Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to welcome Karen Donnahie to serve as the Director of Nursing and the Hospital Preparedness Coordinator at their new hospital, scheduled to open this summer, 2009. Her duties will include coordinating all areas surrounding the inpatient and emergency departments of the hospital, such as admissions and discharges, patient teaching, staff education and development, as well as coordination of relationships with external partners. Donnahie will also direct all Emergency Preparedness activities for Family Health West.

Donnahie has spent the last 20 years working as an emergency nurse throughout the west. She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, is a certified emergency nurse, and serves on local and regional EMS advisory councils, “We’re pleased to welcome Karen to Family Health West,” said CEO, Dennis Ficklin. “She is an impressive addition to our team who will undoubtedly ensure that we continue to provide uncompromising health care to our community.”

Donnahie graduated from the California College of Health Sciences with a MS of Healthcare Administration in 2007; and a BS in Emergency Medical Services from the American College of Pre-hospital Medicine in 2001, “I am thrilled about being part of a new beginning at FHW, especially with the new hospital on the horizon,” said Donnahie, “I have found everyone to be extremely friendly and helpful, and I look forward to an exciting future with FHW.” Donnahie has one son, in the Air Force currently stationed with his family in Honolulu. She likes to spend her free time pursuing outdoor activities with her 3 dogs, learning the mandolin, and traveling.

Sixty years after its origin as a community project to provide health care to residents of rural Mesa County, Family Health West, a Fruita-based nonprofit, has expanded in the past few years adding a Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, an Urgent Care Clinic, a Diagnostic Imaging Center and is currently constructing a new hospital. For more information about Family Health West, please call 970-858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to welcome Norma J. Pike to serve as the Director of Finance. Her duties will include oversight of General Ledger Accounting, reimbursement and financial contract negotiation, as well as special projects related to expanded Family Health West service offerings.

Pike has fulfilled many roles such as Vice President in Administration, Controller and Construction Project Manager, Director of Audit Services, as well as Manager of Audit Services in various health care settings. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Norma to Family Health West,” said CEO, Dennis Ficklin, “She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization and at the perfect time.” Family Health West will open their new hospital July 18th, 2009.

A Mesa State graduate, Pike went on to receive her Masters of Business Administration/Health Care Management at Park University in Parkville Missouri, “I’m very excited to join the team at Family Health West as I’ve heard many wonderful comments about the organization and its leadership. Family Health West serves a critical need in the west end of this valley and I look forward to becoming a part of the mission.”. An active community member, Pike currently serves on the board for Grand Valley Senior Daybreak, the Center for Independence and is a member of the Grand Junction Horizon Sunrise Rotary Club. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Sixty years after its origin as a community project to provide health care to residents of rural Mesa County, Family Health West, a Fruita-based nonprofit, has expanded in the past few years adding a Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, an Urgent Care Clinic, a Diagnostic Imaging Center and is currently constructing a new hospital. For more information about Family Health West, please call 970-858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- The Oaks at Family Health West is proud to host The Celebration of Storytelling on Tuesday June 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Located at 805 W Ottley Avenue, The Oaks is an assisted living facility in Fruita.

Oaks residents will team up with local children and their families to both listen to stories and learn how to tell their own great tale. Local storyteller and performer, Marilyn Anderson Wilcox will be featured at the June 30th event.

“We have known for a long time that inter-generational programs benefit children as well as adults, especially in this day and age where children don’t always have regular opportunities to learn from and share with the elderly,” said Michele Snider, Director of The Oaks, “We plan on providing two more opportunities for youth and seniors to connect through storytelling this summer. In July we will be featuring storyteller, Craig Childs and then the end of August we will have the children and the adults share their stories at an ice-cream social.” Kids and their families are welcome and admission is free.

Storytelling is a tradition dating back to our ancestors to teach history, make sense of the world and provide entertainment, “We believe storytelling is a wonderful way to promote connectedness,” added Snider, “We invite anyone who is interested in the art of storytelling to join us at The Oaks.”

Family Health West is an expanding non profit health care facility that provides assisted living, a nursing home, Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, urgent care, an imaging center and soon to open a new hospital (scheduled to open summer 2009). For more information please call Michele at The Oaks at 858-2178 or for more information about Family Health West, please call (970) 858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- A cornerstone ceremony will mark the celebration of Family Health West’s new hospital scheduled to open mid-July. Dennis Ficklin, CEO and Bill Byers, Board President, will preside over the ceremony, which is scheduled June 15th at the new hospital located at 300 W Ottley at 10:00 a.m.

Who:

Dennis Ficklin, Family Health West CEO
Bill Byers, Family Health West Board President, The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Colorado

WHAT:

The cornerstone from the former hospital together with the new cornerstone will be given a place of prominence in the new hospital. The contents of the original time capsule will be combined with the items reflecting the current Fruita era and sealed up and deposited with the cornerstones for a future generation.

WHERE:

Family Health West New Hospital
300 W. Ottley Avenue

WHEN:

10:00 A.M.

WHY:

To mark the celebration of Family Health West’s New Hospital; to reminisce about the past and look forward to the future.

"This is an exciting time for Family Health West," said Ficklin, “Family Health West has been taking care of our community since the 1940s, and this year we continue to meet our mission by opening our new hospital.”

For more information about Family Health West, please call 970-858-9871 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health has received a water purification unit from the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) to augment its emergency preparedness program and procedure. Family Health West is one of 73 hospitals who have received the units.

“These units are for use during a major catastrophe when no other source of water is available and boiling water is not possible,” said Karen Donnahie, Director of Nursing and the Hospital Preparedness Coordinator, “They will help enhance Family Health West’s capacity to provide emergency water supply for patients and staff, without increasing the amount of water our hospital needs to store.”

CRHC, which serves Colorado’s State Office of Rural Health, works with rural and urban health facilities and first-responder agencies on emergency preparedness activities in various capacities by participating in programs such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Hospital Preparedness and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Programs, “The timing is perfect,” said CEO, Dennis Ficklin, “We’re about to open the new hospital in Fruita and appreciate this generous contribution as we continue to meet the health care needs of our growing community.”

Family Health West is an expanding non profit health care facility that provides assisted living, a nursing home, Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, urgent care, an imaging center and soon to open a new hospital (scheduled to open summer 2009). For more information please call Michele at The Oaks at 858-2178 or for more information about Family Health West, please call (970) 858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

The Colorado Rural Health Center’s mission is “enhancing healthcare services in Colorado by providing information, education, linkages, tools and energy toward addressing rural healthcare issues”. The CRHC has a statewide constituency of over 3,500 people and organizations. For more information, visit www.coruralhealth.org or call 1-800-851-6782.

Fruita, CO --- The month of April happens to be National Humor Month and National Alcohol Awareness Month. In recognition of both, The Oaks at Family Health West is hosting a “Happy Hour” serving “mock” tails and featuring comedian, Bob Clifford. On Thursday, April 30th, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. guests can enjoy delicious, alcohol-free beverages, and entertainment.

National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by humorist, Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor, to heighten public awareness on the therapeutic value of laughter. National Alcohol Awareness Month began in 1987 as an effort to reach the American Public with information about the disease of alcoholism and how alcoholism and other drug addictions are treatable.

The “Happy Hour” is free and open to the public, “It’s true that laughter has a healing effect,” said Michele Snider, Director of The Oaks, “We encourage anyone interested in enjoying a non-alcoholic beverage and some great laughs to stop by on the 30th and have some fun with us.”

Family Health West is an expanding non profit health care facility that provides assisted living, a nursing home, Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, urgent care, an imaging center and soon to open a new hospital (scheduled to open summer 2009). For more information please call Michele at The Oaks at 858-2178 or for more information about Family Health West, please call (970) 858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to announce its upcoming Red Baron Ball, celebrating over 60 years of providing health care to the Fruita area. The event is April 18th at the Double Tree Hotel in Grand Junction beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Magique Venetian Romance, featuring the sights and sounds of Venice. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing to live music with all proceeds benefitting the construction of Family Health West’s new hospital scheduled to open this summer.

“This is an especially exciting year for Family Health West," said Angie Salazar, Director of Marketing, Contributions and Community Relations, “Family Health West has consistently met the health care needs of the communities it serves since 1946 and this year, we continue to meet our mission by opening our new hospital.” Family Health West opened a new Urgent Care Clinic, Imaging Center and a Rehabilitation Therapy Center in Fruita last year as part of their Community Health Care Services Expansion Project. “We look forward to sharing our success with those who have supported us and helped make it happen,” said Dennis Ficklin, CEO, “Being a nonprofit, we rely on charitable contributions for capital and program support. We are appreciative of this generous community and all the support we have received.” The first Red Baron Ball was held in the West Star Aviation hangar at Walker Field, 19 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 the Red Baron Ball or Family Health West, please call 970-858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to welcome Surgical Associates of Western Colorado, PC to the Kokopelli Clinics in Fruita. Surgical Associates of Western Colorado has been in practice since 1988. Drs Baldwin, O’Dell and Morse will open their Fruita office April 3, 2009.

Located at 551 Kokopelli Blvd, Surgical Associates of Western Colorado is proud to offer exams, diagnosis, treatment and follow up to their Fruita patients. “We’re looking forward to providing our services in Fruita,” said Dr. Andrew Morse, “We’re happy to make it more convenient for our Fruita patients and ultimately provide general surgical procedures at the surgery center at the new Family Health West hospital.” With over 50 years of combined surgical experience, each doctor brings a variety of surgical expertise in procedures and treatments including breast, hernia, gallbladder and hemorrhoid. They have interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery of the GI tract including minimally invasive treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). They also provide colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, varicose vein treatment, vasectomy, and treatment of suspicious moles and abnormal skin growths.

“We are excited about Surgical Associates of Western Colorado joining the other health professionals located at the Kokopelli Clinics,” said Family Health West CEO, Dennis Ficklin, “We appreciate all of our partners there who recognize the need for quality care close to home.” Drs. Baldwin, O’Dell and Morse will rotate their schedules in order to see patients every Friday.

Family Health West’s Kokopelli Clinics is part of a series of expansion plans that have taken place over the past year, including an Urgent Care Clinic, Rehabilitation and Fitness Center and a Diagnostic Imaging Center. Family Health West is currently in the midst of constructing a new hospital to meet the needs of the expanding community scheduled to open this summer, 2009.

For more information on the surgery clinic in Fruita, questions about Surgical Associates or to schedule an appointment, please call Surgical Associates of Western Colorado at (970) 243-9340 or 1-800-698-9340.

Fruita, CO --- According to the American Diabetes Association, one quarter of the 23.6 million people (including children) who have diabetes don’t know it. Come find out if you or your loved ones might be at risk. On Saturday, March 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as an extension of the American Diabetes Alert Day held the fourth Tuesday of every March, The Oaks will host an Awareness Day featuring health screenings, dietary tips, recipes, cooking demonstrations, fitness consultations, Silver Sneakers and Tai Chi classes and more. It’s all free.

“We will be joining the American Diabetes Association in providing tools and information needed to maintain a healthy life-style and hopefully prevent diabetes from ever developing,” said Michele Snider, director of The Oaks assisted living facility at Family Health West. In addition to the information and demonstrations provided, there will be free food and opportunities to get involved in heart-healthy activities and to speak with experts in the fields of medicine, fitness, and pharmacy.

According to a survey commissioned by the American Diabetes Association, 4 out of 5 respondents were at-risk for diabetes or heart disease but believed their health was already “good” or “excellent”. For many individuals, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease, “Early detection is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of the complications associated such as blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death,” said Phyllis Pool, lab director at Family Health West.

The clinic is free and open to the public, “We encourage anyone interested in leading healthier lives to stop by on the 28th and take advantage of all the resources we have to offer here at Family Health West,” added Dennis Ficklin, Family Health West CEO, “We’re committed to fostering optimal health in our community.”

Family Health West is an expanding non profit health care facility that provides assisted living, a nursing home, Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, urgent care, an imaging center and soon to open a new hospital (scheduled to open summer 2009). For more information about the diabetes clinic please call Michele at The Oaks at 858-2178 or for more information about Family Health West, please call (970) 858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by the disease. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to welcome Cheryl Hinther, RN, BSN to serve as the Surgical Services Director of their new hospital, scheduled to open this summer, 2009. Cheryl’s duties will include coordinating all areas surrounding the surgical experience such as scheduling, pre op testing, teaching, admissions, recovery, discharge, procedures, and the sterilization of instruments.

Hinther has spent the last 15 years in Salida, CO working as the Surgical Services Manager and registered nurse first assistant at the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center.

Hinther graduated from Washburn University in Topeka Kansas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and then received training for registered nurse first assisting from Northern New Mexico Community College, “What attracted me to Family Health West was the opportunity to start a hospital surgical unit from the ground up,” said Hinther, “Everyone is very friendly and I look forward to a long career here.”

Sixty years after its origin as a community project to provide health care to residents of rural Mesa County, Family Health West, a Fruita-based nonprofit, has expanded in the past few years adding a Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, an Urgent Care Clinic, a Diagnostic Imaging Center and is currently constructing a new hospital.

“We’re excited to welcome Cheryl to Family Health West,” said CEO, Dennis Ficklin. “She is a dedicated professional who will augment our mission of taking care of our community by providing the best in technology, facilities and staff to deliver health care that meets the needs of the families that live here.”

Hinther is a member of the Association of Operating Room Nurses and is a Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR) as well as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA). “Once the hospital is up and running, I will manage the surgical department and hopefully put in some hours working as a first assistant,” added Hinther.

Hinther has two grown daughters and enjoys getting out and hiking with their two Border Collies, “We look forward to exploring the outdoor opportunities here,” said Hinther.

For more information about Family Health West, please call 970-858-2104 or visit www.familyhealthwest.org .

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West is proud to welcome General Surgeons of Western Colorado, PC (GSWC) to the Kokopelli Clinics in Fruita. The group has been practicing in Grand Junction since 1977 and will open their Fruita office March 9th.

Located at 551 Kokopelli Blvd, Suite H, General Surgeons of Western Colorado is proud to offer consultations, and pre and post surgery exams Monday mornings at their Fruita office. “We are thrilled to have General Surgeons of Western Colorado joining the other health professionals located at the Kokopelli Clinics,” said Family Health West CEO, Dennis Ficklin, “The surgeons, like Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates and Western Rockies Interventional Pain Specialists, recognize the growth taking place in Fruita and are responding by offering their services and expertise here.”

"We feel it’s time to offer greater convenience to our patients in Fruita and the western valley,” said GSWC administrator, Victoria Foster, “Initially, Dr. Christopher Wibbelsman will see patients every Monday morning and we hope to expand that schedule as demand increases.” General Surgeons of Western Colorado specializes in all aspects of General Surgery including colon, rectal, endocrine, cancer surgery, and advanced laparoscopic surgeries, “Our surgeons and staff are experts in guiding patients through their surgical treatment,” said Foster, “We know it’s not always an easy decision.”

General Surgeons of Western Colorado work with primary care physicians and any specialists required to coordinate a patient’s care. Family Health West’s Kokopelli Clinics is part of a series of expansion plans that have taken place over the past year, including an Urgent Care Clinic, Rehabilitation and Fitness Center and a Diagnostic Imaging Center and are currently in the midst of constructing a new hospital scheduled to open this summer, 2009.

For more information on the surgery clinic in Fruita, questions about general surgery or to schedule an appointment, please call General Surgeons of Western Colorado at (970) 243-0900 or visit www.coloradosurgeons.com

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West’s Rehabilitation and Fitness Center has moved locations to inhabit a bigger space. Previously at 551 Kokopelli Blvd, Suite K, it is now located just a few office spaces down to Suite E. “We are thrilled to have more room to serve our patients,” said Director of Rehabilitation, Linda Sperry, “When the space became available, we didn’t hesitate to relocate.”

The Rehabilitation and Fitness Center provides physical, speech, and occupational therapy to individuals of all ages in the community. In addition, they offer Pilates, sports conditioning, and pain management. “Our services are quite comprehensive,” said therapist, Laura Guccini, “We offer specializations in pediatrics, communication and swallowing disorders, and offer relief for patients with TMJ and MS to name just some of them.”

Family Health West’s Rehabilitation and Fitness Center is part of a series of expansion plans that have taken place over the past year, including an Urgent Care Clinic, and a Diagnostic Imaging Center and are currently in the midst of constructing a new hospital scheduled to open this summer, 2009.

Sixty years after its origin as a community project to provide health care to residents of rural Mesa County, Family Health West, a Fruita-based nonprofit, holds true to its mission. “We continue to take care of this growing community by providing technology, facilities and the best in staff to deliver health care that meets the needs of the families that live here,” said CEO, Dennis Ficklin, “We appreciate all of the support we have received and continue to receive as we realize our plans.”

The Family Health West Rehabilitation Therapy and Fitness Center invites patients to visit Monday through Friday, (8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). For more information, call (970) 858-2147, or visit www.familyhealthwest.org.

Fruita, CO --- Family Health West recently awarded Sue Saelens Brackett, RN their annual Ruth B. Wyper Award. This award is bestowed annually to an individual or entity that has had a significant impact on the well-being and mission of the Lower Valley Hospital Association d/b/a Family Health West. Sue was selected because of her years of community service, dependability, reliability, impact of service, and her representation of Family Health West in the community.

“I’m truly honored and humbled by this award,” said Sue. “There are so many people who contribute their time and money to improve life for everyone in our Family Health West family.” Sue Saelens Brackett, RN has worked and volunteered for over 25 years for Family Health West, an expanding non profit health care facility that provides assisted living, a nursing home, Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, urgent care, an imaging center and soon to open a new hospital.

“The new hospital is currently under construction and scheduled to open this summer this year,” said Errol Snider, Family Health West COO, “Services will include inpatient, outpatient and ambulatory care, including general and orthopedic surgery, and other physician specialties, an emergency room, a pharmacy and more. We couldn’t have done it without Sue!”

The Ruth B. Wyper Award began in 1959 when the two families wanted to honor their mother and grandmother after receiving care from Family Health West. This award is presented each year to an individual or group who has had extraordinary involvement and provided exceptional service to the organization. Sue recently retired from Family Health West as the director of marketing, contributions and community relations, and over 45 years of experience in geriatric nursing, “Sue is known for her zest for life, her great sense of humor and the kindness and compassion that she extends to all who meet and know her,” said CEO Dennis Ficklin, “We have been so fortunate to have Sue as part of our family for all of these years.”

(Each opens in a new window...)

Orthopaedic care now available in Fruita

Saelens to depart Fruita's Family Health West after broad, innovative career

Angelina Salazar joins Family Health West