News and Events

Missy Combs, OTR Joins
Family Health West
Fruita, CO – November 3, 2011 Family Health West is proud to welcome Missy Combs, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation specialist (OTR), specializing in Pediatric Therapy. Missy comes to Family Health West with a BA in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis, MN. She is able to treat a several disorders, including the following:

• feeding disorders (failure to thrive, prematurity, sensory disorder, gastrostomy tube)
• neurological disorders including cerebral palsy and spina bifida, brachial plexus injury
• motor/developmental delay includeing prematurity infant torticollis, Downs Syndrome
• fine motor delays/ handwriting skills and
• evaluation of wheelchair and adaptive equipment

“We are excited about Missy joining our team and know our patients will benefit from her expertise,” said Linda Sperry, Family Health West Director of Therapies. “I’m happy to be a part of th team and looking forward to adding my specialty area to enhance patient care.”
Hobbies: family soccer, outdoor love to read.

Jason Hudson,
Medical Laboratory Technician,
Joins Family Health West

Fruita, CO – October 11, 2011 Family Health West is proud to welcome Jason Hudson, Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP), to the hospital lab team. Jason moved to Colorado from Ohio, three years ago. He received his Medical Laboratory Technician degree from WSCC in Marietta, Ohio in 2005. He worked as a traveling tech for a year which eventually brought him to Colorado in 2008. “I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make it home,” said Jason, “I already feel like family here at Family Health West and look forward to being a part of the team for many years.”
Elizabeth Reese, Family Health West Laboratory Director is happy to have Jason on board. “We are excited to have Jason’s expertise and professionalism in the laboratory as we strive to provide the best in service. We are now serving patients from 7am until 11pm and delighted to offer extended lab hours.” When Jason isn’t working, he enjoys tennis, hiking and his Cocker Spaniel, Hannah.

Families Supporting Family Health West

Fruita, CO (December 21, 2011) – Family Health West is proud to kick off the second year of their “Fifty Families” membership and invites families in the community to consider joining this special group. “Fifty Families consists of area families who care about the health and wellness of the people that reside here, and support the mission of Family Health West,” said development director, Angelina Salazar. To join, families commit to donating at least $500.00 a year to the organization. In return, they are honored at Family Health West’s Dirt Dance held every October, receive a commemorative brick in the hospital’s Pathway to Healing, and recognized at the Red Baron Ball held every April.
“In addition, all Fifty Families will receive a monthly Fifty Families Matter
Newsletter with health education for your family, updates on the organization, local health-related event information, and an invitation to special events,” added Salazar.
Sandy Johnson, Fifty Families Member and Community Ambassador, wants to make a difference. “Family Health West has always been there for us. Joining Fifty Families is a way for our family to be there for the organization and to ensure that the staff there can provide the best care possible.”
For more information, please contact Angelina Salazar at 970-858-2104 or visit the website at www.familyhealthwest.org.

Family Health West and the Fruita Community Center Partner
in Winter Health Speaker Series

Fruita, CO (November 3, 2011) – Family Health West and the Fruita Recreation Center have kicked off their Winter Health Speaker Series providing health education to the community. “It’s such a unique and wonderful benefit to have the Fruita Recreation Center right next door to the Family Health West Hospital,” said Angelina Salazar, Family Health West Director of Customer Relations, “Our doctors and specialists can provide free information on a wealth of topics in a friendly, comfortable setting that promotes health every day.” Fruita Events Coordinator, Kellie Griffin agrees, “We feel so fortunate to have health experts right next door that we can showcase that enhance our mission to promote and empower healthy lifestyles.”
The series begins with Dr. Ellen Price, Family Health West Outpatient Procedure Center, and “Acupuncture 101” 11/1/11 at 6:00pm. Tuesday, December 6th, Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Waqqar Khan Farooqi of Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates, will present tips on how to have healthy feet and ankles, including how to choose the right shoe, “People walk around every day in shoes that are ultimately causing their feet harm.”, said Dr. Khan Farooqi, “People how have foot pain or want to prevent it are encouraged to attend.” Then on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00am, Dr. Michael Huang will discuss common ski related injuries. The rest of the schedule is provided. Reserve your spot at one or all of the talks provided by calling 970-858-0360 or visit www.(fruita rec center).com, or familyhealthwest.org for more information.

Fruita Winter Speaker Series
FREE series held at the Fruita Community Center. Call 858-0360 to reserve your spot each month!
November
Date Time Presenter Topic
Tuesday, November 1 6 p.m. Dr. Ellen Price Acupuncture 101
December
Date Time Presenter Topic
Tuesday, December 6 6 p.m. Dr. Khan-Farooqi Tips on How to have Healthy Feet and Ankles
Saturday, December 10 11 a.m. Dr. Huang Common Ski-Related Injuries
January
Date Time Presenter Topic
Tuesday, January 10 6 p.m. Dr. Larry Tice Spinal Surgery
Saturday, January 14 11 a.m. Dr. Larry Tice Spinal Surgery
February
Date Time Presenter Topic
Tuesday, February 7 6 p.m. Linda Sperry, PT Weight Lifting for Rehab
Saturday, February 11 11 a.m. Ellen Mead, PT Biofeedback
March
Date Time Presenter Topic
Tuesday, March 6th 6 p.m. TBA TBA
Saturday, March 10th 11 a.m. Dr. Linda Hamner Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recommendations

Fruita, CO – October 11, 2011 Family Health West is proud to welcome Kathy Donoher, registered dietitian to their staff. Kathy Donoher recently moved to Grand Junction from Boise, ID where she recently completed her Dietetic Internship. Before that, she completed her Master’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in nutrition through New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, “We are thrilled to have Kathy on board,” said Kay Garcia, Family Health West Director of Dietary Services, “Her enthusiasm and experiences will certainly be an asset to our organization.”
Kathy’s undergrad degree was in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. She changed her career path from engineering to nutrition because she enjoys helping and working with people, “Although studying chemical engineering challenged me intellectually I missed working with people directly and I really enjoy learning about nutrition and educating other people about it.”
Kathy brings a variety of experience to Family Health West including jobs as a chemist, English teacher in China, a sustainable agriculture volunteer in the Peace Corps, Honduras, and coaching Special Olympics, “Living abroad has really spiked my interest in being part of my community and I am excited to be part of the Family Health West Team and the Valley’s community.” Kathy’s interests include running, biking, swimming, being outdoors, and hanging out with family, friends, and her dog.

Fruita, CO – October 11, 2011 Family Health West is proud to welcome Kathy Donoher, registered dietitian to their staff. Kathy Donoher recently moved to Grand Junction from Boise, ID where she recently completed her Dietetic Internship. Before that, she completed her Master’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in nutrition through New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, “We are thrilled to have Kathy on board,” said Kay Garcia, Family Health West Director of Dietary Services, “Her enthusiasm and experiences will certainly be an asset to our organization.”
Kathy’s undergrad degree was in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. She changed her career path from engineering to nutrition because she enjoys helping and working with people, “Although studying chemical engineering challenged me intellectually I missed working with people directly and I really enjoy learning about nutrition and educating other people about it.”
Kathy brings a variety of experience to Family Health West including jobs as a chemist, English teacher in China, a sustainable agriculture volunteer in the Peace Corps, Honduras, and coaching Special Olympics, “Living abroad has really spiked my interest in being part of my community and I am excited to be part of the Family Health West Team and the Valley’s community.” Kathy’s interests include running, biking, swimming, being outdoors, and hanging out with family, friends, and her dog.

Pineapple Crackers Play for Dirt!

Fruita, CO (October 5, 2011) –Family Health West invites you to celebrate the second annual Family Health West Dirt Dance, October 14th in Fruita Civic Center Park. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. with activities for all ages. Local favorite, Pineapple Crackers, will entertain guests beginning at 7:00 pm. and the entire community is invited. In addition, there will be special recognition for Family Health West’s Fifty Families. Entrance into the Dirt Dance costs a donation which is up to the discretion of the attendee. All proceeds will benefit Family Health West’s Surgical Suite, “We are hoping to raise $10,000 to purchase a new C-Arm so that our surgeons can take care of our community with the best in technology,” said Angelina Salazar, Family Health West Director Development and Community Relations. Major sponsors of the event include Hudson Family Dental, US Bank, Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates, Alpine Bank, Western Valley Family Practice, Coloramo Federal Credit Union and Grand Valley Bank.
Launched in spring 2010, the idea behind Family Health West’s Fifty Families was to engage with supporters who believe in our mission beyond words of gratitude,” said Salazar, “By joining this special group, families learn more from our experts and experience different aspects of the organization. The Dirt Dance is a way for us to thank our Fifty Families Members and to thank the community-at-large for their support while raising funds to continue to carry out our mission.”
“It’s not typical for a family to engage with a hospital unless their loved one is sick or injured,” said Fifty Families member, Terry Moss of Western Valley Family Practice in Fruita, “This is an opportunity for families to utilize the expertise of Family Health West 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 their website to learn more, “Everyone is invited to the Dirt Dance,” added Salazar, “Family Health West belongs to the community and we are committed to fostering well-being for those who live, work and play here.” For more information about the Dirt Dance, contact Lorraine Archuleta at 970-858-2108.

Zimmer Mobile at Family Health West

Fruita, CO (September 27, 2011) – Family Health West will be hosting the Zimmer Mobile Learning Center October 6th from 9:00am – 4:00pm, in the Hospital parking lot located at 300 W. Ottley in Fruita. The Zimmer Mobile Learning Center is a traveling education vehicle that provides education on a wide range of orthopaedic topics and treatment options. “It’s an opportunity for anyone who wants to learn more about joint replacement and treatment options,” said Errol Snider, Family Health West Hospital Executive Vice President, “It’s open to the public all day to come in and see for themselves what’s available.”
At noon, Dr. Michael Huang of Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates will be available from 11:00am to 1:00pm to discuss and answer any questions about the knee at Family Health West Hospital. Dr. Huang is a Board Certified orthopaedic surgeon trained in sports medicine and specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of sport type injuries. Dr. Huang has a special interest in using the latest arthroscopic techniques to treat patients with knee, shoulder and other joint injuries in the most comfortable manner possible. The Fruita Recreation Center will be there as well providing information on their services particularly related to exercise as therapy.
For more information, contact 970-858-2104.

August, 2011 Family Health West is proud to sponsor movie night at Cavalcade in Fruita. Every Friday night, families can enjoy a kid-friendly movie at 7:00pm and then a movie for adults at 9:00am. Cavalcade is made up of a group of people who are dedicated to giving the community:

*a space to think
*a place to experience and participate in high quality music
*the opportunity to sew with friends
*the chance to see art in new ways
*a safe place to step into the world of crafting
*and above all a place to be inspired and learn.

Thinking.Sewing.Music.Crafting.Learning.
Visit www.cavalcadefruita.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 2011

Drop off entries at Family Health West, 228 N. Cherry,between 10am -12 noon • Judging Begins: 1:00 p.m.
Winners Announced at the Civic Center Stage at 5:30 p.m.
Non-perishable items may be dropped off Friday the day before the contest.
Dishes may be viewed and picked up immediately after winners are announced.

For more information, please call the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce office at (970) 858-3894. Information is also available online at www.fruitafallfestival.com.

2010 Winning Entries

Cookies – Sweet Harvest Cookies, Teri Cox
Bread Baking – Dilly Bread, Barb Ballewig
Jellies & Jams – Orange Peach Jelly, Judy Purser
Cakes – Apple Basket Cake, Rebecca Tomps
Canning Pickled Goods – Giddy Up Ol’ West Pepper Relish, Sharon Young
Canning – Peaches, Dorothy Stoner
Junior Chef – Sneaky Apple Pie Cake, Mikayla Tomps
Salsa – Garden Harvest Salsa, Mike Bachman

Best of Show – Sneaky Apple Pie Cake

Most Unique – Apple Basket Cake, Rebecca Tomps