News and Events

Fruita, CO – August 4, 2010 – Over a year ago, Ernie Gurganious was admitted to the Family Health West Nursing Home after suffering a severe head injury. The prognosis did not look good as he was unable to function normally. Ernie had to use an enclosure bed in order to safely sleep. Fast forward to the present where Ernie is not only transporting himself around the facility for his therapy, he is about to be discharged from the Nursing Home, “This is almost unheard of,” said Wade, McDowell, Nursing Home Administrator, “His recovery and discharge from the Nursing Home is a miracle! Ernie has worked extremely hard. Our entire team of CNAs, nurses, and therapists is proud to have been here for this part of Ernie’s life.”
The staff at Family Health West will hold a “Going Away” party for Ernie as he enters the Life Adjustment Program (LAP), a service provided by Hilltop. LAP was created in 1985 in response to a growing need to meet ongoing residential needs for traumatic brain injury survivors.
“We are proud of Ernie and his amazing progress,” said Carolyn Lowdermilk, Social Worker for Family Health West, “We are also proud of our staff that were all invested in Ernie’s recovery.” The discharge has been a long process with the first conversation with Ernie beginning 3 months ago, “The first conversation resulted in Ernie dropping his head and saying ‘I don't want to go’”, added Lowdermilk, “Ernie was afraid to leave the familiar and loving relationships that he had established on the floor. We finally convinced him to try the LAP day program, thanks to Administration for seeing that a slow transition as the only way to get Ernie to his next step.” The first visit for Ernie was a success as he came back to the facility excited about the idea, “Ernie, knowing it was time for him to go, addressed several staff members stating ‘I gotta go’”, smiled Lowdermilk, “The staff here is amazing. They not only cared for Ernie they established a real relationship with him. This is truly a bitter, sweet success story!”
Errol Snider, COO attributes a small part of Ernie’s success to Family Health West’s Continuum of Care which ensures that patients remain at Family Health West as their health care needs change. “The patient feels secure in knowing that their needs can be met without the undue stress and anxiety of moving to an unfamiliar place. In this case, the nursing home nurses worked with the outpatient therapists, while the transportation department went the extra mile to transport Ernie wherever he needed to be to recover,” added Snider.
Ernie’s family is excited about his future, “It’s exciting because where he was before, they didn’t give us any hope that he would recover,” said Trish Gurganious, Ernies’ daughter-in-law, “They said he’d never be able to walk, or talk, or anything again but after being at Family Health West, his speech has improved immensely. He may not walk 100%, but we couldn’t’ have asked for a better outcome than what we have gotten.”

Beginning August 2, 2010, school sports physicals will be available at the Family Health West Hospital 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Monday- Friday. The cost is $30 and no appointment is necessary.
“We will perform a physical exam required for sports participation,” said Lori Henderson, Chief Nursing Officer “These physicals ensure that the student is physically fit for his or her particular sport interest.” Physicals will be done on a first-come/first-served basis."

June 2, 2010 Family Health West proudly congratulates Wade McDowell on being promoted to Family Health West’s Nursing Home Administrator. McDowell will transition from being the hospital rehabilitation services director after completing the Administrator in Training (AIT) Program, “I began the Program, a 1500-hour program approved by the State of Board Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators, in October, 2009,” said McDowell, “In addition, though not required to be an administrator, I have been traveling once a week, nearly every week to Salt Lake City, since August 2009, to receive an Executive Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Utah.”
McDowell has been with Family Health West since 1996, “I’m looking forward to implementing some ideas about Culture Change and continuing the Family Health West philosophy of exceptional caring,” commented McDowell, “Caring is very different from just providing care – a quote I take from our COO, Errol Snider; a simple, yet profound truth.”

Errol Snider, Family Health West COO, believes McDowell’s expanded professional development adds a considerable benefit to the community, “We are proud to have Wade’s expertise here at Family Health West,” said Snider, “We look forward to having his leadership at the nursing home.”
McDowell appreciates the support from his family, “I see this achievement as not belonging only to me. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the patience, understanding, and support of my wife of nearly 22 years and my youngest daughter, one of three, but the only one living at home,” added McDowell, “I’m so proud to work with a leadership team who is willing to grow and learn together to continue to improve the quality of life of the individuals who live here and to improve the work life of those who work here.”

During the months of June and July, when you visit Family Health West Hospital for a cup of coffee at their new coffee bar, you will enjoy a free treat from Kay’s Kitchen in celebration of the hospital’s one year anniversary.
“We call the dietary department at the hospital, Kay’s Kitchen because it feels like more of a café than a hospital cafeteria,” said Lori Henderson, Chief Nursing Officer “We’re excited to provide our patients and their families this added comfort when they need to come to the hospital, and when they don’t!”
Kay Garcia, Director of Dietary Services agrees, “I love providing healthy delicious meals for patients, staff, and our community and getting the feedback that it doesn’t taste like ‘hospital food’. She adds, “When we put up the billboard with the gingerbread man cookie with his arm broken, I knew we had to jump on that opportunity and actually have gingerbread men cookies at the hospital.” The cookies come in more than one flavor, but to find out which kind is featured for that day, you’ll just have to stop by and get one yourself.
Family Health West opened the not-so-new hospital in July 2009. The facility was the answer to a growing lower valley population that needed medical services closer to home, “The hospital provides our community surgical services, an Urgent Care, and emergency department, 16 private in-patient rooms, Medicare-skilled nursing and much more,” said Henderson, “We are proud to be able to take care of the entire family right here in Fruita.”

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Fruita, CO- May 20, 2010 Family Health West is seeking artwork for display in its 16-bed, critical access hospital as part of their bi-annual “Art for Health”. In partnership with the Fruita Arts and Culture Board, Family Health West is excited to highlight local artists and display their pieces to the local community. The goal of the exhibits and art displays in the new hospital of Family Health West is to create a positive healing environment for patients, staff and the public.
“The first Art for Health reception was held in February, 2009,” said Robbie Urquhart, Fruita Arts and Culture Board Chair, “We were honored to feature the works of Maggie Cook and look forward to highlighting our next local artist.” The subject and content of the art must reflect this theme to be considered and ultimately chosen by the Fruita Arts and Culture Board.

Fruita’s new hospital opened its doors on July 18, 2009. Artists are asked to submit a portfolio of work to the Fruita Arts & Culture Board for a ninety-day display beginning in July 2010. The hospital seeks works that promote the landscapes, culture and well-being of the Grand Valley. Artwork must be submitted to and approved by the Board as well as by Family Health West’s Art Coordinator, Monica Hudson.
The hospital will issue a formal invitation to the selected artist, host a reception highlighting the artist at the start of the 90-day display, and coordinate public relations for the event.
Please submit your portfolio to the City of Fruita’s Parks & Recreation Department at 325 East Aspen Avenue, Fruita, by June 11. For more information please call the Arts & Culture Board chair Robbie Urquhart at 858-0358.

Fruita, CO – May 13, 2010 – Family Health West invites you to join Fifty

Families! By joining this special group, your family helps ensure that Family

Health West continues to provide the best in health care services for the

communities it serves.

“Unlike many hospitals across the nation, Family Health West does not have a foundation or a particular committee that raises money for the organization on a consistent basis,” said Angelina Salazar, Family Health West Director of Community Relations, “The idea behind this special group is to engage with supporters who believe in our mission beyond words of gratitude. The purpose is to invite families to learn more from our experts and to experience different aspects of the organization. Above all, Family Health West wants to reach out to your entire family ensuring that future generations understand and value the importance of our work and know that we will be there for them and their families.”

Fifty Families members will be honored at the first annual “Family Health West Dirt Dance” to be held October 15th at the Fruita Civic Center Park, receive a commemorative brick in the new hospital’s Pathway to Health and be recognized at the Red Baron Ball, which is held every April. In addition, all Fifty Families will receive a monthly Fifty Families Matter Newsletter with health education for the entire family, updates on the organization, local health-related event information, and shared updates submitted by the families themselves.

Current families include the following: The Bapst Family, The Endres Family, The Ficklin Family, The Francis Family, The Hatch Family, The Henderson Family, The Lewis Family, The McNamara Family, The Moss Family, The Motz Family, The Orr Family and the Poovey Family.

“It’s not typical for a family to engage with a hospital unless their loved one is sick or injured,” said Fifty Families member, Dr. K.C. Lewis of Western Rockies Interventional Pain Specialists in Fruita, “This is an opportunity for families to utilize the expertise of Family Health West for overall better health as well as support them to ensure that they are there to provide the care we depend on.”

Family Health West encourages the community to visit the website to learn more, “Even if your family is not able to join Fifty Families, we want you to visit the website, call or stop by one of our facilities to learn more about how to lead healthier lives. Family Health West belongs to the community and we are committed to fostering well being for those who live, work and play here,” added Salazar.

Family Health West in Fruita is proud to feature “The Bobby Walker Review” at its upcoming Red Baron Ball, celebrating over 60 years of providing health care to the community. The event is April 17th at the Double Tree Hotel in Grand Junction beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Bobby Walker has been playing wide varieties of American Roots music all of his adult life. Born in Detroit in the 60s, Bobby’s recording career began in 1982 and has toured throughout the Midwest and Western states of the U.S. and has made appearances in Europe and Japan. He’s opened for a variety of headliners including Merle Haggard and Elvin Bishop. As a multi-instrumentalist, Bobby plays the guitar, the drums, keyboard and harmonica.
“I’m thrilled to play for the Red Baron Ball,” says Bobby, “Family Health West is an outstanding organization and helping them raise money to continue their mission is an honor.”
Bobby will be joined by some other well known local talent including Paul Schnieder on sax and percussion, Steve Williams on bass, Michele Wilkenson (Woodrich) on keyboard and vocals, Justin Hess on drums and Miss Emily on vocals.

This year’s theme is Mission Possible, in celebration of the opening of the new hospital in Fruita. The décor will reflect a James Bond theme where guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing to live music to The Bobby Walker Review with all proceeds benefitting Family Health West.
“We are so excited to have The Bobby Walker Review,” said Angelina Salazar, Director of Marketing, Contributions and Community Relations, “This is the 21st Red Baron Ball and in celebration of the new hospital in Fruita.” Family Health West recently opened a new hospital providing enhanced inpatient and outpatient care, including surgery, urgent care, emergency department, full-service lab and radiology department.”
“Our Premier Sponsors include Central Distributing Co., FCI Constructors, Inc., Home Loan Investment Co., Western Rockies Interventional Pain Specialists, and the Daily Sentinel,” said Lorraine Archuleta, Event Coordinator, “Our Red Baron Sponsors include Alpine Bank, Francis Construction Management, Inc., Mountain Aire Medical Supply, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, St. Mary’s Hospital, Western Valley Family Practice, The Double Tree Hotel. We’ve got some amazing auction items and tickets are currently on sale for this sell-out event. There’s still time!” Family Health West is a nonprofit that relies on charitable contributions for capital and program support. The Red Baron Ball, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was first held in the West Star Aviation hangar at Walker Field, 21 years ago. Over the years, the Ball has become a treasured event as the event sells out each year and raises funds for the organization.

For more information about how you can support and/or attend the Red Baron Ball or learn more about Family Health West, please call 970-858-2108 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org .

Family Health West’s 21st Annual Red Baron Ball, their biggest fundraiser is quickly approaching. Guests to the event scheduled April 17th at the Double Tree Hotel in Grand Junction, will enjoy a silent and live auction, a gourmet dinner and live music from Bobby Walker and the Review. “This year is sure to delight attendees for two reasons,” says Angelina Salazar, Director of Marketing, Contributions and Community Relations, “First of all, we are celebrating the construction of the new hospital in Fruita and secondly, we’re proud to feature a 1954 Kaiser Darrin sponsored by Allen Unique Autos.”
The Kaiser Darrin is a unique piece of automotive history and will be available for guests to view and have their photo taken with, “The 1954 Kaiser Darrin is #26 of 435 made in 1954, the only year of production on these beautiful convertibles. The Kaiser Darrin is considered one of the first American sports cars, with its prototype predating not only the Thunderbird but also the Corvette sports car prototype by one month. It was designed by Howard A. “Dutch” Darrin, the legendary coachbuilder, under the Kaiser- Frasier automotive company. The car is known for being the first production fiber glass sports car in the USA, as well as for its famous pocket sliding doors,” explains owner Tammy Allen. The Kaiser Darrin is one of Tammy’s favorite cars and has a special place in her collection.
Tammy’s passion for cars and her extensive collection sparked a new business here on the Western Slope. Allen Unique Autos is a limousine company, owned by Tammy Allen that specializes in rare and extravagant autos and limousines for hire. It also features an executive division, Allen Corporate Transportation that provides business transport solutions. Tammy cites the original idea behind the business as wanting to share her collection with others. Tammy states, “I love being able to share my cars and see people get as much enjoyment out of them as I do.”

The Western Slope of Colorado has a strong sense of community and is full of generous people that are always willing to help their neighbors; which is the main reason Tammy chose to raise her children here. That sense of community was another major factor that led to her decision to open a business here, and to be active in projects like the Red Baron Ball.

This year’s theme is Mission Possible, in celebration of the opening of the new hospital in Fruita. The décor will reflect a James Bond theme with all proceeds benefitting Family Health West.
“This is usually a sold-out event, so we encourage people to get their tickets now,” said Salazar, “Family Health West has consistently met the health care needs of the communities it serves since 1946 and wouldn’t be here without support from those communities.” Family Health West opened the new hospital in Fruita in July 2009 in addition to its Urgent Care Clinic, Imaging Center, Rehabilitation Therapy Center, assisted living residences and extended long-term care specializing in Alzheimer’s.
Family Health West is a nonprofit that relies on charitable contributions for capital and program support. The Red Baron Ball, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was first held in the West Star Aviation hangar at Walker Field, 21 years ago. Over the years, the Ball has become a treasured event as the event sells out each year and raises funds for the organization.

For more information about how you can support and/or attend the Red Baron Ball or learn more about Family Health West, please call 970-858-2108 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org .

Family Health West is proudly congratulates Dottie Stoner on the completion of her Family Nurse Practitioner training. Stoner will transition from being the Director of Nursing in the Family Health West Nursing Home to providing her new service role in the Continuum of Care. “I hope this benefits FHW by having an on-site provider who knows Family Health West’s tradition of caring,” said Stoner.
Stoner has been with Family Health West since 1999 and enjoys working for the organization. “My goal has always been to take care of all people in the community regardless of their ability to pay and may even consider chickens in trade,” adds Stoner, “Thanks to my family, Family Health West and Western Valley Family Practice, I was able to complete my goal.”
Errol Snider, Family Health West COO believes Stoner’s expanded professional development adds a considerable benefit to the community, “We are proud to have Dottie’s expertise here at Family Health West,” said Snider, “With a brand new hospital in Fruita, its having professionals that are dedicated to providing the best in care, not the bricks and mortar, that make us so fortunate to live here.”

Family Health West and Camilla’s Kaffe are proud to bring health education to the community. Tuesday, March 30th, Errol Snider, Family Health West COO, will be on hand at Camilla’s Kaffe, 206 E. Aspen Avenue in downtown Fruita to provide valuable information on services available at Family Health West, as well answer any questions the community may have regarding our current health care situation.
“This marks our 5th Family Health West Day at Camilla’s featuring our imaging team in November, laboratory department in December, our surgical services department in January and our Urgent Care doctors in February,” said Angelina Salazar, Director of Community Relations at Family Health West, “For March, we are fortunate to have our COO, Errol Snider scheduled from 7:30 AM- 9:30 AM and to answer questions about Family Health West’s expanded services and effects of our current health care situation,” added Salazar.
“We’re proud to have Family Health West as our partner,” said Camilla Nilsson-Smith, owner of Camilla’s Kaffe, “We hope folks will come in for some coffee and chat with Errol.” In addition to the information provided, Camilla is donating $1.00 to Family Health West for every purchase of the healthy “Husky Sandwich”.
“I look forward to meeting new faces and running into old ones,” added Errol Snider, Family Health West COO, “We’re thankful for our dedicated staff and the Camilla’s crew for supporting our mission in providing the best in care for our community’s families.”