrive at the hospital.

“We’ve partnered with South Davis Metro Fire so children can receive medications like oral steroids and effective breathing treatments before they get to the emergency department,” said Tanner Trujillo, director of respiratory care services operations for pediatrics at Intermountain Health.

The initiative first launched in Intermountain Health clinics in Utah and is already showing promise as a scalable model for pediatric asthma care. 

Leaders now plan to expand the approach across the health system’s multi-state service area, so more children have access to timely, evidence-based care close to home.

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Intermountain Health and Shriners Children’s anunciaron una afiliación colaborativa que establece un acceso más conveniente a la reconocida atención especializada sin fines de lucro en ortopedia pediátrica en Nevada. Ambas organizaciones han firmado una carta de intención para formar una nueva afiliación estratégica enfocada en mejorar la vida, el bienestar y la salud de los niños en el estado.

La afiliación une a dos organizaciones impulsadas por su misión con un compromiso compartido de ofrecer atención pediátrica especializada, segura y de alta calidad para todos los niños, independientemente de su capacidad de pago. A través de un liderazgo conjunto, gobernanza, planeamiento estratégico y operaciones coordinadas, la afiliación está diseñada para crear una línea de servicios sostenible e integrada en ortopedia y rehabilitación pediátrica que sirva tanto a las comunidades locales como regionales.

“Esta afiliación refleja nuestra creencia compartida de que los niños y las familias merecen la mejor atención posible cerca de su hogar”, dijo Mitch Cloward, presidente regional de Intermountain Health. “Al unir los recursos de Intermountain, la experiencia clínica y el profundo compromiso con la salud comunitaria con las capacidades especializadas de Shriners Children’s, estamos fortaleciendo un modelo de atención que mejora el acceso, apoya a las familias y ayuda a los niños a recibir la atención adecuada cuando más la necesitan”.

“Cuando servimos juntos, podemos hacer más por la comunidad”, dijo Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, directora ejecutiva de enfermería y presidenta de Children's Health en Intermountain Health. “En el centro de esta afiliación se encuentra un compromiso común en construir un modelo de cuidados médicos que mejoren el acceso al cuidado pediátrico y al resultado de estos cuidados. Al reunir los recursos y la experiencia clínica de Intermountain con las capacidades especializadas de Shriners Children’s, podemos seguir llegando a más niños que necesitan atención”.

Como parte de esta afiliación y como muestra de su compromiso duradero con la comunidad de Las Vegas, Shriners Children’s tendrá una clínica ortopédica pediátrica independiente ubicada dentro de la recientemente construida Intermountain Health Badura Clinic, en el suroeste de Las Vegas, la cual se anticipa abrirá sus puertas este verano, y posteriormente en el Outpatient Services Center en el campus de Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital. Shriners Children’s también será el proveedor oficial de servicios ortopédicos, empleando personal clínico y no clínico que respalda sus operaciones.

“Shriners Children’s ha servido a los niños de Nevada durante décadas por medio de clínicas de ayuda comunitaria y telesalud”, dijo Leslie Stewart, MD, presidente de la junta directiva de Shriners Children’s. “Esta clínica representa un paso hacia adelante importante al continuar proveyendo nuestro cuidado pediátrico especializado a más niños en una comunidad en expansión. Nos enorgullece expandir nuestra misión en colaboración con Intermountain Health, y servir a más niños y familias en el área de Las Vegas”.

Esta afiliación también incluye planes de explorar un modelo de colaboración clínica. A través de esta estructura, las organizaciones podrán coordinarse en base a protocolos clínicos basados en las mejores prácticas, el uso compartido de datos y la integración clínica en el campo de cuidados médicos. Todo esto con el objetivo de ofrecer servicios de alto valor y costo efectivo a pacientes pediátricos y sus familias.

Para apoyar el éxito a largo plazo de esta afiliación y reforzar el compromiso compartido de mejorar la vida de los niños y las familias en la comunidad, Shriners Children’s proporcionará recursos dedicados y experiencia estratégica para apoyar a Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital y fortalecer sus servicios de ortopedia y rehabilitación pediátrica, en alineación con la misión de Shriners Children’s de ofrecer atención compasiva y de alta calidad.

Además, Shriners Children’s se comprometerá a proporcionar asistencia financiera para los pacientes de Shriners Children’s que reciban servicios a través del hospital y la línea de servicios, trabajando en coordinación con pagadores externos y con los programas de asistencia financiera de Intermountain.

Esta afiliación se basa en la sólida relación existente entre Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s en Utah, donde ambas organizaciones están dedicadas a avanzar la atención pediátrica. “Cuando Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s trabajan juntos en Primary Children’s Hospital, nuestra comunidad se beneficia”, dijo Dustin Lipson, presidente de Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital en Salt Lake City. “Estamos uniendo experiencia, compasión y propósito para asegurarnos de que los niños de toda la región tengan acceso a las mejores innovaciones en atención pediátrica”.

Aun cuando esta sea la primera vez que Shriner’s tenga presencia en las nuevas clínicas de Nevada, ya han formado parte de la comunidad por décadas a través de clínicas comunitarias y proporcionando transporte a sus ubicaciones en el sur de California y Salt Lake City. Además, el torneo de golf Shriners Children’s Open PGA Tour y el juego de fútbol americano universitario East-West Shrine Bowl, han tenido una conexión duradera con el área de Las Vegas.

Juntos, Intermountain Health y Shriners Children’s impulsarán enfoques innovadores en la prestación de atención pediátrica, respetarán y honrarán la historia y misión únicas de cada organización, y colaborarán de manera transparente para ayudar a que los niños de nuestra comunidad vivan sus vidas más saludables.

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Los niños de Utah y el sur de Idaho que sufren un accidente cerebrovascular ahora pueden acudir a un experto pediátrico en accidentes cerebrovasculares a través de la red virtual para accidentes cerebrovasculares de Intermountain Children’s Health, la más grande y sólida del país, y obtener los diagnósticos rápidos que salvan vidas que necesitan cerca de su hogar.

La red de teleictus pediátrica de Intermountain Children’s Health brinda a las familias acceso a un experto pediátrico en accidentes cerebrovasculares de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, en asociación con el Departamento de Pediatría de University of Utah Health, en un momento en el que cada segundo cuenta.

El acceso al teleictus está disponible para los niños en cualquiera de los 24 hospitales de Intermountain Health en Utah e Idaho.

“Los niños también sufren accidentes cerebrovasculares”, afirmó la Dra. Lisa Pabst, neuróloga pediátrica y experta en accidentes cerebrovasculares de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital y University of Utah Health. “Pero, a menudo, el diagnóstico se retrasa o los niños reciben un diagnóstico erróneo, porque los accidentes cerebrovasculares se presentan de manera diferente en los niños que en los adultos. Es importante que el personal de las salas de emergencia conozca las señales y tome medidas rápidas para salvar la movilidad futura de un niño y, posiblemente, su vida”.

Un accidente cerebrovascular se produce cuando el flujo sanguíneo en el cerebro se bloquea, lo que provoca que partes del cerebro se queden sin oxígeno y comiencen a morir.

Con respecto a los accidentes cerebrovasculares, cuanto más rápido se obtenga un diagnóstico y se reciba un tratamiento, mejor será el resultado. Esto aplica a pacientes de todas las edades, incluidos los bebés.

Sin embargo, los niños que sufren accidentes cerebrovasculares pocas veces reciben la respuesta rápida que necesitan y presentan tasas desproporcionadas de discapacidad y mortalidad debido al accidente cerebrovascular.

Esto se debe a que los accidentes cerebrovasculares son menos frecuentes en niños y los síntomas son diferentes a los de los adultos. Los niños que sufren un accidente cerebrovascular pueden tener síntomas como caída facial, debilidad en el brazo, balbuceo o dificultad para hablar o comprender el habla, problemas de visión y confusión, que también son síntomas frecuentes de un accidente cerebrovascular en adultos.

Sin embargo, los bebés y niños pequeños que sufren un accidente cerebrovascular también pueden parecer inconscientes o extremadamente somnolientos, tener una convulsión o usar solo la mitad del cuerpo. Los niños más grandes pueden experimentar mareos o vómitos y dolores de cabeza repentinos e intensos.

Eso es lo que le pasó a Lucy Merrell, que ahora es estudiante de segundo año de la escuela secundaria y sobreviviente de un accidente cerebrovascular.

En la primavera del octavo grado, Lucy se estaba preparando para una práctica de fútbol de dos horas cuando experimentó un dolor de cabeza agudo. Acostarse no ayudó.

“No sabía qué hacer y de inmediato pensé en ir a buscar a mi mamá”, informó Lucy, quien vive en American Fork. “Caminaba por el pasillo y trataba de sostenerme. Intentaba hablar, pero no me salían las palabras. Sabía lo que quería decir, pero no podía expresarlo”.

Al principio, la madre de Lucy, Melanie, pensó que Lucy estaba bromeando porque no quería ir a entrenar. Rápidamente se dio cuenta de que no era una broma.

“Lucy se sentó en el piso y, luego, no pudo subirse al sofá. Noté que un lado de la cara estaba caído”, dijo Melanie. “Me quedé pensando: ¿por qué observo señales de un accidente cerebrovascular en ella? Los niños no tienen accidentes cerebrovasculares”.

La familia de Lucy la llevó a una sala de emergencias local, en la que su padre insistió en que un médico se comunicara con Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. Allí, el equipo de neurología pediátrica guio al médico durante un examen, solicitó una tomografía computarizada y una resonancia magnética (MRI, por sus siglas en inglés), y le diagnosticó a Lucy un accidente cerebrovascular isquémico, que es una reducción crítica del flujo sanguíneo al cerebro.

Se trasladó a Lucy de urgencia en ambulancia al Primary Children’s Hospital en Salt Lake City, donde el Dr. Craig Kilburg, neurocirujano endovascular y vascular abierto certificado por la junta de University of Utah Health e Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, le extrajo dos coágulos de sangre del cerebro.

Mientras se estaba recuperando en el hospital unos días después, Lucy sufrió otro accidente cerebrovascular. La parte del cerebro afectada por el accidente cerebrovascular había empeorado brevemente porque el vaso que le suministraba sangre se irritó, dijo la Dra. Pabst. El reposo en cama, los líquidos y los medicamentos ayudaron a estabilizar el flujo sanguíneo y le dieron tiempo al vaso sanguíneo para recuperarse.

Mientras sus compañeros de clase finalizaban el año escolar, Lucy se centró en las terapias físicas, ocupacionales y del habla.

Unos meses después, Lucy pudo unirse a sus compañeros el primer día de clases de la secundaria. Tomó clases de honores y obtuvo las calificaciones más altas.

El logro fue nada menos que un milagro, uno de los muchos que sus padres dicen que experimentaron.

“Ver lo grande que era el accidente cerebrovascular en la MRI y que ella no presente ningún síntoma, eso es un milagro”, dijo el padre de Lucy, Randy, quien también expresó su gratitud por el conocimiento experto de la Dra. Pabst y el Dr. Kilburg.

El accidente cerebrovascular que sufrió Lucy en abril de 2024 ocurrió poco antes del lanzamiento de teleictus de Intermountain Children’s Health. Afortunadamente, la llamada telefónica del médico local al equipo de la Dra. Pabst evitó lo que podría haber sido una tragedia.

“La nueva red de atención virtual de Intermountain Children’s Health brinda a los pacientes acceso a la atención de más alta calidad por parte de expertos del Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, independientemente de dónde vivan dentro de la red”, informó Amy Back, enfermera registrada (RN, por sus siglas en inglés), directora de los servicios pediátricos de telesalud de Intermountain Children’s Health. “Esto ayudará a mejorar los resultados de salud de los niños y reducir los costos para las familias. Además, es lo correcto”.

Con la red de teleictus de Intermountain Children’s Health, se promete ayudar a niños como Lucy a acceder al mismo conocimiento experto de cualquiera de los 24 hospitales de Intermountain Health en Utah o el sur de Idaho. Así es como funciona:

·       Los cuidadores de las salas de emergencias usan teleictus para comunicarse con la Dra. Pabst y su equipo de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en Salt Lake City.

·       Los expertos en accidentes cerebrovasculares de Primary Children ven al niño a través de una videoconferencia y le hacen preguntas. Trabajan con el equipo local para realizar diagnósticos, que pueden incluir pedirle al niño que responda a órdenes, como levantar un brazo o patear una pierna.

·       Los médicos de ambos lugares determinan los siguientes pasos del tratamiento, con la meta de restablecer el flujo sanguíneo al cerebro. Entre los tratamientos, se puede incluir mantener al niño acostado, administrarle líquidos intravenosos (IV, por sus siglas en inglés) o medicamentos anticoagulantes o, en casos más graves, trasladar al niño al Primary Children’s Hospital para recibir atención continua, lo que puede incluir cirugía.

Para tener éxito, la red de teleictus pediátrica requirió colaboración, educación y capacitación con cada uno de los cuidadores y médicos de emergencia de los 24 hospitales que trabajan en áreas relacionadas, incluidos los coordinadores de accidentes cerebrovasculares, afirmó la Dra. Pabst.

Durante su año de implementación, la red de teleictus ayudó a 19 niños. La Dra. Pabst dice que la cifra puede aumentar en 2026 porque ya se implementa completamente en los hospitales de Intermountain Health en Utah e Idaho. Además, la expansión está actualmente en marcha, lo que fue posible gracias al apoyo de Intermountain Foundation.

En el futuro, los líderes de Intermountain Children’s Health quieren expandir el acceso a teleictus a otros sitios de atención de Intermountain en Nevada, Colorado, Montana y Wyoming para ayudar a más niños como Lucy.

Hoy en día, a Lucy le gusta hacer manualidades, diseñar sudaderas y hornear galletas con trozos de triple chocolate. Le encanta cantar y acaba de regresar de la ciudad de Nueva York, en donde ella y el grupo de coro de su escuela realizaron una presentación en Carnegie Hall. Le gusta trabajar en un restaurante local (su primer trabajo), conducir y estar con familiares y amigos.

El 8 de abril, día del aniversario del accidente cerebrovascular que sufrió, ella y su familia quieren preparar comidas para otras familias en la Sala Familiar Ronald McDonald del hospital, donde recibieron ayuda.

Además, planean seguir participando en la Caminata por los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares y el Corazón anual de Utah de la American Heart Association, lo que representó una lección llena de humildad para Lucy. En su primer equipo de caminata estuvo la Dra. Pabst y su equipo de atención, familiares, amigos y dos niños sobrevivientes de accidentes cerebrovasculares que, en ese momento, usaban sillas de ruedas.

“Era la única sobreviviente de un accidente cerebrovascular que podía caminar”, dijo ella sobre su primera Caminata por los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares. “Fue difícil ver a los otros niños en sillas de ruedas, pero sé que todos se recuperarán, porque yo me recuperé”.

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Children in Utah and southern Idaho suffering from stroke now can see a pediatric stroke expert via Intermountain Children’s Health’s virtual stroke network – the largest, most robust in the country – and get the rapid, lifesaving diagnoses they need close to home.

The Intermountain Children’s Health Pediatric Telestroke network gives families access to a pediatric stroke expert at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in partnership with University of Utah Health’s Department of Pediatrics, at a time when every second counts.

Telestroke access is available to kids at any one of Intermountain Health’s 24 hospitals in Utah and Idaho.

“Kids have strokes too,” said Lisa Pabst, MD, pediatric neurologist and stroke expert at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “But often diagnosis is delayed, or kids get a misdiagnosis, because stroke presents differently in kids than it does in adults. It’s important for emergency rooms to know the signs, and take fast action to save a child’s future mobility and possibly, their life.”

Stroke is caused when blood flow in the brain is blocked, causing parts of the brain to be deprived of oxygen and start to die.

With stroke, the faster the diagnosis and treatment, the better the outcome. This is true for patients of all ages, including infants.

But kids having strokes rarely get the rapid response they need, and have disproportionate rates of disability and death due to stroke.

That’s because stroke is less common in children, and the symptoms look different than they do in adults. Kids having a stroke may have face-drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and confusion – also common symptoms of adult stroke. But infants and toddlers having a stroke may also appear unresponsive or extremely sleepy, have a seizure, or use only half their bodies. Older children may experience dizziness or sudden, severe headaches and vomiting.

That’s what happened to Lucy Merrell, now a high school sophomore and stroke survivor.

In the spring of Lucy’s eighth-grade year, she was gearing up for a two-hour soccer practice when she got a splitting headache. Lying down didn’t help.

“I didn’t know what to do and immediately had a thought in my head to go and find mom,” said Lucy, who lives in American Fork. “I was going down the hall and trying to hold on. I was trying to speak, but couldn’t think of the words. I knew what I wanted to say, but it wouldn’t come out.”

Lucy’s mom Melanie at first thought Lucy was teasing because she didn’t want to go to practice. She quickly realized it was no joke.

“Lucy sat on the floor and then couldn’t pull herself up to the couch. I noticed one side of her face was droopy,” Melanie said. “I’m thinking, why am I seeing signs of stroke in her? Kids don’t have strokes.”

Lucy’s family took her to a local emergency room, where her dad encouraged a doctor to call Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. There, the pediatric neurology team guided the doctor through an exam, ordered at CT scan and MRI, and diagnosed Lucy with ischemic stroke, which is a critical reduction in blood flow to the brain.

Lucy was rushed by ambulance to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City where Craig Kilburg, MD, a board certified endovascular and open vascular neurosurgeon at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, removed two blood clots from her brain.

While recovering in the hospital a few days later, Lucy suffered another stroke. The part of her brain affected by the stroke had briefly worsened, because the vessel supplying blood to it was irritated, Dr. Pabst said. Bed rest, fluids, and medications helped stabilize blood flow and gave the blood vessel time to recover.

While classmates were completing the school year, Lucy focused on physical, occupational and speech therapies.

A few months later, Lucy was able to join her classmates on the first day of high school. She took honors classes and earned all A’s.

The accomplishment was nothing short of a miracle – one of many her parents say they experienced.

“To see how big the stroke was on the MRI, and have it be where she doesn’t exhibit any symptoms of it, that is a miracle,” said Lucy’s dad Randy, also expressing gratitude for the expertise of Drs. Pabst and Kilburg.

Lucy’s April 2024 stroke happened shortly before Intermountain Children’s Health’s Telestroke rollout. Luckily, the local doctor’s phone call to Dr. Pabst’s team prevented what could have been a tragedy.

“The new Intermountain Children’s Health virtual network of care gives patients access to the highest quality of care from experts at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, regardless of where they live within the network,” said Amy Back, RN, Director of Pediatric Telehealth Services for Intermountain Children’s Health. “This will help improve kids’ health outcomes and lower costs to families. Plus, it’s the right thing to do.”

The Intermountain Children’s Health Telestroke network promises to help kids like Lucy access the same expertise from any of Intermountain Health’s 24 hospitals in Utah or southern Idaho. Here’s how it works:

• Emergency room caregivers use Telestroke to connect to Dr. Pabst and her team at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

• Primary Children’s stroke experts see the child through video conferencing and ask questions. They work with the local team to run diagnostics, which may include asking the child to respond to commands like lifting one arm or kicking one leg.

• The physicians in both locations determine next steps for treatment with the goal of restoring blood flow to the brain. This may include having the child lie flat, administering IV fluids and/or blood-thinning medications, or in more severe cases, transferring the child to Primary Children’s Hospital for ongoing care, which may include surgery.

To be successful, the pediatric Telestroke network required collaboration, education, and training with each of the 24 hospitals’ emergency physicians and caregivers working in related areas, including stroke coordinators, Dr. Pabst said.

During its phase-in year, the Telestroke network helped 19 children. Dr. Pabst says the number may rise through 2026 because it is now fully implemented in Intermountain Health’s Utah and Idaho hospitals – and expansion is currently underway, made possible by support from Intermountain Foundation.

In the future, Intermountain Children’s Health leaders want to expand Telestroke access to other Intermountain care sites in Nevada, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming to help even more kids like Lucy.

Today, Lucy likes to do arts and crafts, design sweatshirts, and bake triple chocolate chunk cookies. She loves to sing and just returned from New York City where she and her school choir group performed at Carnegie Hall. She enjoys working at a local restaurant – her first job – driving and being with family and friends.

On the April 8 anniversary of her stroke, she and her family want to prepare meals for other families at the hospital’s Ronald McDonald Family Room, where they were helped. 

They also plan to continue taking part in the American Heart Association’s annual Utah Heart and Stroke Walk, which has been humbling for Lucy. Her premiere walk team included Dr. Pabst and her care team, family, friends, and two child stroke survivors who at the time used wheelchairs.

“I was the only stroke survivor who could walk,” she said of her first Stroke Walk. “It was hard to see the other kids in wheelchairs, but I know they will all heal because I was healed.” 

                                                                                                                                        ###

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital invita al público a celebrar la temporada de fiestas y ayudar a los pacientes que lo necesitan en el 55.^o Festival Anual de Árboles (Festival of Trees), una preciada tradición festiva de Utah abierta al público del 3 al 6 de diciembre en Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy.

El Festival de Árboles cuenta con 550 hermosos árboles navideños artesanales que titilan con medio millón de luces, coronas navideñas, pesebres, casas de jengibre, edredones, centros de mesa y más, disponibles para subastar y comprar.

También habrá escones, música en vivo y presentaciones de baile, visitas con Santa Claus, y 5000 libras del fudge (dulce cremoso de chocolate) del Festival de Árboles, famoso a nivel local. Todos los artículos son producidos y donados por voluntarios de la comunidad de Utah y los estados aledaños.

Los fondos recaudados se destinarán para ayudar a Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, brindar atención a los pacientes que la necesiten y seguir construyendo el sistema de salud modelo del país para los niños.

El Festival de Árboles es presentado por Intermountain Foundation y hecho posible gracias a una junta de voluntarios dedicada, generosa y compuesta por 87 miembros. Las entradas y la información acerca de los artículos a la venta y la subasta silenciosa, programada para el martes 2 de diciembre de 4:30 a 9:00 p. m, están disponibles en FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

“No hay nada como el Festival de Árboles para dar comienzo a la temporada de fiestas de manera divertida y significativa”, comentó Dustin Lipson, presidente de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Muchos artículos se han seleccionado con cariño, y cada detalle se eligió en honor a un paciente de Primary Children’s Hospital. Agradecemos la cantidad infinita de artículos donados y el apoyo de la comunidad que ha ayudado a generaciones de niños a sanar y crecer saludables en Primary Children’s Hospital durante 55 años, y esto continúa”.

Asistir al festival ayudará a niños como Livie.

Con tan solo 14 años, Livie fue diagnosticada con leucemia mieloide crónica (CML, por sus siglas en inglés), un tipo extraño de cáncer de médula ósea. Livie empezó el tratamiento con una clase de medicamentos de quimioterapia diseñados específicamente para atacar la CML, pero dejaron de ser eficaces después de un año. Ella necesitaba un trasplante de médula ósea.

El equipo del hospital empezó a buscar un donante de médula ósea a través del Programa Nacional de Donantes de Médula (NMDP, por sus siglas en inglés). También planearon el uso de una técnica innovadora de trasplante de células madre llamada depleción de linfocitos T alfa y beta. Esta técnica utiliza nanoesferas magnéticas para extraer de forma selectiva las células inmunitarias alfa y beta del donante antes del trasplante. El resultado es una reducción significativa de la enfermedad injerto contra huésped (GVD, por sus siglas en inglés) y una menor necesidad de medicamentos después del trasplante.

Livie se convirtió en la primera paciente de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en recibir este tipo de trasplante y funcionó. Después de seis semanas en el hospital, pudo volver a casa y empezar el largo proceso de recuperar su sistema inmunitario.

“Mis médicos y enfermeras no solo fueron mi equipo médico, sino que también se convirtieron en mis aliados y amigos más cercanos”, dijo Livie. “Su compasión y profesionalismo hicieron que una travesía tan aislante fuera más llevadera, especialmente durante casi un año en cuarentena”.

Hoy, Livie tiene 17 años, está en su último año de secundaria y ya no tiene cáncer. Le encanta practicar pickleball y pastelería, y leer thrillers. Forma parte de la organización de Futuros Profesionales de la Salud HOSA de su escuela, y es una defensora del Programa Nacional de Donantes de Médula (NMDP), que ayuda a aumentar el conocimiento de la importancia de la donación de médula ósea.

“Es un honor servir como paladín del paciente en el Festival de Árboles y estoy agradecida por la oportunidad de compartir mi historia, y contribuir con Primary Children’s Hospital a cambio de todo lo que se nos dio a mí y a mi familia”, dijo ella. “Si desea ayudar a salvar una vida y convertirse en donante de médula ósea, visite el puesto de NMDP en el Festival de Árboles para que le tomen una muestra y añadirse al registro”.

Al asistir al Festival de Árboles del 3 al 6 de diciembre, la comunidad puede ayudar a niños como Olivia a recibir la atención innovadora, compasiva y experta que necesitan.

Datos interesantes

·         550 árboles que titilan con medio millón de luces

·         5000 libras del famoso fudge del festival

·         Más de 80 000 (ochenta mil) asistentes anuales

·         3.4 millones de dólares recaudados en 2024

Información del festival

·         Abierto del miércoles 3 al sábado 6 de diciembre en Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy.

·         Subasta silenciosa el martes 2 de diciembre de 4:30 a 9:00 p. m. en FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

·         Entradas a la venta en Mountain America Expo Center o FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

·         Haga sus ofertas o compre regalos del 2 al 6 de diciembre en FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

·         Información disponible en FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y vídeos disponibles a pedido.

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital invites the public to ring in the holiday season and support patients in need at the 55^th annual Festival of Trees, a treasured Utah holiday tradition open to the public Dec. 3-6 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.

The Festival of Trees features 550 beautiful, handcrafted holiday trees twinkling with a half-million lights, wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts, centerpieces and more for auction and purchase.

There will also be scones, live music and dance performances, visits with Santa Claus, and 5,000 pounds of locally renowned Festival of Trees fudge. All items are made and donated by community volunteers from Utah and surrounding states.

Funds raised will support Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, provide care to patients in need, and continue building the nation’s model health system for children.

The Festival of Trees is presented by Intermountain Foundation – and brought to life by a dedicated 87-member volunteer board. Tickets and information about sale items and silent auction, scheduled from 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, are available at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

“There is nothing like the Festival of Trees to begin the holiday season in a fun and meaningful way,” said Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Many items have been lovingly curated, with every detail chosen to honor a Primary Children’s Hospital patient. We’re grateful for the countless donated items and community support that has helped generations of children to heal and thrive at Primary Children’s Hospital for 55 years – and counting.”  

Attending the festival will help kids like Livie.

At just 14 years old, Livie was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a rare form of bone marrow cancer. Livie began treatment with a class of chemotherapy medications specifically designed to target CML, but after a year, they stopped being effective. She needed a bone marrow transplant.

The hospital team began searching for a bone marrow donor through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). They also planned to use a cutting-edge stem cell transplant technique called Alpha/beta T-cell depletion. This method uses nano magnetic beads to selectively remove the donor’s alpha/beta immune cells before transplantation. The result: a significant reduction in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and fewer medications needed post-transplant.

Livie became the first patient at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital to receive this type of transplant. And it worked. After six weeks in the hospital, she was able to return home and begin the long process of rebuilding her immune system.

“My doctors and nurses were not only my medical team – they became my closest allies and friends,” Livie said. “Their compassion and professionalism made an incredibly isolating journey more bearable, especially during nearly a year in quarantine.”

Today, Livie is 17, a senior in high school, and cancer-free. She loves pickleball, baking, and reading thrillers. She’s also an active member of her school’s HOSA Future Health Professionals organization and proudly advocates for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), helping raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations.

“I’m honored to serve as a Patient Champion for the Festival of Trees and am grateful for the chance to share my story, and to give back to Primary’s Children's Hospital in return for all that my family and I have been given,” she said. “If you want to help save a life and be a bone marrow donor, please see the NMDP booth at the Festival of Trees to swab and join the registry.”

The community can help kids like Olivia receive the innovative, compassionate, expert care they need by attending Festival of Trees Dec. 3-6.

Fun Facts

·         550 trees twinkling with a half-million lights

·         5,000 pounds of locally renowned Festival of Trees fudge

·         80,000+ annual attendees

·         $3.4 million raised in 2024

Festival Info

·         Open Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Saturday, Dec. 6, at Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy

·         Silent auction Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 4:30-9 p.m. at FestivalofTreesUtah.org

·         Tickets at Mountain America Expo Center or at FestivalofTreesUtah.org

·         Bid on or buy gifts Dec. 2-6 at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

·         Information at FestivalofTreesUtah.org.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.

Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise campaign has inspired more than $642 million in community gifts to build the nation’s model health system for children, making it the most significant investment ever made in the health and wellness of children in Utah.

Led through Intermountain Foundation, the transformative five-year Primary Promise campaign exceeded its original goal of $500 million to bring its vision to life through a vital partnership between Intermountain Health and philanthropic members of the community.  

The Primary Promise campaign culminated in a special celebration and announcement that engaged Intermountain Health caregivers and leaders and patient families – including the child receiving Utah’s first fetal surgery while still in her mother’s womb.

She’s now 4 years old and thriving.

"We are grateful for the Intermountain Foundation’s leadership, and the community’s support of Primary Promise, which has transformed how Intermountain Children’s Health cares for our children, created stronger systems of support, and helped every child we serve live their healthiest life," said Mandy Richards, RN, chief nursing executive at Intermountain Health and president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “Our community and generous donors have built a legacy of commitment that opens doors for children in our care today, and for those who will rely on us tomorrow to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.” 

Primary Promise is the single largest philanthropic initiative in Intermountain Health’s 50-year history. The multi-faceted plan addressed three goals:

• Strengthen Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
• Address the emerging needs of children.
• Extend access to comprehensive pediatric care to more communities across Utah and the Mountain West.

As the campaign progressed, so did its financial target – from $500 million to a minimum of $600 million – a bold shift in response to community calls for more behavioral health services that ultimately created the new Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center, Taylorsville Campus.

Primary Promise goals also were addressed by providing robust fetal care including fetal surgery; expanding autism services, lifelong child health and safety initiatives, personalized medicine, and telehealth access to pediatric care; redesigning newborn intensive care and cancer spaces in Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus; and by opening a second hospital campus, named the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus, in Lehi, Utah.

Primary Promise was led by four civic and community business leaders:

• Gail Miller, founder, owner, and past chair of Larry H. Miller Company, and chair emeritus of the Intermountain Health Board of Trustees.
• Crystal Maggelet, chair and CEO of FJ Management Inc. and Intermountain Health trustee emeritus.
• Steve Lund, co-founder and executive board chair of Nu Skin Enterprises.
• Spencer Zwick, co-founder & managing partner of Solamere Capital.

“Primary Promise is about being part of something greater,” Lund said. “To everyone who gave in memory of a loved one — as our family has — our hearts are with you, today and always. And your gifts have made a profound difference that honors those we love. Who could ask for a brighter legacy?”

Abigail Rose is a living legacy of Primary Promise.

In 2021, she became the first child ever to receive an in-utero fetal surgery in the state of Utah, through what is now called the Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. Previously, this complex and often life-saving surgery was available at only a few hospitals nationwide.  

When Abigail Rose’s mom, Alisha, was pregnant, an ultrasound showed that her fetus had spina bifida – a condition that leaves an area of the spine open and nerves exposed.

Doctors performed surgery on the fetus to address the anomaly. At the time, Alisha was around 25-weeks gestation. That gave time so the fetal spine could heal as part of its natural development. 

A month after fetal surgery, Abigail Rose was born.

She has grown to become an energetic, happy, mobile 4-year-old, who lives with her family in Idaho Falls. She loves to play with her Barbies, ride horses, sing songs with her mom, dance with friends, and watch sports with her dad, Nick. Physical and occupational therapy has helped her to achieve milestones that her family never expected to see, from crawling to walking with a walker. 

“We took a leap of faith with fetal surgery, and they saved Abby,” Alisha says. “The future for Primary Children’s patients is already brighter because of our fetal surgery. It’s phenomenal to have this in our region. The people who gave to Primary Promise have helped more kids than they’ll ever know. Abby is living proof.”

Here’s how Primary Promise has helped kids and families:

Autism Services were added to address a rapidly increasing need.

• The Adaptive Care Program launched last year, supporting nearly 500 children with a developmental disability.
• Primary Children's Applied Behavior Analysis clinic opened earlier this year at Intermountain Riverton Hospital to support children with autism and their families. 

Behavioral Health

• Primary Children’s programs have grown by 78% in the last five years, providing care for 40% more children during that time.
• More than 10,000 children served in 2024.
• The new Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center opened in Taylorsville in the summer of 2025, with family-centered care, hospital and clinic programs, and a walk-in crisis center that’s always open. The State of Utah invested $25 million to help build the center.

Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center is the first of its kind in the Mountain West and is Utah’s only comprehensive fetal care center, offering world-class treatment for high-risk pregnancies, including fetal surgeries.

• 2,000 patients are served each year.
• First fetoscopic laser ablation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome performed in 2023.

Healthy Kids keeps children safe and healthy in their homes and communities. 

• In 2024, nearly 900 families were referred to the Mom, Baby, and Family Home Visiting Program, which provided more than 550 home visits per month, to help families get off to a great start.
• 92,000 books were given to families through the Reach Out and Read Program during their well-child checkups.
• Triple the number of safety devices, such as infant car seats and helmets, were given to families in 2024.

Network of Care brings Primary Children’s care closer to home through telehealth visits with pediatric experts.  

• 450,000+ telehealth visits since 2021 have connected kids and families with pediatric care experts.
• More than half of the children seen in emergency telehealth visits last year were safely allowed to return home to recover, avoiding unnecessary hospital stays.
• The School-Based Telehealth program launched in 2023, allowing 96% of kids to receive care and return to class, saving an estimated 15,000+ days of school. 

Newborn Intensive Care: A modern, state-of-the-art Level 4 NICU provides newborn babies with the most focused level of specialty care.

• NICU rooms are designed for families to stay with their babies.
• Families who can’t be there in person can access Angel Eye Camera Technology – they did so 78,000 times last year – to check on their baby anytime, from anywhere. 

Personalized Medicine

• 150+ patients with complex medical conditions last year received rapid whole genome sequencing to speed up diagnosis and customize treatment.  
• 4,000+ patients received integrated genetic services in 2024.

Second Hospital Campus

The Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus opened in Lehi in February 2024 to serve the rapidly growing pediatric population in southern Salt Lake County and Utah County. This new hospital provided exceptional care for the community during its first year, including the following:

• More than 18,000 patients visited the Emergency Department.
• More than 72,000 clinic visits.
• More than 14,000 patients stayed the night in the hospital closer to home.

Sorenson Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders is a redesigned cancer care space to provide cutting-edge, nationally ranked care at Primary Children's Hospital — Salt Lake Campus.

• 200+ children rang the bell to celebrate the end of their cancer treatment last year.
• 2 academic endowed chairs were created:
  • Ryan and Ashley Smith Presidential Chair
  • FIVE For the Fight Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research.

Teen-to-Adult Care gives teens skills and resources to live their healthiest lives into adulthood.

• The Primary Children's Hospital “You & I Health Club” supports teens as they move into adult care for diabetes, heart, and other chronic conditions.  
• 442 patients supported in 2024.

“Together we’re directly contributing to lifesaving and life-changing advancements for children everywhere,” Zwick said. “It’s truly an honor for us to help write the next page beyond the history of this revered cause.”

Intermountain Health’s work to build the nation’s model health system for children will continue. In Montana, specialty care access for children is expanding. In Nevada, Intermountain is creating a comprehensive campaign for children’s health with plans to build Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital in Las Vegas.

 “With you, our donor family, we’ve created an enhanced environment to provide the best pediatric care in the world,” Miller said. “Our legacy is that we did not hesitate. And this work will continue to move forward. We invite every member of the community, within and beyond these walls, to partner with us, so that together, we will forever keep The Child First and Always.” 

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Intermountain Children’s Health today unveiled the Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, bringing vital family-centered mental and behavioral health services – including an always-open walk-in crisis center – to kids and teens needing support.

The new Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center is a 90,000-square-foot facility made possible by a $25 million investment from the State of Utah and philanthropic donations to Primary Promise, Intermountain Health’s historic campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children.

The Behavioral Health Center’s opening marks a leap forward in expanding critically needed mental health services in a state where suicide remains a leading cause of death for youth.

Built on the former Wasatch Canyons campus at 5770 South 1500 West, in Taylorsville, Utah, the new Center opens to kids and families on Saturday, September 6.

“I remember being really scared and worried. When I started coming to Primary Children’s it really helped me,” said Wren, who marked her 12th birthday by cutting the ribbon on the Center after 300 state, community, and Intermountain Health leaders and caregivers sang the birthday song for her. “I want other kids to know that it’s not just them that have worries, and there’s ways to fix it … they’re not the only ones having the hard times.”

Utah, like many states in the nation, is experiencing a pediatric mental health crisis. 

In 2023, 23 percent of Utah high school students seriously contemplated suicide. Nine percent attempted suicide, and 37 percent felt sad or hopeless.

To help meet the need, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital has increased its behavioral health programs by 78 percent and has served 40 percent more kids in the past five years.

The need for care keeps growing.

In 2024, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital behavioral health programs helped more than 10,000 kids. They’re expected to help even more this year.

“Each child in our community is an important part of Intermountain’s mission,” said Rob Allen, president and chief executive officer of Intermountain Health. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive and live their healthiest life. They are the hope and promise of the future. This Center is an important part of providing critically needed behavioral health services to Utah’s children and families.”

The new state-of-the art, family-centered facility features:

• Patient rooms where parents can stay overnight with their child. 
• Family-friendly perks like spacious waiting rooms, and a café.
• 50 percent more inpatient beds than the previous facility that can be adapted to each child’s needs. 
• Large outpatient spaces with natural light, quiet rooms, and sensory spaces. 
• A new Crisis Walk-In Center, which is always open.

The Center also includes these free services:

• The statewide Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service (ARCS) service line that connects families to behavioral health resources or an appointment at 385-478-2400.
• The Stabilization and Mobile Response program, which sends a professional to your home to help a child or teen. It’s available by dialing 988 or using the SafeUT app.

“Family-centered care is critical to kids’ healing, and this building is designed for families,” said Amanda Choudhary, president of the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital-Taylorsville Campus and leader of the Behavioral Health service line for Intermountain Children’s Health. “Our dedicated teams have been working tirelessly to prepare the facility, and we can’t wait to welcome our first patients.”

Construction on the Center was accelerated thanks to the state’s $25 million appropriation.

“It’s because of the shared commitment of Intermountain Children’s Health, the State of Utah, and supporters of Primary Promise that we are able to answer the emerging needs of a growing pediatric population and open this new Behavioral Health Center,” said Mandy Richards, president of Intermountain Children’s Health and chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health. “We are grateful for the community support that has turned a promise into reality for children across the State of Utah.”

“Children’s behavioral health is one of the most important and challenging issues of our time. The State of Utah is proud to support Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in this critical endeavor,” Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said. “The $25 million investment from the state shows that no child or family is alone in their mental health journey. We are all in this together.”

Support of Intermountain Health’s historic Primary Promise campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children created momentum for expanded behavioral health services. Julie and Gregory P. Cook’s family was the first to invest in Primary Promise with a transformational $10 million gift dedicated entirely to enhancing behavioral health services.  

“We have a responsibility to protect kids and provide them with options so that they're not just left to their own devices,” Julie Cook said. “Behavioral Health matters, and a healthy mind starts with a community that cares. All of us can work together to be part of the solution. We knew this was our way to make a difference.”

“If you’ve ever wanted a way to give back to your community and help everyone, this is it,” Gregory Cook said. “We invite everyone to partner with us, and give to Primary Promise. Contribute to lifesaving and life-changing advancements for kids everywhere. Every day we delay is a missed opportunity to help a child thrive. With stakes this high, we cannot hesitate.”

The Behavioral Health Center will provide spaces for clinical expertise, and a “safe place to land” for parents, guardians and family members of patients, said Teresa Glade, whose daughter, Rachel, was helped at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

Rachel has had multiple heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and feeding therapies, among other treatments and surgeries from the day she was born and throughout her life. She is also hard of hearing.

“I know this was difficult for everyone around me, but I understand now that I was hurting deeply and needed, somehow, to get that out,” Rachel shared at the ribbon-cutting in American Sign Language. “I had suffered through a ton of medical trauma, and on top of that, I couldn’t hear the voices that tried to comfort me.”

Rachel is now 23. She graduated from cosmetology school and works at her family business. She enjoys doing hair and makeup, hiking, spending time with her boyfriend, and eating her favorite foods. 

“It is incredibly important for kids to receive mental health support when they are young so that they can enter adulthood with life skills,” Rachel said. “I am so thankful for all of the years Primary Children’s has been there for me with my medical and behavioral health needs, and I am so happy this new campus will be able to provide further support for countless children and teens for decades to come.”

For information about behavioral health services, visit primarychildrens.org/behavioralhealth.

To give, visit primarypromise.org.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and video available upon request.

Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, chief nursing executive for Intermountain Health, has been named the new president of Intermountain Children’s Health, a role in which she will build on Intermountain’s legacy of excellence expanding and integrating pediatric care across Intermountain Health’s six-state network.  

Additionally, Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus will expand his leadership role to children’s market president for the Canyons Region, overseeing the children’s hospitals and specialty outpatient pediatric care from southwestern Idaho through central Utah. 

Both Richards and Lipson will also continue their current leadership roles.  

The Children’s Health leadership announcements reflect Intermountain’s continued focus and alignment of pediatric care to better serve patients, families and communities and help children thrive. This follows the announcement of Katy Welkie’s retirement as chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health.  

“What began as a single pediatric hospital at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City has evolved into expanded access to exceptional pediatric care for children and families across multiple states served by Intermountain Health,” said Nannette Berensen, Intermountain Health’s chief operating officer. “This is an exciting time in Children’s Health, and we’re thrilled to have Mandy Richards leading the next step in our journey as we continue to further elevate care for patients and communities.”  

Richards, a registered nurse with a doctorate degree in nursing practice focused on health system leadership and policy, brings a distinguished career in healthcare to Children’s Health leadership. 

Prior to joining Intermountain Health in 2023, Richards served as executive vice president and chief nursing officer at Hartford HealthCare and for Allina Health in Minneapolis. She also worked in clinical and hospital operations at the Allina flagship hospital. She began her career as an ICU nurse and draws on that experience at the bedside to better support Intermountain caregivers.  

“Many of our Children’s Health caregivers are nurses, so I have seen firsthand the empathy and excellence they bring to their work,” Richards said. “Children’s Health has an impressive impact on our communities; they have truly built a strong foundation of quality pediatric care. I am so privileged to have this new opportunity to lead and advocate on two fronts now, both nursing and Children’s Health. I look forward to the next step in our journey because I know we are better together.”  

Lipson brings expertise in operations, pediatrics and children’s health to his expanded role. Prior to his 12 years at Primary Children’s Hospital, Lipson served as the director of healthcare transformation for Intermountain Health and as a fellow, leading many aspects of Intermountain’s population health strategy. Lipson also worked for 11 years at GE Capital in various leadership roles in finance, risk management and general management.  

Lipson’s new regional role will include oversight of Primary Children’s Hospital’s Salt Lake Campus, Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, and Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, which will open in September, as well as specialized ambulatory pediatric care from southwestern Idaho through central Utah. 

“I am deeply committed to ensuring the continued success of our pediatric operations within Children’s Health, and I relish the opportunity to work together to build the model health system our children deserve,” said Lipson. “Our Children’s Health team is exceptional and it’s a tremendous privilege to serve them and our patients and families in this expanded capacity.”  

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by Dustin and the significant impact he’s had at Primary Children’s Hospital,” Richards said. “He’s earned the trust and respect of his colleagues, and I’m excited to collaborate with him and draw on his expertise as we embark on the next strategic chapter for Children’s Health.”  

Welkie will stay in her role through August 25 to help the transition of Children’s Health leadership.  

“I have been blessed to have such a wonderful career at Primary Children’s Hospital and leading Children’s Health. I am leaving it in very capable hands,” Welkie said. “We have built a strong foundation for pediatrics in Utah, and beyond. I am proud of our past and optimistic about our future. I look forward to watching it unfold under the talented leadership of both Mandy and Dustin.”  

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La apertura de Sophie’s Place es el resultado del apoyo colaborativo de las fundaciones Forever Young Foundation, Intermountain Foundation, y un elenco estelar de miembros de la comunidad y el personal.

Sophie’s Place fue fundado por Forever Young Foundation en honor a la cantante y compositora de Utah, Sophie Barton, quien fue voluntaria en Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en Salt Lake City antes de fallecer a los 17 años.

“A través de Sophie’s Place, el corazón de Sophie sigue latiendo, brindando consuelo, inspiración y sanación a innumerables pacientes jóvenes”, dijo Steve Young, mariscal de campo del Salón de la Fama de la liga profesional de fútbol (NFL, por sus siglas en inglés) y fundador de Forever Young Foundation. “La frecuencia de la musicoterapia indicada por los médicos destaca la importancia de este tratamiento no invasivo para transformar y mejorar las vidas de los niños a quienes tenemos el privilegio de ayudar”.

Young; Barb Young, quien es su esposa y la copresidenta de Forever Young Foundation; y la familia de Sophie Barton, cuyo nombre lleva la sala de musicoterapia, se unieron a los pacientes de Intermountain Primary Children’s y los dirigentes de Intermountain Health para cortar la cinta de la novena sala Sophie’s Place que se inaugura a nivel nacional.

Posteriormente, los pacientes y la comunidad festejaron la gran inauguración con actuaciones de niños, estudiantes y adultos, entre ellos: Adele Storrs, de 10 años; el cantante principal de The Osmonds-Second Generation David Osmond; el cantautor y concursante de The Voice EJ Michels; y los bailarines de Brigham Young University, Katie Williams y Jordan Halterman.

La primera sala Sophie’s Place de la nación se inauguró en 2013 en Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital de Salt Lake.

La nueva sala de terapias expresivas de Sophie’s Place contiene instrumentos que incluyen un piano, batería, guitarras, micrófonos, un estudio de grabación exclusivo y espacios para terapias de arte y danza y movimiento.

“Lo que hace que este lugar sea único es su enfoque vibrante y multidisciplinario para la curación a través de la autoexpresión, el autodescubrimiento y la alegría.,” dijo Lisa Paletta, presidenta de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en el predio Miller Family Campus. “Estamos agradecidos con la familia Barton y Forever Young Foundation por su apoyo a este espacio importante para la sanación de los pacientes, inspirado por el hermoso legado de Sophie”.

En 2010, Sophie Barton falleció inesperadamente mientras practicaba senderismo. Tres años después, la familia de Sophie se asoció con Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital para cumplir su visión de sanar el mundo con la música.

“Significa mucho más saber que Sophie’s Place es el lugar de Sophie, habiendo crecido en la zona”, dijo Anne-Marie Barton, la mamá de Sophie. “Significa mucho saber que Primary Children’s en Lehi y Sophie’s Place están aquí para servir a los niños, brindándoles música para sanar. Su alma está aquí en Utah, y esta nueva sala significa que puede inspirar sanación y amor a todos los que visitan estas salas especiales”.

Las terapias expresivas utilizan las artes creativas como herramientas terapéuticas para facilitar el crecimiento y la sanación, y abordar los objetivos del paciente. Financiados íntegramente mediante filantropía, estos servicios se ofrecen a los pacientes y sus familias de manera gratuita.

“Estudios científicos han demostrado con coherencia que la musicoterapia activa e integra múltiples partes del cerebro, de manera que promueve la neuroplasticidad y el desarrollo de nuevas vías neuronales, ayuda a regular las respuestas al dolor, reduce las hormonas de estrés, reduce los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, y mejora la motricidad fina y gruesa en los niños”, afirmó Barb Young. “Nos enorgullece colaborar con Intermountain Health para brindar estos beneficios medibles y basados en la evidencia mediante la creación de esta sala especializada en musicoterapia, donde ‘la música lo cambia todo’”.

El predio Miller Family Campus abrió en febrero de 2024 como parte de una visión más amplia de Intermountain Health para construir el sistema de salud modelo del país para los niños.

La visión de Intermountain Children’s Health de extender la excelencia pediátrica en la atención a nuevas comunidades y niños en todo el oeste montañoso continúa con los esfuerzos que incluyen el centro de salud mental de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital en Taylorsville, que abrirá en septiembre; la construcción del primer hospital infantil independiente en Nevada, anunciada en octubre de 2024; y el nuevo hospital de reemplazo completo en Billings, Montana, que contará con un Centro Pediátrico dedicado.

Para más información, visite intermountainhealthcare.org/childrens-health.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y vídeos disponibles a pedido.

Puede que las clases hayan terminado por el verano, pero eso no impidió que los adolescentes que reciben tratamiento contra el cáncer en Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital disfrutaran de una de las mayores tradiciones de la escuela secundaria: la noche del baile de fin de curso. 

Debido a que algunos pacientes jóvenes con cáncer no siempre se encuentran lo suficientemente bien como para asistir al baile de su escuela secundaria, el personal de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital organizó una noche de baile especial para ellos. 

Los pacientes de 15 años y mayores pudieron vestir ropa formal y bailar toda la noche del sábado en el edificio de servicios ambulatorios Eccles Outpatient Services Building en Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, gracias a la dedicación de los empleados del hospital que no querían que los problemas de salud interrumpieran una preciada tradición de la escuela secundaria para los niños. 

El personal del centro oncológico de Intermountain Health convirtió las salas de conferencias en un brillante salón de baile con comida, DJ, fotos y muchas otras experiencias gracias a la generosidad de la comunidad. 

También organizaron que los pacientes recibieran servicios especiales de salón de belleza en sus habitaciones del hospital para que pudieran lucir y sentirse lo mejor posible para su noche especial. 

A los pacientes se unieron médicos, enfermeras, especialistas en vida infantil y otros equipos de atención médica de Intermountain Primary Children’s, quienes hicieron todo lo posible para seguir el ritmo de la multitud enérgica. 
“El cáncer priva a los niños de las muchas experiencias que conforman una infancia porque están en tratamiento”, dijo Caroline Dolan, trabajadora social de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “Nuestro equipo en Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital sabe lo importante que es para el proceso de recuperación que los niños tengan experiencias normales, y por eso se esfuerzan tanto para que este baile sea especial”. 

Cada día, los expertos en oncología de Intermountain Primary Children’s atienden a 33 niños en los pisos de pacientes internados y a 60 niños más que precisan consultas ambulatorias relacionadas con el cáncer. 

El programa oncológico bien posicionado a nivel nacional de Intermountain Primary Children’s incluye las últimas investigaciones clínicas y tratamientos para trastornos sanguíneos no malignos como la anemia de células falciformes, así como trasplantes de médula ósea, terapias basadas en genes y ensayos clínicos. 

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y vídeos disponibles a pedido. 

 

Un nuevo estudio publicado en Journal of Perinatology, está ayudando a evitar las transfusiones de sangre en bebés prematuros gracias a una nueva investigación y colaboración entre investigadores de Intermountain Health y University of Utah.

Timothy Bahr, MD, neonatólogo e investigador clínico de Intermountain Health, colaboró con Robert Christensen, MD, y Robin Ohls, MD, de University of Utah Health, a explorar la dosis y frecuencia necesarias de una medicación llamada darbepoetina (darbe), la cual estimula la producción de glóbulos rojos en bebés prematuros.

Los bebés prematuros a menudo sufren de niveles de glóbulos rojos bajos (anemia), lo cual puede contribuir a varias complicaciones tales como el retraso en el desarrollo y la dificultad para respirar.

Se han utilizado inyecciones subcutáneas de darbe para tratar, de manera eficaz, la anemia causada por nacimiento prematuro y estimular la producción de glóbulos rojos en bebés prematuros, para así reducir la necesidad de transfusiones de glóbulos rojos en Estados Unidos en los últimos 20 años.

El objetivo del estudio fue refinar la dosis y frecuencia de darbe en estos bebés vulnerables, para brindar beneficios de salud óptimos, junto con el número menor de inyecciones subcutáneas necesarias.

El Dr. Bahr y sus colaboradores, quienes han estado al frente de la investigación en el tratamiento de anemia en bebés prematuros, condujeron su estudio en Intermountain Medical Center en Murray y en Intermountain Valley Hospital en Provo.

El estudio analizó dos horarios de dosis diferentes: inyecciones una vez a la semana, y una cada dos semanas.

Los resultados fueron prometedores.

“Encontramos que, mientras las dosis semanales de darbe incrementaban la producción de glóbulos rojos levemente, ambos horarios resultaron similares en cuanto a beneficios para la salud en los bebés”, dijo el Dr. Bahr. “Esto significa que administrar Darbe cada dos semanas sería una opción viable, reduciendo así el número de inyecciones que estos bebés necesiten”.

“Administrar menos inyecciones puede resultar en una experiencia más llevadera para los bebés prematuros y sus padres, y también podría, potencialmente, disminuir los gastos farmacéuticos y de atención médica”, añadió.

De acuerdo con neonatólogos, cuando darbe aumenta los niveles de glóbulos rojos a niveles más normales en bebés prematuros, estos tienen una menor probabilidad de necesitar transfusiones de sangre.

Algunos bebés prematuros solo necesitan inyecciones de darbe, mientras que otros pacientes recién nacidos en estado más crítico también pueden llegar a necesitar una transfusión de sangre para ayudarles a mejorar sus probabilidades de supervivencia en la unidad de la UCI neonatal.

“Las transfusiones de sangre se pueden realizar de manera segura y pueden salvar la vida de bebés prematuros, pero conllevan ciertos riesgos. Si podemos reducir la necesidad de transfusiones de sangre en bebés prematuros, también podemos reducir el riesgo de complicaciones que pueden suceder después de una transfusión de sangre”, dijo el Dr. Bahr.

Según el Dr. Bahr, la tasa de transfusiones de sangre en bebés prematuros en las unidades UCI neonatales de Intermountain Health está bastante por debajo del promedio nacional.

Durante los últimos 20 años, Intermountain ha utilizado darbe y ha continuado su investigación para hallar las mejores prácticas para esta medicación, lo cual es parte del esfuerzo en reducir el número de transfusiones necesarias en bebés prematuros.

“La eliminación de transfusiones de sangre innecesarias en Intermountain Health o la ‘responsabilidad con las transfusiones’, es muy parecida a nuestros esfuerzos en cuanto a la responsabilidad con los antibióticos, la cual promueve el uso responsable de antibióticos y reduce el uso innecesario y mejora la atención del paciente y los resultados”, dijo el Dr. Bahr.

“Los resultados de este estudio de investigación ofrecen un enfoque potencialmente nuevo en la administración de darbepoetina a bebés prematuros, proporcionando un equilibrio entre el tratamiento efectivo y el beneficio de realizar menos intervenciones médicas”, dijo Elizabeth O’Brien, MD, directora médica principal de la salud neonatal en Intermountain Health. “Esta es una de las muchas maneras en las que Intermountain está trabajando para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de los bebés prematuros y brinda una atención más avanzada y compasiva para estos pacientes tan pequeños y vulnerables”.

Intermountain Primary Children´s Hospital tiene la UCI neonatal de nivel IV más destacada en la zona Mountain West, e Intermountain tiene otros 17 hospitales adicionales (10 en Utah) con unidades UCI neonatales.

Los profesionales de la salud de los 20 hospitales de Intermountain Health que tienen unidades de parto en Utah, tienen acceso a interconsultas con neonatólogos virtuales las 24 horas del día, siete días a la semana. Intermountain Health está nacionalmente reconocido por la habilidad única de ofrecer telemedicina neonatal de alto nivel a hospitales rurales.

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A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology is helping premature babies avoid blood transfusions, thanks to new research and collaboration between researchers at Intermountain Health and the University of Utah.

Timothy Bahr, MD, an Intermountain Health neonatologist and researcher, collaborated with Robert Christensen, MD, and Robin Ohls, MD, from University of Utah Health, to explore the dosage and frequency needed of a medication called darbepoetin (darbe), which boosts red blood cell production in premature infants.

Premature babies often suffer from low red blood cell counts (anemia), which can contribute to various complications such as developmental delays and difficulty breathing.

Subcutaneous injections of darbe have been used to effectively treat anemia of prematurity and boost red blood cell production in premature infants, to help decrease the need for red blood cell transfusions in the United States for the past 20 years.

The goal of the study was to refine the dosage and frequency of darbe to these vulnerable babies, so it provides optimal health benefits, along with the minimum necessary number of subcutaneous injections.

Dr. Bahr and his collaborators, who have been at the forefront of research on treatment for anemia in premature babies, conducted their study at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray and Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.

The study tested two different dosing schedules: injections once a week and once every two weeks.

The results were promising.

"We found that while weekly doses of darbe increased red blood cell production slightly more, both schedules resulted in similar overall health outcomes for the babies," said Dr. Bahr. "This means that giving Darbe every two weeks could be a viable option, reducing the number of injections these infants need.”

“Fewer injections can lead to a more comfortable experience for premature babies and their parents, and it also could potentially lower healthcare and pharmacy costs,” he added. 

According to neonatologists, when darbe improves red blood cell counts to more normal levels in premature infants, they are less likely to need a blood transfusion.

Some preemies need only darbe injections, while more severe newborn patients may also need a blood transfusion to help them be more likely to survive their stay in a neonatal ICU.

“Transfusions can be done safely and can be lifesaving for preemies, but they do come with some risks. If we can reduce the need for blood transfusions in preemies, we can also reduce their risk of complications which can occur after a blood transfusion,” said Dr Bahr.

According to Dr. Bahr, the transfusion rate of premature infants in Intermountain Health neonatal ICUs is well below the national average.

Intermountain’s use of darbe and its ongoing research into best practices for the medication over the last 20 years are all part of an effort to reduce the number of transfusions preterm babies require.

“Eliminating unnecessary blood transfusions at Intermountain Health or ‘transfusion stewardship’ is much like our antibiotic stewardship efforts, which promote responsible use of antibiotics and reduces unnecessary use and enhances patient care and outcomes,” said Dr. Bahr.

“This research study’s findings offer a potential new approach to administering darbepoetin to premature babies, providing a balance between effective treatment and the comfort of fewer medical interventions,” said Elizabeth O’Brien, MD, senior medical director for neonatal health at Intermountain Health. “This is one of the many ways Intermountain is working to enhance the health and well-being of premature infants and provide more advanced and compassionate care for these very young and vulnerable patients.”

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is home to the leading Level IV Neonatal ICU in the Mountain West, and Intermountain has 17 other hospitals (10 in Utah) with a neonatal ICU. 

Providers at all 20 Intermountain Health hospitals with labor and delivery units in Utah have access to virtual neonatologists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Intermountain Health is nationally recognized for the unique ability to provide this high-level of neonatal telemedicine to rural hospitals.

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Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital abre una nueva clínica especializada en Riverton para niños con autismo y amplía sus servicios gracias a la donación de $3 millones de una empresaria y filántropa de Utah y su familia, en el marco de la campaña Promesa Primary, que busca construir el sistema de salud modelo del país para los niños.

La nueva clínica de análisis conductual aplicado (ABA, por sus siglas en inglés) ya está en funcionamiento en el edificio de Servicios para Pacientes Ambulatorios de Intermountain Primary Children's, en Intermountain Riverton Hospital. La inauguración representa un hito importante en la ampliación de los servicios para niños con autismo y contribuye a satisfacer una necesidad que crece rápidamente en la comunidad.

“Queremos que los niños con autismo y sus familias sepan que estamos junto a ustedes en este recorrido”, dijo Katy Welkie, directora ejecutiva de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital y vicepresidenta de Intermountain Children’s Health. “Al ampliar los servicios para personas con autismo, podemos ayudar a los niños a prosperar”.

“Nada de esto sería posible sin nuestra generosa comunidad, que contribuye a hacer realidad la visión audaz de construir un sistema de salud modelo para los niños. Estamos muy agradecidos”, agregó Welkie.

El trastorno del espectro autista es una discapacidad del neurodesarrollo que se caracteriza por diferencias en el comportamiento. A nivel nacional, 1 de cada 36 niños tiene trastorno del espectro autista. Esto equivale a unos 25,000 niños en Utah.  

Históricamente, en Utah y los estados vecinos, ha existido una brecha en el acceso a la atención médica, lo que significa que no hay suficientes programas para que las familias reciban atención rápidamente, ni proveedores que puedan diagnosticar el autismo, evaluar las discapacidades del desarrollo y ofrecer servicios y tratamientos a los niños. 

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital está ayudando a reducir esta brecha ampliando sus servicios, incluida la nueva clínica de análisis conductual aplicado en Intermountain Riverton Hospital. 

“Nos enorgullece acercar una atención pediátrica de primera clase a tantas familias, en colaboración con Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital”, dijo Todd Neubert, presidente de Intermountain Riverton Hospital. “Juntos estamos garantizando que todos los niños tengan la oportunidad de prosperar. Y hoy, nuestra historia comienza un nuevo y emocionante capítulo”. 

La clínica de análisis conductual aplicado ofrece servicios fundamentales, incluidos los servicios intensivos tempranos, como la evaluación conductual, la terapia individual y los servicios de terapia de grupo para niños con autismo de 2 a 6 años. 

La clínica forma parte del esfuerzo a largo plazo de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital para mejorar los servicios destinados a niños con diagnóstico de autismo. 

“Este es un hito muy importante en nuestro compromiso por ayudar a niños con autismo que tienen necesidades complejas”, dijo el Dr. Casey Clay, director del programa de Servicios de ABA de Intermountain Children’s Health. “Es completamente lógico que los padres se sientan abrumados después de recibir un diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista. Pero no están solos. Con la ampliación de los servicios y el nuevo centro de ABA, podemos ayudar a las familias a vincularse mejor con los apoyos y tratamientos que los niños necesitan para desarrollar todo su potencial”. 

La ampliación de los servicios para personas con autismo es posible gracias a las donaciones realizadas a la campaña Promesa Primary de Intermountain Health, cuyo objetivo es construir el sistema de salud modelo del país para los niños. 

Promesa Primary, impulsada por Intermountain Health y el apoyo filantrópico de la comunidad, ha superado su objetivo de recaudación de $600 millones gracias a la generosidad comunitaria. Como resultado, los líderes pudieron financiar una ampliación fundamental de los servicios para personas con autismo. 

“Los servicios para personas con autismo son fundamentales para el bienestar de los niños y de las comunidades”, dijo Gail Miller, copresidenta del comité ejecutivo de la campaña Promesa Primary, quien además es filántropa, empresaria y presidenta emérita del Consejo de Intermountain Health. “Con su ayuda, Promesa Primary está haciendo realidad avances transformadores para el bienestar de los niños. Invito a cada miembro de la comunidad a unirse a nosotros para ayudar a que más niños crezcan sanos y se sientan acompañados”. 

La campaña Promesa Primary y su plan para mejorar la atención infantil inspiraron a Sandi Summer Hendry, junto con su familia y su empresa Minky Couture, a realizar una donación de $3 millones durante la inauguración de la clínica de ABA. Esta es la segunda contribución de Hendry a Promesa Primary; la primera fue una donación de $1 millón para la iniciativa de la Unidad neonatal de cuidados intensivos (NICU, por sus siglas en inglés). 

“Fue un honor y una bendición poder contribuir y ayudar a la NICU del campus Lehi de Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital”, dijo Hendry, fundadora y directora ejecutiva de Minky Couture. “Será un honor y un privilegio colaborar también con los servicios para personas con autismo y ayudar a las miles de familias que piden ayuda al acompañar a sus seres queridos en este difícil diagnóstico. Ambas donaciones son muy especiales para mí”.  

Ayudar a ampliar los servicios para personas con autismo es fundamental a fin de ayudar a niños como Lily, una alegre adolescente de Utah de 13 años, amante de la moda y de todo lo relacionado con Taylor Swift.

Su sonrisa ilumina cualquier lugar, y su familia no podría estar más agradecida por los servicios y cuidadores que la ayudaron a brillar después de haber recibido su diagnóstico de autismo. 

“El primer obstáculo que tuvimos que superar fue la ansiedad, una ansiedad abrumadora y paralizante, que realmente le impedía ser quien es”, dijo su mamá, Carrie. “Lo que descubrí fue que los proveedores de atención aquí estaban muy comprometidos con su labor: no escondieron quién es Lily ni cambiaron su personalidad, sino que quitaron de en medio la ansiedad para que ella pudiera brillar y nosotros pudiéramos ver a la verdadera Lily”.

Lily agradeció a las familias Miller y Hendry por reconocer las necesidades de las personas con autismo y por apoyar la ampliación de los servicios para este tipo de trastorno de Promesa Primary. Les regaló a cada familia una obra de arte pintada por ella y, luego, las acompañó a cortar la cinta de la nueva clínica de ABA. 

Sus padres no podían estar más orgullosos. 

“Es increíble tener en casa a alguien que ve el mundo de una manera diferente a la tuya, porque todos creemos que lo vemos igual”, dijo Roger, el papá de Lily. “Ella nos enseñó a ver el amor, nos enseñó a preocuparnos por los demás, nos enseñó qué es lo que importa. Ella en sí misma es un regalo”. 

Para obtener más información sobre los Servicios de Autismo de Primary Children, ingrese a PrimaryChildrens.org/AutismServices. Para hacer una donación, ingrese a PrimaryPromise.org.  

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y vídeos disponibles a pedido.

Kids' toys can do more than ever thanks to advances in technology, but with that advancement comes serious concerns for small children who can ingest parts of the toys.  

Trauma surgeons at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City are warning parents about the dangers of toys with magnets or button batteries after seeing several cases of them being ingested by kids.  

These magnets and button batteries can have lasting health impacts on children even after they’re removed. 

“We have seen several cases of children ingesting these items, and they can do serious harm like magnets pinching their intestines together or button batteries getting stuck and burning the esophagus,” said Laurie Baumann, MD, trauma surgeon at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “In some cases, we have to do emergency surgery to remove them and it’s only the start of their health issues.” 

This happened to the McMillan family when their 1-year-old son, Luke, ingested a button battery from a toy, but no one knew it happened.  

His mother, Erica, noticed he had trouble eating and when they checked with local doctors in Arizona, they suggested it might be something else.  

When the issue persisted, they asked doctors for an X-ray and discovered the button battery, which had been lodged in Luke’s esophagus for months.  

“It was hard not knowing what’s wrong with your child, and then to find out it’s a button battery was terrifying,” said Erica. “I just want parents to know this can happen so quickly, and to know what toys they are playing with.” 

After the battery was removed, Erica’s family began looking for long-term treatment options for the damage done to his esophagus. They decided to bring Luke up to Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City for a less invasive treatment. 

Although the battery didn’t burn his insides, Luke, now 3 years old, must go to the hospital every six months to have his esophagus stretched to make sure it stays open.  

Doctors are hoping his body can grow out of needing the treatments, but for now, the damage is lasting. 

Surgeons note these toys aren’t bad, but might not be appropriate for young kids. If other children in the house have these toys, it’s important to discuss keeping them away from their smaller siblings. 

“These kinds of cases can have devastating impacts on a baby and it’s hard to know what’s happening because they’re too young to verbalize what’s happened,” said Dr. Baumann. “Our hope is by having this information before holiday shopping, we can help reduce these types of emergencies in the future.” 

El Festival Anual de Árboles regresa al Centro de Exposiciones de Mountain America en Sandy del 4 al 7 de diciembre para traer la magia de las fiestas a la comunidad con cientos de hermosas muestras donadas para ayudar a los niños con necesidades en el Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain y más allá.

Una tradición navideña atesorada en Utah que ya celebra su 54.ª edición, el Festival de Árboles es presentado por la Fundación Intermountain y se lleva a cabo gracias a un consejo especial de 80 voluntarios de la comunidad.

En el festival, se exhibirán más de 550 árboles con hermosas decoraciones y más de medio millón de luces navideñas, así como coronas, pesebres, casitas de jengibre, edredones y 5000 libras del ya popular dulce cremoso del Festival de Árboles disponible en 51 sabores que estarán disponibles para la compra o durante la subasta silenciosa.

Quienes asistan al festival también podrán disfrutar de escones, música en vivo, presentaciones de baile, y visitar a Santa Claus y el Grinch.

Todos los objetos de la subasta o en venta en el Festival de Árboles están hechos a mano y fueron donados por miles de voluntarios talentosos de Utah y los estados vecinos. Muchos se hicieron en honor a amigos y familiares que son o han sido pacientes del Hospital Primary Children.

Todos los fondos recaudados se destinarán al Hospital Primary Children para brindar atención a los niños que la necesiten y cumplir con la promesa principal de Intermountain Health de crear un sistema de salud infantil ejemplar para la nación.

“La comunidad está marcando una diferencia en la vida de los niños al apoyar esta querida tradición navideña”, indicó Katy Welkie, directora ejecutiva del Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain y vicepresidenta de Intermountain Children’s Health. “Agradecemos a nuestros voluntarios por su compromiso con la prosperidad de los niños e invitamos a la comunidad a asistir al Festival de Árboles del 4 al 7 de diciembre”.

La generosidad de la comunidad que vemos en el Festival de Árboles ha contribuido para que niños como Ruby, de 11 años, puedan crecer bien.

Ruby es una alumna de sexto grado activa a la que le encanta nadar, tocar el violín, jugar al fútbol y escribir.

Pero cuando Ruby tenía 3 años, sus padres Ali y Mark se preguntaban si ella llegaría a cumplir 5 años.

Ruby fue al médico por una pequeña manchita blanca en la parte baja de la nuca que resultó ser cáncer y se propagó a sus pulmones. Uno de los tumores le apretaba el corazón.

Cuando la familia empezaba a considerar la atención para pacientes terminales, los médicos del Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain utilizaron en Ruby y su tumor una tecnología nueva para ese momento, la secuenciación rápida del genoma completo (rWGS, por sus siglas en inglés). Así pudieron identificar una nueva terapia dirigida contra el cáncer de Ruby.

Y funcionó. Los tumores en los pulmones de Ruby se encogieron en un 90 por ciento en pocos meses. “En la actualidad, no hay evidencia de la enfermedad, y hace tres años que ya no recibe tratamiento”, mencionó su mamá.

Ruby ahora está dando algo a cambio. Ayuda a otras familias del Hospital Primary Children sirviendo comida en la sala familiar de Ronald McDonald.

“El año pasado, el Festival de Árboles recaudó $3.4 millones para ayudar a niños como Ruby en el Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain”, explicó Janet DeWolfe, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Intermountain en el Hospital Primary Children. “Invitamos a la comunidad a celebrar esta época de fiestas en el Festival de Árboles y a donar con generosidad para ayudar a los niños del Hospital Primary Children y mejorar la salud infantil en todo el estado y la región”.

Información del evento:

·         Las entradas están disponibles en FestivalofTreesUtah.org o en la puerta del Centro de Exposiciones de Mountain America en Sandy del 4 al 7 de diciembre. 

·         La subasta silenciosa de árboles, coronas, edredones y demás artículos se llevará a cabo en FestivalofTreesUtah.org a partir de las 6 p. m. del martes 3 de diciembre y hasta las 9 p. m. del miércoles 4 de diciembre. También habrá edredones y una selección de artículos navideños a la venta.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Vídeos e imágenes disponibles previa solicitud.

The annual Festival of Trees is returning to the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy December 4-7, bringing holiday magic to the community with hundreds of beautiful displays donated to help children in need at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

A treasured Utah holiday tradition now in its 54^th year, the Festival of Trees is presented by Intermountain Foundation and brought to life by a dedicated 80-member community volunteer board.

The festival will feature more than 550 beautifully decorated trees twinkling with a half million lights, as well as wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts, and 5,000 pounds of the locally renowned Festival of Trees fudge in 51 flavors – all of which will be available for purchase or bid at silent auction.

Festival attendees also can enjoy scones, live music, dance performances, and visits with Santa Claus and the Grinch.

All items for auction or sale at the Festival of Trees were handcrafted and donated by thousands of talented volunteers from Utah and neighboring states. Many are made in honor of friends and family who are or have been patients at Primary Children’s Hospital.

All funds raised will support Primary Children’s Hospital, provide care to children in need, and deliver on Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise to create the nation’s model health system for children.

“Our community truly is making a difference in the lives of children by supporting this beloved holiday tradition,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for their commitment to helping children thrive, and invite the community to join us at the Festival of Trees December 4-7.”

Community generosity like that seen at the Festival of Trees has helped children like 11-year-old Ruby to thrive.

Ruby is an active sixth-grader who loves to swimming, violin, soccer and writing.

But when Ruby was 3 years old, her parents Ali and Mark wondered if she’d make it to her fifth birthday.

Ruby went to the doctor for a little white spot at the bottom of her neck. It ended up being cancer, and it had spread to her lungs, and one tumor was pressing on her heart.

Just as her family was considering hospice, doctors at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital used a then-new technology, rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS), on Ruby and the tumor. That helped them identify a new, targeted therapy for Ruby’s cancer.

It worked. The tumors in Ruby’s lungs shrunk by 90 percent in a few months. “Now, there’s no evidence of disease, and she’s been off treatment for three years,” her mom said.

Ruby is now giving back, and helping other families at Primary Children’s Hospital by serving meals at the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

“Last year, the Festival of Trees raised $3.4 million to help children like Ruby at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital,” said Janet DeWolfe, executive director of Intermountain Foundation at Primary Children’s Hospital. “We invite the community to ring in the holiday season at the festival of Trees, and give generously to help children at Primary Children’s Hospital and boost children’s health throughout our state and region.”

Event information:

·         Tickets are available at FestivalofTreesUtah.org or at the door at Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy from December 4-7. 

·         Silent auction for trees, wreaths, quilts, and other items will be held at FestivalofTreesUtah.org from 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, through 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 4. Quilts and a selection of seasonal items also are for sale.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: Video and images available upon request.

Los fondos recaudados durante el Evento festivo de edredones y subasta 2024, organizado por la Fundación de Intermountain, se destinarán a una nueva máquina de imagenología para ecografías fetales de última generación para el centro fetal. Esta máquina es vital para diagnosticar y tratar a los bebés nonatos y permitirá que el Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain continúe brindando el mayor nivel de atención a las madres y sus bebés. 

El Evento festivo de edredones y subasta tendrá lugar en el hotel Little America Hotel, piso Mezzanine (entrepiso), de 9:30 a. m. a 8:30 p. m. el jueves 14 y el viernes 15 de noviembre, y de 9:30 a. m. a 2 p. m. el sábado 16 de noviembre, seguido de una cena de gala y una subasta.

Las entradas cuestan $8 cada una y se pueden comprar en el lugar del evento o por internet. Para ver los 76 edredones del evento o comprar las entradas, visite holidayquiltshow.org.

“Año tras año, cientos de voluntarios talentosos y dedicados ofrecen incontables horas de su tiempo, talento y recursos para crear hermosos edredones hechos a mano para beneficiar a otros”, declaró Meredyth Armitage, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación de Intermountain en el Valle de Salt Lake. “Al participar del Evento festivo de edredones y subasta, la comunidad ayudará a reescribir la historia de vida de innumerables niños y familias”.

Por décadas, Chris Manning ha dedicado tiempo y talento al evento de edredones. Este evento tiene un significado especial. 

“Nuestra segunda nieta pesó menos de 3 libras cuando nació en California y estuvo en la sala de cuidados intensivos un largo tiempo”, mencionó el esposo de Chris, Brent Manning. “La idea de hacer algo para ayudar a los recién nacidos era muy importante para ella”.

Chris, quien una vez le entregó un edredón al Dalai Lama, diseñó “Baby Born” (Nació el bebé) para el Evento festivo de edredones y subasta.

Se inspiró en un libro para niños y, con permiso del autor, su edredón incluye divertidas filas de bebés envueltos en cobijas, algunos sonriendo, otros durmiendo, algunos con la boca y los ojos bien abiertos, y otros con enormes rizos sobre la frente.

Por desgracia, “Baby Born” fue el último proyecto de Chris, quien falleció el año pasado. Poco tiempo antes, repartió 60 figuras de bebé hechas de tela entre amigos que ella sabía que llevarían a cabo su creación.

“Colaborar para que la visión de ‘Baby Born’ de Chris Manning se hiciera realidad ha sido un gran honor”, expresó Judy Reese, presidenta de la junta de voluntarios del Evento festivo de edredones y subasta. “Este edredón representa más que solo tela y costuras; personifica la pasión de Chris y su compromiso inquebrantable con nuestra causa. Saber que este hermoso trabajo fue su proyecto final ha hecho que completarlo junto al gremio de bordadores Silver Mine Quilters Guild y amigos cercanos sea incluso más especial. Con cada rostro bordado y cada puntada, el espíritu y la dedicación de Chris perduran”.

El Evento festivo de edredones y subasta comenzó en 1983 y es uno de los pocos eventos de edredones hechos completamente a mano que todavía se realizan en los Estados Unidos. Gracias a una comunidad generosa, con el evento se han recaudado más de $4.5 millones para respaldar el trabajo de la Fundación de Intermountain para brindar atención médica de la más alta calidad al Valle de Salt Lake y más allá. Los fondos también se han destinado a apoyar la investigación y la educación médica, y el avance de las ciencias médicas.

El Centro Fetal Grant Scott Bonham del Hospital Primary Children de Intermountain es el centro de atención fetal más especializado en Utah y en los centros médicos de Intermountain en el oeste. Cuenta con especialistas en medicina materno fetal para ayudar a las madres embarazadas, cirujanos fetales que realizan cirugías en el útero para ayudar a los bebés nonatos, neonatólogos especialmente capacitados para cuidar de los recién nacidos, y especialistas pediátricos para abordar las diversas necesidades del bebé antes y después del parto.

El Centro Fetal Grant Scott Bonham es parte de la promesa principal de Intermountain Health de crear el sistema de salud infantil modelo para la nación. Esta oportunidad única en la vida para invertir en el futuro de la salud infantil ha atraído la meta mínima de $600 millones en una poderosa asociación entre miembros filantrópicos de la comunidad e Intermountain Health. 

Aún se requiere el apoyo filantrópico para ayudar a que más niños sobrevivan y crezcan bien.

Visite holidayquiltshow.org para obtener más información.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y videos disponibles a pedido.

Además, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital ocupa el puesto número 1 a nivel nacional en resultados de neurología y neurocirugía por tercer año consecutivo. 

“Desde nuestra prestigiosa designación como Magnet Hospital en enfermería, hasta nuestros resultados de primer nivel en neurología y neurocirugía, y la excelencia continua en procedimientos cardíacos complejos, las clasificaciones de este año reflejan nuestra búsqueda incansable de la excelencia para los pacientes a quienes atendemos”, manifestó Dustin Lipson, presidente del Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus. 

 Las clasificaciones de U.S. News & World Report identifican los 50 mejores hospitales pediátricos del país en 11 especialidades, lo que les permite a los pacientes, sus familias y proveedores de atención médica tomar decisiones informadas sobre su atención. 

 U.S. News clasificó a Intermountain Primary Children’s entre los 25 mejores en las siguientes especialidades:

• Neurología y Neurocirugía, n.º 10 (con resultados de pacientes clasificados como los mejores del país)
• Cardiología y Cirugía del corazón, n.º 15
• Nefrología, n.º 22
• Gastroenterología y Cirugía GI, n.º 25

 Además, Intermountain Primary Children’s está clasificado en todas las demás especialidades evaluadas para los Mejores Hospitales Pediátricos, que incluyen:

• Salud del comportamiento
• Cáncer
• Diabetes y trastornos endocrinos
• Atención neonatal
• Ortopedia
• Neumología
• Urología

Los servicios de neurología y neurocirugía altamente calificados del hospital trajeron esperanza y sanación a Owen Jacobsen, un niño de 12 años de St. George, Utah, que comenzó a tener convulsiones inexplicables a los 11 años.

Empezaron como sensaciones extrañas en el brazo izquierdo y avanzaron hasta llegar al temblor.

Cuando tuvo una aparente convulsión tónico-clónica en casa, “fue larga y violenta”, recordó su madre, Rindi Jacobsen.

Y lo que fue peor, Owen permaneció consciente durante la convulsión, y pensó que estaba muriendo.

Las tomografías cerebrales que tomaron en el departamento de emergencias mostraron un quiste común, y se pensó que la convulsión era un incidente aislado. Pero Owen tuvo otra convulsión dos días después.

“Ese fue el comienzo de una de las experiencias más aterradoras de nuestras vidas”, dijo su madre.

Las convulsiones empeoraron e interfirieron con el rendimiento escolar y las actividades de Owen, un niño brillante y activo. Tuvo dificultades para tocar el corno francés porque le provocaba dolores de cabeza. Los medicamentos lo hacían sentir somnoliento. El fútbol competitivo y la natación se volvieron demasiado, al igual que la escuela presencial, por lo que Owen cambió a clases en línea.

El padre de Owen, dermatólogo, sintió que algo no estaba bien y pidió a los médicos que revisaran nuevamente las imágenes de Owen. Fue entonces cuando identificaron un tumor junto al quiste en el cerebro.

Derivaron a Owen al Intermountain Primary Children’s en Salt Lake City, donde conoció al neurocirujano pediátrico Robert Bollo, MD, de University of Utah Health y del Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

“El Dr. Bollo ha sido amable, compasivo y profesional desde el primer momento en que lo conocimos”, remarcó la madre de Owen. “Nos entusiasmamos con las opciones quirúrgicas que ofreció para Owen y la manera en que nos tranquilizó como familia, asegurándonos que podría ayudarlo. Inmediatamente sentimos que estábamos en buenas manos: manos increíblemente hábiles, quirúrgicas y brillantes”.

Owen se sometió a un procedimiento altamente especializado llamado Terapia Térmica Intersticial con Láser (LITT). Este procedimiento se utiliza en lugar de una craneotomía, que es mucho más invasiva, con un tiempo de recuperación más prolongado y mayor riesgo de problemas cognitivos posteriores.

Se ofrece en pocos hospitales pediátricos en todo el país; los cirujanos que realizan LITT usan una sonda con fibras especiales que se insertan por un pequeño orificio en el cráneo y se guían por imágenes en una máquina iMRI. La tecnología permitió al Dr. Bollo asegurarse de eliminar solo las células cancerosas y dejar intactas las estructuras cerebrales saludables.

Funcionó.

“Las convulsiones no eran divertidas”, exclamaba Owen, “y después de la cirugía, desaparecieron”. 

Owen pudo comenzar séptimo grado con sus compañeros en la escuela Sunrise Ridge Intermediate.  Ahora forma parte del equipo de MATHCOUNTS, el equipo de natación y el consejo estudiantil. Anda en bicicleta y volvió a tocar el corno francés en la banda de la escuela.

“Ha vuelto a ser él mismo y está muy bien, viviendo una vida feliz y vibrante”, agregó su madre. “Está mejor que nunca. Está prosperando, y sentimos tanta gratitud y esperanza de que esta experiencia ya esté en el pasado. Es un milagro”. 

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, el hospital de enseñanza de especialidades pediátricas de la  University of Utah School of Medicine, ha sido clasificado como el número 1 en el país por sus resultados en neurología y neurocirugía durante cuatro de los últimos cinco años.

“Estamos comprometidos con mejorar continuamente la atención clínica y ayudar a que los pacientes de Primary Children’s prosperen. Como resultado, estamos reclutando a algunos de los mejores médicos del país para nuestros equipos", observó Angelo P. Giardino, MD, PhD, presidente del Departamento de Pediatría de la University of Utah School of Medicine y director médico del Primary Children’s Hospital. “Este reconocimiento nacional independiente subraya nuestro compromiso y nuestro destacado trabajo en equipo para brindar una atención de alta calidad y compasiva a los niños”.

Novedad de este año: Best Children’s Hospitals incluyó por primera vez una clasificación en servicios de salud del comportamiento, una lista que incluye al Intermountain Primary Children’s.

Mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental es parte de la Primary Promise de Intermountain Health para crear el modelo de sistema de salud infantil del país, que también incluye trabajos para fortalecer el Primary Children’s Hospital.

Esta oportunidad de invertir en el futuro de la salud de nuestros niños ha atraído $600 millones en una poderosa asociación entre filántropos de la comunidad e Intermountain Health. Aún se necesita apoyo filantrópico para ayudar a que más niños sobrevivan y prosperen, como Owen.

“No buscaría atención en otro lugar, iría directamente al Primary Children’s Hospital”, confirmó Rindi Jacobsen. “Sabíamos que si lográbamos llegar a Primary Children’s, sería lo mejor para nosotros. Nos sentimos reconfortados desde el momento en que conseguimos una cita allí”.

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NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: Imágenes y videos disponibles a pedido.

The $2.5 million project will help Intermountain clinicians expand research-based practices for prescribing antibiotics to treat acute respiratory tract infection in children, avoid adverse side effects, and shrink the growing problem of drug-resistant infections.  

The project will include more than 1,350 Intermountain clinicians who prescribe medications at 249 Intermountain Health pediatric and family medicine clinics, emergency departments, urgent care centers, and telehealth services throughout its service area, which includes Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and parts of Arizona and New Mexico.

“For Intermountain Health, this project represents the largest, most complex, disciplined implementation of evidence-based practices in antibiotic stewardship, across all regions and in multiple settings,” said JP Valin, MD, chief clinical officer for Intermountain Health.

Intermountain Health, one of the nation’s leading health systems, is a nationally recognized leader in antibiotic stewardship for both adults and children.

“This project represents a significant springboard from which we can improve the care for more than 270,000 children with acute respiratory tract infections by promoting the adoption of evidence-based antibiotic prescribing practices throughout our system,” said Raj Srivastava, MD, chief clinical programs officer for Intermountain Health, who is leading the project.

“We look forward to the opportunity this initiative holds to continue to improve our clinical practices, and especially, enhance the health outcomes for hundreds of thousands of children who we provide care for,” Dr. Srivastava added.

PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress with a mission to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research that provides patients, their caregivers, and clinicians with the evidence-based information they need to make better-informed health and health care decisions.  

Intermountain Health’s multi-year project aims to equitably increase the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of major respiratory tract infections, including acute otitis media, Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. It also aims to reduce the duration of antibiotic prescriptions for selected respiratory infections.

To achieve these project goals, Intermountain clinicians will implement findings from a PCORI-funded patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) study that demonstrated that narrow-spectrum antibiotics were as effective as broad-spectrum antibiotics in treating acute respiratory tract infections among children, with fewer side effects.  

As part of the project, caregivers will engage in clinician education and support regarding antibiotic use best practices, utilize reminders and feedback opportunities facilitated by technology and face-to-face communications, and draw on ongoing input and support from Family Advisory Committees and frontline clinicians.

“We are thrilled to have PCORI support for this important project, which will enable us to expand Intermountain Health’s antibiotic stewardship efforts into hundreds of pediatric care settings across our system to help ensure that children are receiving the very best care possible when they’re being treated for serious respiratory infections,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “Intermountain Health is uniquely positioned to advance antibiotic stewardship for children and is honored to partner with PCORI to advance this important work.”

Last year, Intermountain was among 42 health systems nationwide selected to participate in PCORI’s Health Systems Implementation Initiative (HSII). Intermountain was selected for funding for the project through a PCORI funding opportunity recruiting participating systems in the Health Systems Implementation Initiative to promote evidence-based practice, based on findings generated from PCORI-funded patient-centered research studies.

The Health Systems Implementation Initiative aims to reduce the estimated 17-year gap between evidence publication and clinical application. This initiative recognizes health systems’ practical experience and real-world insights are crucial for sustainable, large-scale implementation of practice-changing findings in clinical care.

“What makes this award particularly meaningful is it is based upon the Clinical Best Practice Integration model that has proven to significantly reduce that 17-year gap in multiple settings and populations across Intermountain,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We’ll use that best-practice integration model to implement this project in all 249 of the non-hospital sites that care for children.”

Intermountain Health’s funding award has been approved pending completion of PCORI’s business and programmatic review and issuance of a formal award contract.

“This project exemplifies PCORI's commitment to advancing the uptake of evidence into health care delivery settings to enable parents, caregivers and clinicians to make informed health care decisions and improve care delivery and health outcomes,” said PCORI executive director Nakela L. Cook, MD. “We look forward to following the project’s progress and collaborating with Intermountain Health to share its results.” 

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Intermountain Children’s Health today marked the “topping off” of the new, family-centered Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center under construction in Taylorsville, bringing critically needed mental health services one step closer to children and teens in crisis.

 The new center’s final steel beam, decorated with signatures and hopeful messages from Intermountain caregivers, families, and community members, was lifted by crane and placed atop its structural framework as a gathering of dignitaries cheered. 

 Construction began on the $96 million center in Taylorsville, Utah, sooner than anticipated, thanks to $25 million in funding from the state of Utah, and generous community support of Primary Promise, Intermountain’s historic campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children.  

 “Today, we’re here to commemorate a milestone, much bigger than all of us – and made possible by all of us,” said Amanda Choudhary, senior director of pediatric behavioral health at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

 The Intermountain region, like the nation, is experiencing a pediatric mental health crisis. In the United States, one in five 3-to-17-year-olds face a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.

 Suicide remains a leading cause of death for Utah youth. Last year, 43 percent of Utah youth who felt sad, hopeless, or suicidal reported that they did not talk to anyone about it.

“Our children deserve better, and additional help is on the way,” said Dr. Lisa Giles, University of Utah Health and medical director of pediatric behavioral health at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

The new Intermountain Primary Children’s Behavioral Health Center will expand access to critically needed behavioral health services for young children and teens.

 It will open in 2025 on the current Intermountain Primary Children's Wasatch Canyons Behavioral Health Campus in Taylorsville. The aging infrastructure is no longer ideal for accommodating community needs.

“We are honored to be Intermountain Health's trusted building partner for this unique facility — one that is focused on caring for the behavioral health and wellbeing of our communities' young people,” said Gary Ellis, president and CEO of Jacobsen Construction. “As we work together to bring this campus to life, we are creating a world-class health care resource that Utah families can rely on for many years to come.”

 The new, 90,000-square-foot Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center will include a nearly 50 percent increase in inpatient beds. It also will feature:

• A walk-in-crisis center
• The state’s first dedicated behavioral health inpatient unit to provide mental health crisis care tailored for youth with autism and neuro-diverse needs
• Family-centered behavioral healthcare, including the ability for parents to stay overnight
• Outpatient spaces designed for more intensive outpatient treatment, day treatment, and group therapy programs.

The new Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center will also house the Stabilization and Mobile Response program team, which responds to homes in moments of need to help stabilize children in crisis (1-833-SAFE-FAM).

 Additionally, it will house Intermountain Primary Children’s statewide Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service (ARCS) free service line at 801-313-7711, which helps connect young children and teens to services close to their communities. 

 For children and adults who are struggling, or who worry that someone they love is in crisis, additional resources are available to help now, including free support through Utah Crisis Line at 988.

 Expanding access to pediatric behavioral health services is part of Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise to build the nation’s model health system for children. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of our children’s health has attracted the minimum goal of $600 million in a powerful partnership between philanthropic members of the community and Intermountain Health.  

Philanthropic support is still needed to help complete the new facility, help more children grow up stronger, and even save lives. To learn more or to make a gift, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/foundation/primary-promise.

 More information about pediatric behavioral health services is available at primarychildrens.org/behavioralhealth.

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Intermountain Children’s Health is accelerating expanded access to critically needed behavioral health services for adolescents with a new family-centered Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center in Taylorsville.

Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is pursuing construction of the new center earlier than anticipated thanks to a $25 million investment from the state of Utah and generous community support of Primary Promise, Intermountain’s historic campaign to build the nation’s model health system for children.  

The new Intermountain behavioral health center is under construction on the present campus Intermountain Primary Children's Wasatch Canyons Behavioral Health Campus in Taylorsville. It will be the first of its kind center to offer vital behavioral health services including a walk-in crisis center and Utah's first dedicated space for mental health crisis care for youth with autism and neuro-diverse needs.   

The new Intermountain center is expected to open in late 2025. It will ultimately replace current Wasatch Canyons infrastructure and expand present capabilities to serve more young children and teens.

The new center will be home to Intermountain’s pediatric behavioral health services and streamline coordination of current and new initiatives, projects, and collaborations to address pediatric mental and behavioral health throughout Intermountain's seven-state region. 

“We extend our gratitude to the state of Utah and the leadership of our elected officials for helping address the crisis in pediatric behavioral health,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “We also thank all Utahns who care deeply about doing the right thing for our children. Everyone in the state can feel ownership in this life-changing investment in the health and well-being of our youth with these vital services.”  

The new, $96 million Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center will continue to provide existing mental health services in a world-class, 90,000-square-foot facility, and expand programming to include a nearly 50 percent increase in inpatient beds.  

The center will feature a walk-in-crisis center, the state’s first dedicated behavioral health inpatient unit to provide mental health crisis care tailored for youth with autism and neuro-diverse needs, family-centered behavioral healthcare, where family members will be actively engaged in their child’s care and be able to stay overnight, and outpatient spaces designed for more intensive outpatient treatment, day treatment, and group therapy programs 

Expanding access to pediatric behavioral health services is part of Intermountain Health’s Primary Promise to build the nation’s model health system for children. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of our children’s health has attracted $600 million in a powerful partnership between philanthropic members of the community and Intermountain Health.  

“Today is all about keeping our Primary Promise,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “With the state of Utah’s $25 million funding, and Intermountain Health’s financial match, we’re fortunate to be able to pursue these critical behavioral health services for youth in our community right now without the costs translating to our patients. Every day we delay is a missed opportunity to help a child thrive. With stakes this high, we cannot hesitate.” 

Nationally, one in five children ages 3 to 17 faces either a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder.  

The number of children and adolescents in Utah who report having poor mental health has more than doubled over the last decade. In fact, last year in Utah, 42.7% of youth who felt sad, hopeless, or suicidal did not talk to anyone about it. Suicide remains a leading cause of death for Utah youth. 

“Primary Promise will directly contribute to lifesaving and life-changing advancements for the betterment of children everywhere,” said Utah businesswoman, civic leader, and philanthropist, Gail Miller, who, along with her family, contributed $50 million dollars to Primary Promise in 2020, the largest single investment in the history of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation.

Miller has served as Primary Promise’s executive cabinet co-chair since the campaign’s inception and is the namesake of the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi. 

“I invite every member of the community to partner with us, so that working together, we can help even more children grow up stronger,” Miller said. 

One of those who has benefitted from these services is Liz, a young patient at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.

Liz received the family-centered, behavioral health services she needed through Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital when she was a young teen. Since then, she has graduated high school, and is looking forward to her future.  

“A lot of the therapy is teaching parents how to cope, because we need it. And having those tools was huge,” said Liz’s mom, Kyla. “The Primary Children’s behavioral health team was an absolute lifeline for us. They saved my kid. And that’s something I can never repay.”   

The current Intermountain Wasatch Canyons campus was constructed in the 1980s as a mixed-used facility. More recently, it was converted to an Intermountain Primary Children’s behavioral health campus, serving thousands of children and young adolescents in outpatient, inpatient, and day program behavioral health settings.  

But the need has outgrown the facility.  

Construction is underway on the new Intermountain Primary Children’s Behavioral Health Center, thanks to the $25 million state appropriation, supported by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, and approved by the Utah Legislature.  

“This $25 million investment from the people of Utah represents the best of who we are, when government and community unite around shared purposes such as supporting the behavioral health of children,” said Rep. Steve Eliason, a member of the Utah House of Representatives. “With youth suicide being the number one cause of death for children in Utah, we should be laser focused on saving our children. This project is a critical step in that effort." 

The new Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center will also house the Stabilization and Mobile Response program team, which responds to homes in moments of need to help stabilize children in crisis (1-833-SAFE-FAM), as well as the Intermountain Primary Children’s statewide Assessment, Referral, Consultation Service (ARCS) free service line at 801-313-7711, which helps connect young children and teens to services close to their communities.  

ARCS and Stabilization and Mobile Response are available thanks to community partnerships, and are among several Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital service expansions implemented over the past few years, including:  

• Expanded group therapy options and crisis partial hospitalization programs, available at Primary Children’s Summit Day Programs in Ogden, and Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, and coming soon to Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital. 

• An entire floor of Miller Family Campus dedicated to behavioral health services for children.  

“Behavioral health care takes all of us,” said Amanda Choudhary, senior director of pediatric behavioral health at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “We’re so excited about the new Behavioral Health Center, and what it will mean for patient care, and our ability to treat the entire family.”  

“Be a part of history — the most significant investment ever made for the health and wellness of children in the Intermountain West. Children today, and for generations to come, need your support. We invite everyone to contribute today to help children in our community at PrimaryPromise.org,” said Choudhary. 

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Intermountain Health and the Utah Warriors have announced the renewal of their groundbreaking partnership, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing wellness and athletic excellence throughout Utah. 

This collaboration, which marries Intermountain Health's medical expertise with the athletic prowess of the Utah Warriors, aims to elevate health and fitness standards across the state.

As the official community partner of the Utah Warriors, Intermountain Health is at the forefront of expanding rugby's reach in Utah and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for all. This renewal marks a significant milestone in a partnership that began three years ago, setting a new standard in professional sports medicine and extending its benefits to athletes and communities across Utah and beyond.

The announcement coincides with the upcoming WarriorsFest on June 28th, the Utah Warriors' final home match of the 2024 MLR season. This event is not just a celebration of rugby but also a momentous occasion to support Primary Children's Hospital through fundraising efforts, demonstrating the partnership's commitment to the well-being of Utah's youth.

“Rugby is taking Utah by storm, and the Utah Warriors have been instrumental in this surge,” said Intermountain Health CEO Rob Allen, who expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership, "Our collaboration has been a catalyst for enhancing athletic programs across the West. We're proud to continue this journey, fostering a healthier Utah."

Kimball Kjar, Founder and CEO of the Utah Warriors, also highlighted the significance of the partnership. 

“Intermountain Health has been a partner of the Utah Warriors from day one,” said Kjar. "Both of us are committed to our community’s well-being and we’re excited to drive this partnership deeper and wider.”

Intermountain Health will remain the Jersey Front Sponsor of the Utah Warriors in addition to becoming the Official Community Partner.

The renewed partnership between Intermountain Health and the Utah Warriors is a testament to their shared vision of promoting health, wellness, and community spirit through the power of sports. As rugby's popularity continues to rise in Utah, this collaboration is poised to make a lasting impact on athletes and families throughout the state.