News and Events

Four Specialists Under One Roof

Fruita, CO (March 22, 2011) - Family Health West is proud introduce their new Outpatient Procedure Center featuring four reputable specialists under one roof. Dr. Larry Tice, neurosurgeon, Dr. Ellen Price, D.O., Dr. Lynda Hamner, M.D., and Dr. Kenneth Lewis, M.D. are now providing integrative and comprehensive care for musculoskeletal, neurological and pain management issues in Fruita.
Located at 551 Kokopelli Blvd in Fruita, all four specialists operate separately, yet are housed in the same building to better serve their patients, “The Outpatient Procedure Center provides the convenience of four specialists collaborating together to ensure that their patients receive the best care possible,” said Mark Francis, COO and Outpatient Services Director, “When a patient comes in for chronic pain and sees Dr. Lewis for example, they may also be referred to one of the other specialists without having to leave the building.”
The Outpatient Procedure Center treats a multitude of issues including chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis, sciatica, compressed or pinched nerves, herniated or bulging discs, spinal arthritis, spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, whiplash, facet disease and more. “I feel very fortunate,” says Dr. Ellen Price, “I have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other specialists to evaluate a complex pain management problem right in the same office.”
Family Health West’s Outpatient Procedure Center is conveniently located near their other services including the Imaging Center, Rehabilitation Therapy Center and Hospital where CT Scan, MRI, X-Ray, Therapies and surgery services are available if needed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 858-2578 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org

Family Health West Celebrates Local Artist

Fruita, CO (March 2, 2011) - Family Health West is proud to host the first of their second Biannual “Art for Health” Exhibit for 2011 at their hospital in Fruita. The reception will be held Thursday, March 24th, 2011 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Family Health West hospital in Fruita, located at 300 West Ottley Avenue.
The works of Bud Markos will be featured at the event. Bud is an award-winning artist whose representational oil paintings focus primarily on western landscapes and subjects of historical interest. He focused initially on landscape oils, and his works have been widely selected into juried shows at both local and national levels. Bud spent most of his life as a CPA, but has taken his painting hobby more seriously the past few years, “Grand Junction brought me to Grand Junction,” says Bud with a smile, “My wife Beverly and I spent several years vacationing in the area before we made the move.” Bud and Beverly have lived in Grand Junction for the past 12 years.
In partnership with the Fruita Arts and Culture Board, Family Health West is proud to highlight local artists and display their pieces to the local community. The goal of the exhibit and art displays in the hospital of Family Health West is to create a positive healing environment for patients, staff and the public. The subject and content of the art must reflect this theme to be considered and ultimately chosen by the Fruita Arts and Culture Board.
Bud’s art is currently on display at the H & R Block office located at 2545 Rimrock Avenue in Grand Junction.

Fruita, CO – September 28, 2010– Family Health West invites you to celebrate October 15th in Fruita Civic Center Park for the 1st Annual Dirt Dance. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. with activities for the entire family. The entire community is invited.
The Dirt Dance will feature local Bluegrass favorite Stray Grass beginning at 7:00 p.m. In addition there will be food and activities for kids and 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.

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 .