Dear Community Members,

At Memorial Regional Health, our mission has always been clear: to provide high-quality, patient-centered healthcare close to home. In rural communities like ours, access to care matters deeply — not only because it improves convenience, but because it strengthens health outcomes, supports families, and allows patients to remain connected to the people and places they love while receiving care. Every service we provide, every program we expand, and every investment we make is rooted in that commitment.

This edition of our newsletter highlights an exciting addition to the services available locally — our newly launched Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. This program was developed after listening closely to feedback from patients, families, providers, and community members who identified a significant need for follow-up cardiac care closer to home.

For patients recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery, stent placement, or other cardiac conditions, rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery. Cardiac rehab improves strength and endurance, reduces the risk of future cardiac events, and helps patients regain confidence and independence. However, for many rural patients, traveling long distances multiple times each week for this type of care can create major barriers. Time away from work, travel costs, weather conditions, and transportation challenges often make it difficult for patients to complete recommended treatment plans.

By bringing this service to Memorial Regional Health, we are making essential follow-up care more accessible and convenient for the communities we serve. Most importantly, local access increases the likelihood that patients will complete their rehabilitation program — something that directly impacts long-term health outcomes. We are proud to offer this service locally and grateful to the team members who worked tirelessly to bring it to life.

This issue also provides an opportunity to recognize the exceptional work happening every day in our Emergency Department. Recently, our ER staff completed the COPPER Program — Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room. COPPER is a voluntary certification program that recognizes emergency departments for their ability to provide high-quality care for children through specialized equipment, staff education, training, and clinical protocols.

For rural hospitals, maintaining pediatric readiness is especially important. Children have unique healthcare needs, and emergencies involving pediatric patients can be among the most stressful and complex situations healthcare professionals face. Completing the COPPER program demonstrates our Emergency Department’s dedication to ensuring that children in our region receive safe, evidence-based, high-quality emergency care when they need it most.

I want to personally thank our ER physicians, nurses, and support staff for the work they invested to achieve this recognition. Programs like COPPER require ongoing commitment, training, preparation, and teamwork. Their efforts reflect the culture of excellence we continue to build throughout Memorial Regional Health.

In addition, Memorial Regional Health recently underwent a reaccreditation survey for our Trauma Program. Trauma designation surveys are comprehensive evaluations that assess a hospital’s ability to provide timely, coordinated, high-quality trauma care. Surveyors evaluate everything from clinical protocols and response times to equipment, staffing, education, and performance improvement processes.

I am incredibly proud to share that Memorial Regional Health achieved a perfect survey. Every single measure was met.
(Read more about the Trauma Program recertification here.)

This accomplishment speaks volumes about the dedication, professionalism, and collaboration of our physicians, nurses, EMS teams, laboratory staff, radiology staff, therapists, surgical services staff, and countless others who contribute to trauma care every day. Trauma care is not the work of one department — it is a coordinated effort that depends on skilled teams working together seamlessly under pressure.

These achievements reflect something larger than individual programs or certifications. They reflect a healthcare organization committed to continuous improvement and to delivering the highest quality care possible for our community. Rural healthcare is not without challenges, but our team remains focused on advancing services, investing in education and training, embracing innovation, and ensuring patients can receive excellent care close to home whenever possible.

Thank you for the trust you place in Memorial Regional Health. It is a privilege to care for this community, and we remain committed to serving you with compassion, excellence, and dedication for years to come.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Riley, MHA, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer

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