ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL Fall 2020 HEALTH MATTERS LEADING THROUGH A PANDEMIC STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINE p. 8
ALSO INSIDE:
TELEMEDICINE TAKES OFF p. 6
BORN DURING THE PANDEMIC p. 14
ENHANCED ORTHOPEDIC CARE p. 16 HEALTH MATTERS FALL 2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melinda Nagle, MD chair Lee Schumacher vice chair on the COVER Chuck Frias treasurer Greg Balko, MD The early days of combating COVID-19 required an David H. Eisenstat unprecedented cooperative effort by everyone at AVH and the community, according to ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Dr. Catherine Bernard, AVH Chief BOARD OF DIRECTORS of Staff. Read our story, starting on page 8. John Sarpa chair Archer Bishop, MD immediate past chair Ernie Fyrwald vice chair MISSION Joan Gurrentz secretary our Ginette Sebenaler treasurer To deliver extraordinary healthcare in an environment Dave Ressler Pete Louras of excellence, compassion and trust. Pam Alexander Melinda Nagle, MD VISION Coley Cassidy Douglas Rovira, MD our Chuck Frias To foster our community as the healthiest in the nation. our VALUES EXECUTIVE TEAM Patient-centered Care • Accountability • Respect for Others Dave Ressler chief executive officer • Integrity • Teamwork Deborah Breen foundation president & ceo Elaine Gerson chief transformation officer Lori Maloy chief clinical officer Alicia Miller chief human resources officer Ginette Sebenaler chief financial officer Jennifer Slaughter chief marketing officer Eric Stahl, MD chief medical officer
MEDICAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHARE YOUR STORY! Catherine Bernard, MD president HEALTH MATTERS would like to hear how AVH made Mary Harris, MD vice president a positive impact for you or a loved one. Please email [email protected] so that we Chris Roseberry, MD secretary/treasurer may consider your story for an upcoming issue and Scott Gallagher, MD emergency department chair inspire others on their journeys. Brad Holmes, MD medicine department chair Chris Beck, MD surgery department chair
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT With regards to employment, access to, or provision of care, Aspen Valley Hospital District (AVHD) shall provide all individuals with the full and equal HEALTH MATTERS is a bi-annual magazine published by Aspen Valley enjoyment of the services, privileges, facilities, advantages and accommodations Hospital (AVH) to inform residents of the Roaring Fork Valley about the without discrimination, as required by Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of continuous improvements and investments AVH and its Network of Care 2010. AVHD shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex clinics are making to ensure the long health and vitality of our residents (which includes gender-based discrimination), disability, religion, age or veteran and community. status. Gender-based discrimination includes discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and nonconformity with sex stereotypes.
2 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 in THIS ISSUE
A LETTER FROM DAVE RESSLER 4
@AVH SPOTLIGHT 5 Dietitian Demos are a feast of fun and information
A CLOSER LOOK 6 Telemedicine takes off
INFORMATION HUB 26 Who to call, where to go when you need help
ASK THE EXPERT 27 Betsy Brew, MD, on why even fit women need breast screenings
FEATURES
LEADING THROUGH A PANDEMIC 8 AVH steps up to protect our community in the COVID-19 era
FINDING COMFORT AT THE ASPEN BIRTH CENTER 14 Growing family is thankful for comfort and safety during a stressful time
ORTHOPEDIC UPDATE 16 Exciting news about our partnership with The Steadman Clinic
ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS 18 A letter from the Board Chair, plus a report of AVH finances
AVH FOUNDATION 20 How your donations are now more important than ever
For details on upcoming classes, blood drives and other events, please click the button to the left or visit aspenhospital.org/calendar.
Photo by Vital Films
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 3 A Letter From Dave Ressler
ince the beginning of March, it has been exciting and inspiring to watch how Aspen Valley Hospital has adapted to the constantly changing dynamics of the S insidious COVID-19 virus, continuously innovating to meet the community’s needs for safe and effective healthcare.
In response to COVID, AVH established and has maintained a Respiratory Evaluation Center for symptomatic patients in a safe and isolated environment, as well as serving as a COVID testing site. AVH stepped into the community testing role to It has been exciting and inspiring support both the diagnosis and care of symptomatic patients and to assist Pitkin County’s Public Health Department with its “Box it In” containment strategy. Testing to watch how AVH has adapted to has also been provided for asymptomatic persons who have been exposed, who need to travel or who are protecting against viral spread. In turn, the community has the constantly changing dynamics done its part to adhere to the Five Commitments of Containment. Together, under of the insidious COVID-19 virus, the guidance of our public health and elected officials, our community has been able to safely progress with its reopening strategy. continuously innovating to meet All the while, our AVH team has provided compassionate care to our patients, the community’s needs for safe earning a five-star rating for quality of patient experience from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Out of nearly 3,500 hospitals that CMS and effective healthcare. ranked, only 266 in the U.S. — and only four in Colorado — received this prestigious recognition. On a related note: Press Ganey, the organization that monitors quality of care in over 1,000 hospitals across the country, has awarded AVH two Guardian of Excellence awards for inpatient and Emergency Department services, to recognize our “phenomenal performance” measured by patient-reported experience.
While COVID has presented immediate and unprecedented challenges that AVH has risen to meet, the AVH Board of Directors has never taken its sights off the future of healthcare and their vision of fostering our community as the healthiest in the nation. This has involved creating organizational partnerships with a spirit of collaboration that AVH embraces.
Perhaps our most exciting partnership is with The Steadman Clinic, to join forces as the premier hospital and the nation’s leading provider of orthopedic care and research. Our community, an internationally renowned resort location, is the ideal host for world-class orthopedic medicine, providing our local patients and visitors from around the world with the most advanced orthopedic services available anywhere. Effective December 1, The Steadman Clinic will become our community practice comprised of some familiar physicians from OrthoAspen, new physicians and nationally acclaimed surgeons from The Steadman Clinic in Vail. In late 2021, our partnership will unveil a new facility in Willits that will serve as a hub for orthopedic services, including the Steadman Philippon Research Institute, a state-of-the-art surgery center, a Steadman Clinic location and rehabilitation services.
AVH is your community hospital — and much more. It is truly our privilege and honor to meet the needs of our community for the past 129 years, today and into the future. At our heart, we have never changed and will always be your provider of local, personalized and extraordinary care. n
Dave Ressler Chief Executive Officer
4 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 @AVH Spotlight DIETITIAN DEMOS OFFER A FEAST OF INFORMATION Free program goes virtual, expands reach
t Aspen Valley Hospital, COVID-19 prompted a complete rethinking of both our medical services A and our full slate of community education programs. One program that has adapted to the times with remarkable success is Dietitian Demos, which swiftly transitioned from in-person to virtual presentations.
“Part of AVH’s mission is to help make our community the healthiest in the nation, and the Dietitian Demos support that vision with meal-preparation and evidence-based nutritional guidance,” said Lauren Mitchell, MS, registered dietitian at AVH. “Moving the demos online was fairly easy Kristy Bates, RDN and has actually allowed us to reach a larger audience than our onsite events.”
Dietitian Demos launched soon after Mitchell joined AVH in December. She and fellow registered dietitian and Nutrition Services Director Kristy Bates share the duties, with Mitchell’s videos offering quick tips for making wise food choices and Bates’ showing how to prepare healthy entrées, appetizers and side dishes.
Topics tend to be timely, reflecting a season or situation with a focus on simple, practical recipes and advice. In one demo created early in the pandemic, Mitchell explains how nutrition can support the body’s natural infection-fighting abilities; while August’s topic was nutrition for new and expecting mothers to align with National Breastfeeding Month.
“People in our community are hungry for information about making the best choices for a healthy lifestyle,” Mitchell said. “We want Dietitian Demos to be a source they go to for nutrition facts that are science-based, relatable and fun.”
To view current and archived Dietitian Demos, “Moving the demos including recipes, visit AVH’s Instagram online was fairly easy and channel @aspenhospital or our website at aspenhospital.org/dietitian-demos. has actually allowed us to AVH adds new demo videos about twice a month, so check back often! n reach a larger audience than our onsite events.”
- - LAUREN MITCHELL, MS, REGISTERED DIETITIAN
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 5 A Closer Look
PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS DISCOVER THE SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE OF TELEMEDICINE
ike many of her patients, Aspen Valley Hospital PATIENT APPRECIATION otolaryngologist Heather Murphy, MD, didn’t know much Another reason Dr. Murphy has become an advocate for Labout telemedicine before COVID-19 reached the Roaring virtual visits is that her patients appreciate the convenience Fork Valley. Phone calls were as close as she had ever come to and continuity of care. “They immediately grabbed onto having a virtual patient meeting, and she couldn’t imagine how it, because we could continue providing services during telemedicine could effectively substitute for face-to-face visits. the pandemic,” she said. Telemedicine has been a success with patients who travel to AVH from New Castle, Meeker, However, Dr. Murphy did know one thing: Because she Steamboat Springs and beyond. Many express relief that shares clinic space with her husband, AVH ophthalmologist telemedicine is available, saving them hours-long trips. Mike Murphy, MD, she needed to give telemedicine a try. “We are a rural, critical-access hospital, and our community “My patients tend to be sick, and my husband’s patients are is separated by mountains, forest fires and viruses. With older. Because of COVID-19, we knew we couldn’t keep putting telemedicine, we can still have appointments even if patients both populations in the same place together,” Dr. Murphy said. can’t get here in person,” Dr. Murphy said. “I’m astounded “Telemedicine allows us to keep caring for our patients at how quickly and completely patients and providers have without having them spend time together in a waiting room.” taken to telemedicine.”
Enhanced safety is just one of multiple benefits of telemedicine, To learn more about telemedicine or to schedule an appointment, which is a fast-growing trend in healthcare. After launching please visit aspenhospital.org/telemedicine. n telemedicine months ahead of schedule in the middle of March, AVH providers have now performed more than 560 telemedicine visits, spanning an array of medical specialties.
6 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 Dr. Heather Murphy (right) and Sarah Peterson, RN, conduct a “virtual visit” with a patient as part of AVH’s telemedicine services. Patients now have the option for in-person or virtual visits.
“Telemedicine allows us to keep caring for our patients without having them spend time together in a waiting room.”
- HEATHER MURPHY, MD
More AVH Network of Care updates SNOWMASS VILLAGE The Snowmass Clinic opened July 1 at its new location at 77 Wood Road, Suite #N200, in Snowmass Base Village. The state-of-the-art facility features seven exam rooms, a triage room and general X-ray services, as well as enhanced rehabilitation care for physical therapy patients. The clinic is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Call 970.544.1518 for information about the clinic’s medical services or 970.544.1177 for rehabilitation services.
BASALT AVH’s Midvalley Lab has successfully transitioned to its new home at the Midvalley Health Institute building in Basalt (in the same location as Aspen Valley Primary Care). The address is 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 264, in Basalt. For information, call 970.544.1528.
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 7 8 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 Standing Guard LEADING THROUGH A PANDEMIC Stories from the front line
hen the going gets tough, the tough step forward. And as COVID-19 made its way into the Roaring Fork Valley earlier this year, clinicians and staff from Aspen Valley Hospital and our Network of Care stepped forward to help lead our community’s W efforts to treat patients, reduce transmission of the virus and communicate lifesaving public information. We are proud to share some of their stories from the earliest days of the crisis.
CATHERINE BERNARD, MD Only toward the end of her medical training did Dr. Bernard select Emergency Medicine and AVH Chief of Staff emergency medicine as her specialty. Having explored other areas of medicine, she was attracted to the fact that emergency care If Dr. Catherine Bernard has learned one lesson from COVID-19, brings together multiple specialties in a real-time environment. it is the importance of patience. Providers, she said, have learned how to practice patience when treating those who arrive The decision has served her well, she noted, because “nothing in the emergency department with COVID-related illnesses — more real-time than COVID is happening right now in healthcare. and that includes knowing when to provide care. You receive information or guidance, and then it changes as we discover more about the condition. It’s a perfect picture of what “One of the major takeaways from the pandemic is that we all medicine is, but the process usually happens over the course of are learning to slow down just a little bit,” Dr. Bernard said. “We’ve years instead of weeks or months.” seen a definite shift away from trying to fix problems immediately and, instead, waiting for more information that can lead to better The rapid changes in COVID-19 prevention and treatment long-term outcomes. For me, the ‘hurry up and wait’ approach protocols have been confusing not only to clinicians but also to has been a new experience.” the general public, and Dr. Bernard sympathizes with those who have had difficulty keeping up with and following best practices.
“It is hard sometimes for people to understand how quickly and dramatically things can change in science and medicine,” she said. “But the practice of good evidence-based medicine requires change as new information becomes available.”
Describing herself as a “silver linings kind of person,” however, Dr. Bernard said she is heartened by the way in which the Roaring Fork Valley’s residents and medical entities have joined forces to share information about COVID-19.
Dr. Catherine Bernard, AVH Chief of Staff, said COVID-19 provided new lessons in treating patients during a pandemic. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times. Aspen and COVID-19: A Timeline
JANUARY 20 MARCH 5 MARCH 8 MARCH 9 MARCH 10 The first confirmed Colorado announces A female visitor to Aspen Valley Gov. Polis declares case of COVID-19 its first case of COVID-19; Aspen tests positive Hospital stands a state of emergency is reported Pitkin County activates for the virus after up its Incident related to COVID. in the U.S. its emergency public returning home Command Team. health team. to Australia.
Photos at left courtesy of AVH and Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times. ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 9 “All of us in the tri-county region are doing a great job of coming an effective way for us to accomplish that,” Dr. Locke said. together for the good of our communities. We all took the threat “It provides a safe environment where we can assess patients very seriously from the start, prepared quickly to protect staff and experiencing respiratory symptoms and limit their interaction patients, and kept services available for those who needed them with other patients and personnel.” most,” she said. “AVH and everyone in the region have done an exceptionally good job of working together. I feel fortunate to Initially located in a tent outside the AVH Emergency practice medicine in Aspen, because that kind of cooperation Department, the center offered drive-up evaluation of doesn’t exist everywhere.” symptoms. After triaging and testing, medical teams either referred the patient to the Emergency Department or provided KELLY LOCKE, MD instructions about isolating and recovering safely at home. Family Medicine Dr. Locke noted that the Evaluation Center also kept potentially Well before COVID-19 made its appearance in our area, AVH infected patients from visiting a regular doctor’s office, further clinicians and administrators were aggressively developing reducing community spread of the disease. In doing so, the strategies to limit the risk to our patients and staff. Dr. Kelly center helped ensure that medical resources were available Locke was part of a team that took a high-profile role in these to those patients most vulnerable to serious consequences discussions to launch and run a Respiratory Evaluation Center of infection. on the AVH campus. Aspen Valley Primary Care Director Alyssa Franklin spearheaded logistics with input from Drs. Kelly Locke, Another important role the center’s personnel performed was Michael Plachta and Edward Wiese. educating and comforting patients who had become alarmed about symptoms they normally would not have been concerned “We knew that controlling exposure was key to controlling about — and this was occurring at the same time that medical the spread of COVID-19, and the Evaluation Center has been professionals themselves were racing to understand the virus’ symptoms, complications and spread.
“Especially early on, when we couldn’t do a lot of testing, we definitely did a lot of counseling and reassuring patients about the disease process and symptoms to watch for as the infection progressed,” Dr. Locke said.
Yet, much of the work he has done to screen and treat patients in the Evaluation Center feels distinctly familiar from his years as a family medicine physician. “Looking at it as a practitioner, I think our work with coronavirus is very similar to what we do every day in the office: counseling, testing and reassuring patients,” he said. “Now we just do it with a mask and shield and full personal Dr. Kelly Locke and team were instrumental in launching and running the protective equipment on.” Respiratory Evaluation Center at AVH, initially counseling and testing patients from their cars.
MARCH 11 MARCH 12 MARCH 13 MARCH 14 • The World Health Organization Pitkin County declares a • Colorado reports Colorado declares a pandemic. Local Disaster Emergency, its first known suspends all • Six new cases of COVID-19 are and Pitkin County Public COVID-related downhill skiing confirmed in Pitkin County. Health issues its first death. operations. • AVH limits non-essential access COVID-related public • Aspen public to the hospital and all Network health order. schools close. of Care locations.
MARCH 15 MARCH 16 MID MARCH MARCH 17 MARCH 18 Pitkin County Public • AVH and the Midvalley Pitkin County’s Colorado • AVH launches Health recommends Surgery Center postpone unemployment launches a telemedicine services that visitors and elective procedures. rate is less dedicated with the first Aspen residents of Pitkin • The state health than 3%. website for Valley Primary Care and three other department orders COVID-19 virtual visit. counties minimize closure of the state’s bars, information. • Colorado orders all public social contact. gyms, restaurants and and private schools to some other businesses. close for four weeks.
10 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 Photos above courtesy of AVH and Kelsey Brunner/The Aspen Times.
MARCH 19 MARCH 20 MARCH 23 MARCH 24 MARCH 25 Gov. Polis AVH launches its Colorado opens the • A 94-year-old man As cases in suspends Respiratory Evaluation health insurance becomes the first person Colorado top nonessential Tent in the hospital marketplace to in Pitkin County to die 1,000, Gov. Polis medical parking lot, an help consumers find of COVID-19. issues statewide procedures alternative site coverage during the • AVH staff begin making stay-at-home statewide. to evaluate and pandemic. masks to supplement orders. test patients with the hospital’s PPE supply. respiratory symptoms.
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 11 The Respiratory Evaluation Center continues to operate, With input from a range of stakeholders, Dr. Holmes helped from a location inside the hospital. Patients must be referred AVH develop a strategy to prioritize COVID-19 testing for by a primary care physician for help managing moderate to symptomatic patients in the Emergency Department and severe respiratory symptoms and for symptomatic COVID in-patient settings. testing. (The center is not a walk-in clinic.) Please check aspenhospital.org for hours of operation. “The ultimate goal of testing is to identify the people most likely to spread the disease so we can ‘box in’ the virus,” he said. “As BRAD HOLMES, MD testing becomes more widely available, we can adjust our Hospitalist approach to make the most of those additional resources.”
Board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, Dr. Holmes has also taken a role in educating the public about Dr. Brad Holmes has been instrumental in guiding AVH’s COVID-19, such as using lay terms to explain complex concepts response to issues of testing patients for COVID-19. His interest and the slow pace of scientific discovery. “Pretty much every sprang from clinical experience in Malawi where he worked with conversation, I caution people with the message we are still Baylor College of Medicine’s international HIV program just learning, our information and testing are not perfect, and our before moving to Aspen two years ago. treatments are not perfect,” he said. “Things are going to evolve as we continue to learn more, and we’ll probably change our minds on certain things; that’s how science works.”
Plus, viruses are particularly tricky to tackle, and Dr. Holmes noted that — even after many years — researchers still have not developed cures for the common cold, flu, herpes, HIV and other viral infections.
In addition, Dr. Holmes has been involved in building a strong sense of cooperation among the area’s hospitals, public health departments and healthcare providers for a more unified, effective approach to COVID testing across the region. “We live in a transient community, so the COVID situation in Eagle and Garfield counties affects all of us in Pitkin County, too,” he Dr. Brad Holmes participated in our regular community meetings, explained. “It’s important for us to work as a team with everyone educating residents about COVID-19 and ways to protect themselves. in the tri-county area.” “A lot of my work in Africa centered on testing, early identification The doctor’s best advice: Get information from reputable and prevention of HIV in a resources-limited environment,” sources, comply with the Five Commitments of Containment Dr. Holmes said. “So as concerns about COVID-19 grew in Aspen and continue to stay in shape — physically as well as mentally. and the number of test kits was limited, I felt like my experience “After all,” Dr. Holmes said, “even for people who don’t get could help us figure out how to use our resources efficiently.” COVID-19, this has been a stressful time.” n
APRIL 1 APRIL 3 APRIL 10 APRIL 21 APRIL 24 Local health officials Statewide Colorado officials Colorado hospitals AVH partners with ask VRBO and hospitalizations announce they have prepare to resume Pitkin County Airbnb to cancel and exceed 800. purchased more than non-emergency Public Health to stop accepting area $46 million worth of surgeries. expand short-term rentals. medical supplies for COVID-19 testing. distribution to facilities statewide.
APRIL 27 APRIL 30 MAY 1 MAY 4 MAY 21 As stay-at-home Gov. Polis AVH resumes Pitkin County, Aspen, In a community meeting, orders ease, extends ban on elective surgeries Basalt and Snowmass AVH CEO Dave Ressler restaurants and downhill skiing and procedures. Village require urges a smart, cautious retailers begin to late May. individuals to wear a approach to reopening to offer curbside mask in public. the local economy. pickup.
12 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 You’re in Good Hands: Our COVID-CLEAN Pledge spen Valley Hospital is committed to ensuring the safety When you visit the hospital or one of our clinics or offices, you of our patients, visitors and dedicated staff. Our COVID- can feel assured that we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect A Clean Pledge reflects this commitment with a detailed you. With all of us working together, the COVID-Clean Pledge overview of the steps we are taking to prevent coronavirus ensures our medical services will continue to be available for infection and ensure the wellbeing of our community. all who need them.
From universal mask-wearing to disinfection protocols and To view our full COVID-Clean Pledge, please go to visitation limits, we took quick action early in the crisis, solving aspenhospital.org/covid-clean-pledge or click on multiple problems in a fast-evolving situation to ensure safety the buttlon below. n in the hospital and the locations that make up our Network of Care.
Our goal is to provide peace of mind and a safe, clean healthcare environment. We achieve this by adhering to federal, state and local recommendations — and exceeding these requirements where we believe even greater prudence will be beneficial.
MAY 22 MAY 25 JUNE 4 JUNE 15 Pitkin County’s AVH receives a $470,000 award from Places of worship Pitkin County begins unemployment rate the 2020 Rescue Fund to support and fitness centers allowing crowd sizes peaks at 23.6%, the Pitkin County Public Health-directed are among facilities of up to 50. highest in Colorado. COVID-19 testing not paid for by allowed to reopen at insurance carriers through 2020. reduced capacity.
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 13 Grateful Patient
Amanda Matthew with baby Marlow born June 18 in the Aspen Birth Center.
JUNE 23 JUNE 24 JULY 1 JULY 9 Eagle County officials Outdoor visitation is • State authorities allow professional Pitkin, Eagle and express concern about allowed at Colorado’s sports to resume but temporarily Garfield counties a cluster of coronavirus residential care close bars for in-person service. announce a cases among young facilities. • AVH increases its COVID-19 testing coordinated regional Basalt residents. capacity to seven days per week COVID-19 testing in the hospital’s Respiratory strategy. Evaluation Center.
14 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC, FAMILY FINDS COMFORT AT THE ASPEN BIRTH CENTER
aving a baby is stressful even in the best circumstances. equipment. And while Brian could be present as Amanda’s But having a baby during a global pandemic can take the designated support person, he was required to wear a mask H stress to a whole new level. when outside her room and, had he needed to leave the hospital building, he would not have been allowed to come in again. For Amanda and Brian Matthew, however, welcoming their son, Marlow, to the world in June at the Aspen Birth Center was a Also, other loved ones could not lesson in comfort, kindness and outstanding care. “Everyone visit the family while they were at at the Birth Center and the hospital has done such a great job AVH. “That wasn’t so bad for me,” in an uncertain time,” Amanda said. “They were very cautious Amanda said. “New moms are pretty about safety but also so loving and kind to me and my family.” exhausted, so having some down time before we went home was fine.” “Everyone at the Birth Center Otherwise, the experience felt “pretty and the hospital has done such normal,” Amanda said. “Everyone was so cautious and yet so comforting. a great job in an uncertain time. They’ve done such a great job of They were very cautious about navigating these uncharted waters.” Marlow arrived just before 1 a.m. Amanda and Brian Matthew safety but also so loving and kind on Thursday, June 18, weighing with Emery, Nora and newborn, Marlow. 6 pounds and 9 ounces. Many of to me and my family.” the Birth Center staff members — including pediatrician Harvey Fahy, MD; midwife Nancy Bacheldor; nurses Jenny Tighe, Wendy – AMANDA MATTHEW Lyall and Suzanne Robinson; and lactation consultants Jackie Amanda grew up in Aspen and, after earning her nursing Schroeder and Heather Knott — had also been present for the degree, returned to her hometown to work in Aspen Valley birth of Marlow’s two siblings. Hospital’s same-day surgery department. She and Brian, a pastor “For me, having my babies at the Aspen Birth Center has been at Crossroads Church of Aspen, already had two children — very comforting. I work so closely with everybody that they feel Emery, 5, and Nora, 3 — born at the Aspen Birth Center. It was like family,” Amanda said. “Having Marlow reminded us how only natural, therefore, that they would choose the same setting exceptional the Birth Center is: the medical staff, the lactation for their third child’s birth. consultants, the kitchen and housekeeping staff — all of them However, circumstances were a little different this time. For made the experience so wonderful.” example, COVID-19 prompted AVH to implement additional Visit aspenhospital.org/aspen-birth-center or call safety precautions. Birth Center staff wore personal protective 970.544.1130 to learn more about the Birth Center. n
JULY 10 JULY 16 JULY 13 THE STORY CONTINUES AVH reports over Gov. Polis issues AVH leadership reports the hospital For the latest COVID-19 2,600 individuals a statewide mask had 24 positive tests during the updates from AVH, visit have been tested mandate. week of July 5-11, the highest aspenhospital.org. for COVID-19. number since the pandemic began. For the lates COVID-19 community status and testing updates, visit covid19.pitkincounty.com.
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 15 Strategic Partnership with The Steadman Clinic Strong Partners, STRONGER YOU Landmark partnership enhances world-class orthopedic care
he Roaring Fork Valley is not only one of the The partners will maintain a location at AVH’s Aspen world’s most beautiful and desirable places to live campus and are also developing a state-of-the-art T and explore, it’s also one of the most physically orthopedic facility at Basalt’s Willits Town Center. The active. Residents and visitors alike place a high priority facility will house a surgery center; a Steadman Clinic on maintaining an active lifestyle, whether to boost their space; plus a SPRI research lab; and rehabilitative everyday health, train for their personal best or compete services to round out the continuum of care. at a professional level. “This agreement brings together two premier healthcare A population this active deserves comprehensive, world- providers to deliver world-class orthopedic services and class orthopedic care to keep them in the game — and a cutting-edge research via SPRI to the Aspen community,” new partnership between Aspen Valley Hospital and The said Dan Drawbaugh, CEO of The Steadman Clinic and SPRI. Steadman Clinic will soon bring more orthopedic care experts, research insights and advanced treatments to BENEFIT OF RESEARCH AND EDUCATION our community. Through SPRI, the partnership will also add new capabilities in research and education, such as supporting the training “The benefits of an active lifestyle are many, but we often of future orthopedic surgeons and the development of experience setbacks related to the use and overuse of technologies to advance the knowledge of musculoskeletal our musculoskeletal framework as we strive to move health. AVH will be a crucial partner in SPRI’s research. faster and be stronger,” said Dave Ressler, CEO of AVH. “The Steadman Clinic has been studying these dynamics “We are fortunate to have an outstanding team of for over two decades and, through Steadman Philippon physicians joining the practice,” said Marc Philippon, Research Institute (SPRI), has developed the best practices, MD, managing partner of The Steadman Clinic and backed by evidence, for addressing all of them through co-chair of SPRI. “Add our commitment to research prevention, training and interventional procedures.” and education, and we know this will be a relationship that benefits all involved.” NEW, FULL-TIME ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE BRINGS TOGETHER BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Ressler couldn’t agree more. “AVH, The Steadman “After The Steadman Clinic expressed an intent to Clinic and SPRI will work together to keep our expand into the Aspen area, partnering with the Vail-based community active and enjoying our healthy lifestyles, organization only made sense,” Ressler said. “Through the while other patients travel from around the world to partnership, The Steadman Clinic will provide orthopedic experience what we have in our own backyard,” he said. care through a new, full-time practice.” The new Steadman Clinic in Aspen will begin seeing AVH ensures that patients will enjoy round-the-clock patients on December 1, 2020. n access to orthopedic trauma care; expanded orthopedic services, such as hand and wrist care and hip arthroscopy; and the availability of advanced orthopedic care for all of The partners will maintain a our residents and visitors. location at AVH’s Aspen campus and are also developing a state-of-the-art orthopedic facility at Basalt’s Willits Town Center.
16 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 RENOWNED PHYSICIANS DELIVERING EXPERT, COMPREHENSIVE ORTHOPEDIC CARE
Building on Aspen Valley Hospital’s existing orthopedic services, the partnership will keep some of our current providers in place, add specialists recruited to the area and a rotation of physicians from The Steadman Clinic in Vail.
THE ASPEN-BASED PHYSICIAN TEAM INCLUDES:
Dustin Anderson, MD Waqqar Khan-Farooqi, MD Jared Lee, MD Joseph J. Ruzbarsky, MD Thea Wojtkowski, MD Physical medicine Foot and ankle, and Shoulder, knee, hip Shoulder, knee, elbow Hip, hip replacements and rehabilitation trauma care and sports medicine and hip preservation and trauma care surgery
THE STEADMAN CLINIC PHYSICIANS WHO WILL ROTATE IN FROM VAIL INCLUDE:
Marc J. Philippon, MD Thos A. Evans, MD Jonathan A. Godin, MD, MBA Tom R. Hackett, MD Raymond H. Kim, MD Sports medicine, hip Orthopedic interventionist of Shoulder, knee, hip and sports Complex knee, shoulder Adult joint reconstruction, disorders and hip spine and joint, regenerative medicine surgeon and elbow surgeon knee and hip arthroplasty arthroscopy medicine specialist
Peter J. Millett, MD, MSc Matthew T. Provencher, MD Kavi Sachar, MD Randy W. Viola, MD Shoulder, knee, Complex shoulder, complex Hand, wrist and Hand, wrist, elbow and elbow surgery and knee and sports surgery elbow surgery orthopedic trauma specialist sports medicine
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 17 A Message from Melinda Nagle, MD Annual Impact Report HIGHLIGHTS
Melinda Nagle, MD, Chair Lee Schumacher, Vice Chair Chuck Frias, Treasurer Greg Balko, MD David Eisenstat
rom where we stand now in 2020, looking back at 2019 n Receiving the community’s continued commitment to quality, provides a view as breathtaking as any in the Colorado local healthcare through the passage of our mill levy extension FRocky Mountains. So much has happened since the start for 10 years, with a 73% favorable vote. of the year that it can be difficult to recall a time before the U.S. reported its first case of coronavirus infection in January. n Completing construction of our new Snowmass Clinic location in the Base Village, which we delayed opening until this July Yet, we must not lose sight of the important accomplishments because of COVID. Aspen Valley Hospital recorded in 2019, because these achievements allowed the hospital to respond to the quickly- n As we would learn later in 2020, AVH also continued to provide evolving public health crisis with impressive agility and success. extraordinary care to our patients, earning a perfect five-star rating from Medicare, one of only four hospitals in the state Among the most crucial achievements in 2019 were: to do so.
n Building a robust network of physicians for the community, Such achievements did not occur in a vacuum. Instead, they in particular increasing the number of primary care providers continued the incredible work that dedicated individuals and and expanding the scope of specialty care services available groups — AVH medical personnel, employees, administrators, locally, including the midvalley. donors, volunteers, the Board of Directors and more — have performed over many years. The multi-phase expansion and n Achieving successful reaccreditation by the Joint Commission, upgrade of our facilities and our investments in electronic an industry standard for assuring the highest quality and safety medical records and telemedicine technology are just a few of medical care. notable examples.
n Completing the hospital’s redesignation as a Level III Trauma We did not get to this point by anticipating a global pandemic. Center, which ensures round-the-clock access to lifesaving However, AVH and our community wisely created and prioritized, emergency care. funded and completed the projects that positioned us to act — not simply react — for the good of our patients and all of AVH and our community wisely Roaring Fork Valley’s residents and visitors. Thank you for being created and prioritized, funded and part of our past, present and future success. n completed the projects that positioned us to act — not simply react — for the good of our patients and all of Roaring Melinda Nagle, MD Fork Valley’s residents and visitors. Chair of the AVH Board of Directors Member of the AVH Foundation Board of Directors 18 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 2019 Financial Information
Through these challenging times, AVH’s Strategic Plan continues OPERATIONAL to guide us as our talented and EFFICIENCY MAXIMIZE engaged healthcare professionals N HEALTHCARE MU ITY’S M H provide the highest quality TEAM O E C A
ENGAGEMENT L R T
U care for our community while H increasing our operating O O E COMMITMENT N efficiency and maintaining M E I TO QUALITY P T A A financial stability. TIENT AT
POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT
n 1,867 community members took advantage of low-cost health fairs. 2019 REVENUES n 473 people employed, making Net Patient Services $91,668,876 AVH one of the largest employers Property Taxes $7,969,302 in our community. 84% Contributions $5,135,802 n $2 million of uncompensated healthcare services provided to Other 4% $4,446,477 patients in need. 7% Total Revenues 5% $109,220,457 n $4.4 million in Medicaid subsidies. n $700,000 in direct financial support to outside agencies for 2019 EXPENSES programs that serve the needs of our most vulnerable community Salaries & Wages $50,440,366 12% members. We partnered with Pitkin Depreciation & Amortization $12,767,409 County’s Healthy Community Fund 10% to support: Supplies $10,778,578 Employee Benefits $9,927,330 + Aspen Detox Center 47% 9% + Aspen Homeless Shelter Maintenance, Utilities & Equipment $8,827,515 + Community Health Services 8% Contracted Services $5,064,483 + Mind Springs Health 5% + Mountain Family Health Center’s Other 9% $10,185,245 Basalt location Total Expenses $107,990,926 + West Springs Hospital
TOTAL INCREASE IN FUND BALANCE $1,229,531
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 19 THE NEW FACE OF FUNDRAISING DURING COVID-19
n response to the overwhelming show of support for the lifesaving care being delivered when COVID-19 hit our community, Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation Ilaunched an Emergency Fund to accept these special donations. As staff members heroically performed their duties, grateful patients, families and community members looked for ways to show their appreciation. From handmade signs, to homemade cookies, to masks, to food and even a donation of socks, the love and support shown will not soon be forgotten.
Rehabilitation Services staff members show off In fact, the overwhelming number of donors their new socks, generously donated by Darn who specifically wanted to “feed the front lines” Tough Socks. prompted the creation of a fund within a fund to accept donations of food and beverages to help fuel staff while on duty.
At no time in Aspen Valley Hospital’s 129-year history have resources been pushed so far to the outer limits. Continuing emergency, routine and preventative care while at the same time battling a worldwide pandemic has been a challenge — but a challenge we have been preparing for. Bumble was a lead “Feeding the Front Lines” donor, providing In 2006, the Hospital’s Board of Directors breakfast weekly to Hospital staff. came together and launched the single largest construction and modernization project in its history. The goal? To bring the facilities up to contemporary standards that meet — and even exceed — best practices for Justin and Amanda Leonard donated their newly safety, efficiency, privacy and infection prevention. The Board could never have developed nutritional supplements, Tiny Tweaks, predicted this pandemic. However, they ensured we were prepared for it. n to Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation.
Staff arrived at Whitcomb Terrace, an assisted living facility located on the Hospital campus, and was welcomed with words of appreciation from the community.
0401 CASTLE CREEK ROAD, ASPEN, CO 81611 n 970.544.1302 n [email protected]
20 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY INSPIRING DONATIONS IN MANY FORMS hree of the four phases of the Master Facilities Plan (MFP) are complete and the new facilities have allowed Aspen T Valley Hospital’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be swift and aggressive. The fourth and final phase of construction hangs in the balance. Once complete, every clinical and non- clinical area will be housed in new or newly renovated space.
ICU rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including high-tech monitors and respirators, and have negative pressure capabilities to control air flow.
All these upgrades have been made possible because of the incredible philanthropic support received to date. In fact, the Foundation’s $60 million capital campaign has now reached the $48.1 million mark — and counting! The fourth and final phase of the Master Facilities Plan connects the newly constructed East and West Wings through a centralized admissions Despite the challenges this year has presented, “The show must area that allows for greater access, efficiency and privacy. Included in this phase is The Renée and Lester Crown Center for Specialty Care, go on,” and we continue to raise funds and keep our community which will bring together many on-campus specialists into one office. engaged. This year, with great support from our hosts, Melissa and Marc Ganzi, the owners of the Aspen Valley Polo Club, the Highlights of areas completed to date include: annual Polo Benefit went virtual and all proceeds benefited n a four-bed ICU with state-of-the-art negative pressure the Emergency Fund. Live streaming of the games, thanks to capabilities to control air flow along with centralized Chukker TV, and a posh online auction, thanks to so many local monitoring systems and respirators; businesses, were the event highlights. n a new high-tech lab with COVID-19 testing capability; In total, our Summer and Snow Polo fundraising events have n a new ER with a trauma treatment suite and a roof-top raised over $2 million for our community hospital. n helicopter landing pad; n a 16-bed patient care unit with private rooms and bathrooms; n a five-bed private and fully appointed birth center; n a private oncology and infusion center; n a new diagnostic imaging center with advanced MRI and CT technology; n a new surgery center with three high-tech ORs; and n an expanded rehabilitation services department.
BY CLICKING DONATE THIS BUTTON q
2019’s Chukkers, Champagne & Caviar was the social event of the season. 2020’s polo benefit successfully welcomed donor participation NOW in a virtual format!
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 21 SUPPORTING OUR MISSION Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation gratefully recognizes the following donors who have made gifts over the past year and also donors whose lifetime cumulative giving is $100,000 or greater.
Kristy Bates Kelsey and Louie Carder Cynthia and Kevin Doss A Connie and Buddy Bates Jayma Cardoso, DragonSlayer Alyson Ackley Kelly Beairsto The Snow Lodge Susan and James Dubin Scarlett and William J. Adams Lynda and Carty Beal of Midland, TX Susan Carrolan Patrick Andrew Dunigan Fund The Stephen Adler and Barbara and Richard Beckwitt Amy Carter Pamela and Kenneth Dunn, Sarah Brett-Smith Fund Amy Behrhorst Maria and Malcolm Casas Les Oiseaux Foundation Emily and Jon Albers Chip Beir, Annie and Coley Cassidy Bernice and Loyal Durand The Honorable Madeleine Albright The Beir Foundation Adriana Castro Melody and Robert Durham Pamela C. Alexander Advised Fund Madeleine Morrison and Scott Cawood Marisela Duval at Aspen Community Foundation Chuck Bellock, Bellock Morrison Olexa Celine, Ann and Osborne Dykes All Valley Women’s Care Philanthropic Foundation Robert I. Goldman Foundation Allergan Barbara and Bruce Berger, Mary and Adam Cherry, Alpine Bank Quality of Life Cancer Fund Big Blue Sky Foundation E at Aspen Community Foundation Jessica Christensen Susan and Eugene Ebner Lawrence, Joan, Casey, Joyce and Paul Eckel Brooke and Drew Altman Catherine Bergman Chukker TV Barbara and Pedro Bermann Citizens for Extraordinary Healthcare Peggy Egertson Jose Antonio Amaya Tracey and Bubba Eggleston AmazonSmile Foundation Sallie and Thomas Bernard, Rona and Jeff Citrin, Bernard Family Fund Citrin Family Foundation Gabrielle Eichstaedt John Anderson Randall Eis Michelle Anderson-McCauley Wilma and Stuart Bernstein Diane and Lawrence Citron Jill and Jay Bernstein City Market The David and Nina Eisenstat Jennifer Andres Donor Advised Fund Karen and Harry Andrews, Beverly Hills Caviar Megan and Tom Clark Big Wrap CLIF Bar & Company Jane B. and Michael D. Eisner, Andrews Family Foundation The Eisner Foundation Inc. Anonymous (7) Sue Binkley Tatem, PhD Megan Cockfield Dr. Archer and Sandie Bishop Wynee and Dan Coleman Engel & Völkers Anonymous in honor of Gail and Alfred Engelberg, Marian and Ralph Melville Janet and Robert Blaich, Pamela and Kevin Collins Blaich Family Fund Community First Foundation The Engelberg Foundation James Aresty Bruce Etkin, Etkin Family Victor Argueta Mark Blakely Pamela and Donald Conover Melissa Eisenstat and Jonathan Blau Anne Cooke Advised Fund at Aspen Elizabeth Arpey Community Foundation Petronella Strijbos-Arthur Ethan Bloom Cain Cooklin and Scott Arthur William Boehringer Lourdes and James Coombs Aspen Anesthesia Andrea Booher Donor Advised Fund Mary Dominick-Coomer F Dr. Chris and Rachel Beck Teresa Booth Brown and Sven Coomer Clara and Mauricio Fabre, Dr. Vincent and Aminah Franze Karin and Brian Boyd, Tom Cooper Latattore Foundation Dr. Eric and Roxanne Willsky New Cycle Foundation Katy and Adam Cooper Carol Farnsworth Aspen Art Museum The Braisted Family David Corbin Belinda and Eric Faulhaber Aspen Branch Deborah and Mark Breen Brenda and Lester Crain Darlynn and Thomas Fellman, Aspen Brewing Company Bruce Breiding Diana and Robert Cramer, Omaha Broadmoor Aspen Country Day School Johnny Brenden, Robert W. Cramer Giving Fund Elizabeth Fergus, Aspen Emergency Medicine Brenden Mann Foundation Brynn and Charles Crowe, Fergus Foundation Dr. Steven and Jennifer Ayers Lucila Tremols and Galen Bright The Kirby-Jones Foundation Susan and George Fesus Greg Balko, MD Felix Briseno Renée and Lester Crown Kathleen Fielding Catherine Bernard, MD Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation The Crown Family in Honor Nanette and Jerry* Finger Scott Gallagher, MD Jamie Britt of Renée and Lester Crown First Western Trust Aspen Office Drs. Natasha Knight and Ella and Scott Brittingham, Pamela Cunningham Patrick Flanigan Bud Glismann Brittingham Family Foundation Nancy Mayer and Steven Czechanski Gina Berko and David Fleisher Chris Martinez, MD Ross Brooks Dr. Peter Fodor and Aspen Film Abby and Doug Brown Barbara Lowe Fodor Family Foundation D Marylee and Howard Foley, Aspen Lash Bar Allison and Arthur Daily Steven Bruening HP & MZ Foley Family Fund Aspen Meadows Resort Carolyn Dales Carolyn S. Bucksbaum Jonathan Forbes Aspen Music Festival and School John Damiani Revocable Trust Forum Phi Aspen Reprographics John Darcy Jacolyn and John Bucksbaum Alejandra and Paul Foster, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Darn Tough Socks Bumble Trading Inc. Paul L. Foster Family Foundation Aspen Skiing Company Kori Davidson Amy Bumgarner Krista Fox Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund Lynn Russell and Stoney Davis Barbara Bunce,* Francesca’s Pasta Market at Aspen Community Foundation Irene C. Davis The Estate of Edgar F. Bunce & Empanadas Aspen Valley Hospital Medical Staff Jen Marcum and Tom de Napoli Jessica Burchetta Karen and James Frank, Aspen Valley Polo Club Darrel Degelau Keith Burgess J.S. Frank Foundation Kelly and Andy Atkinson Elsa Del Billar Nancy Burns and Debbie Côté Alyssa Franklin Paige Aube Brooke DelGrasso Heidi Burtscher Erin Fransen Ervin Averett Debra DeMeulenaere Kurt Busch Dr. Lesley Fraser and Regina Yunami Rebecca Ayres Jaclynn Derosier Dick Butera Jantha Freede Alexandria Christ and Trey Desenberg Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation B French Alpine Bistro - Muffy and Andy DiSabatino, Abel Banuelos C Crêperie du Village J. Alan Cablie DiSabatino Family Foundation Sally B. Sakin and Duncan Barber Barbara Fretz, Jean Cain Nancee and Benjamin Dodge Ellen Barlow Fretz Family Fund Terri and Anthony Caine The Estate of Josephine Dolinsek Cathy and Tim Barns Marilyn and Chuck Frias John Campbell Carol and Harlan Dopkin, Gicell Barragan Karen Phillips Friedberg and Doug Campbell Buzz Dopkin Enterprises Pamela Bastidas Marc Friedberg
22 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY
Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Kristen Henry Christine Karnes Russell Martin Golda and Sheldon Friedstein Yasmin Hermosillo Kauffman Foundation Matching Claudia Martinez Caroline and Mark Fryer Socorro Herrera Gifts Program Dee Matthews Jessica and John Fullerton, Hickory House Ribs Gideon Kaufman Hannah Maxwell JBF Capital, Inc. Kimberly Higgins Sue Anne Griffith and James Kaufman Elizabeth Mayer Lacy and Ernie Fyrwald Kelley Hill Emily Kay Mona Look-Mazza and Tony Mazza Hill Family Donor Advised Account Namdar Kazemi, MD Dorothy and Shirley McArthur Valerie Hincy Jill Kennedy Laurie and John McBride, G Bret Hirsh Deisy Kessler Aspen Business Center Foundation Gloria Gaasche Linda and Charles Ho Howard Keyes Dan and Tita McCarty Advised Fund Kem Carroll and Gary Gamble Judith Steinberg and Paul Hoenmans, Charitable Foundation at Aspen Community Foundation Melissa and Marc Ganzi ExxonMobil Foundation Michael Kimbel Maxine McCowan Ana Garcia The Estate of Eveline Hoffman Richard and Nancy Kinder, Elaine B. and James R. McDade Jose Arturo Garcia Gary Holbrook Kinder Foundation Charitable Trust Sara Garton Cindy Holland Wanda King Shauna McFeeley Ann Dahmer and Kevin Geiser Sandra Holmes Kay and James Kintzel Erin McGuire Michelle Gelroth Bert Holmes Richard and Marianne Kipper Merriwether McLean Dale Genet Katie and Robert Holton, Foundation Justina McLean, Margaret and Paul Gerardi Lilly Christy Busch Hermann Sarah Kling The McLean Legacy Fund Dr. Gordon and Elaine Gerson Charitable Foundation Steven Knowles Kathryn and Gregory McManus C Gary & Virginia Gerst Foundation Richard Horvitz and Dawn Kopf Lynne and Rick McMillan Alan Gettelman Erica Hartman-Horvitz Foundation Ryan Kotton, MD Miguel Medina Jonathan Gibans, MD Dale Hower, Skye Solheim Michael Kovacs Theresa Rogers and David Meeker Leslie and Peter Gilbert and Evan Solheim Kristin Kramer, Nancy Meinig, Windy and Dallas Gillespie Victoria Hufnagel Kramer-Skocaj Giving Fund Meinig Family Foundation Barbara Gold, Barbara and Carol, Mike and Daniel Hundert, Annette and Jeffrey Kremer Susan Melton John Gold Advised Fund NM Morris Family Foundation Karen Kribs Marian Melville at Aspen Community Foundation Jerriann Hunt Kimberly and Matthew Krugman Elizabeth Mercatoris Ramona Bruland and The Woody and Gayle Hunt Kimberly Kurr Scott Messina Michael Goldberg Family Foundation William Kury Stella Metsovas Ruben Gomez Soledad and Bob Hurst Josh Meyer Bridget Gonsalves Josue Hurtado Shirley Meyer Nancy Gooding Deborah Hutchinson L Renee and Bruce Michelson Margaret Goodman Leona Lacasse Elizabeth A. Milias Dr. Michael and Caryn Goralka Rachel Lahr Alicia Miller Melinda Gorden I Kathryn and Barry Lake Tiffany Minter Andrea and James Gordon Ingrid Hylkema Rickey Lamitie Michelle and Nicholas Miscione Julie Gordon ImageNet Consulting Dawn Lansinger Nancy and Charles Mitchell Gorsuch - Aspen Joleen and Paul Incze Ingalil Lark Elizabeth and Josh Mondry Paige Taylor and Benjamin Susan Insoft Paige Larkin Stacy Moore Gragnolati Sarah and Mark Iola The Lauder Family Helen and Wayne Moore Jan and Ronald Greenberg Isa Catto Studio LLC Abigail Lavy Lucinda Morgan Glenda and Jerry Greenwald, Sandy and Charles Israel, Kathryn Pitner and Robert Leatherman Mariah and Craig Morris The Greenwald Foundation Charles B. Israel Foundation Barbara and Jonathan Lee Arthur Morris, MD Gabrielle Greeves Rebecca and Doug Leibinger Virginia and Darrell Morrow Cheri Grinnell J Pandora Leitch Matthew Moschetto Paul E. Grueter Amanda and Justin Leonard Susan and Marvin Moses, Gucci J. McLaughlin Connie Leonard Laren and Alexander Jansen Moses Family Foundation Inc. The Guerra Family Lynne and Dan Levinson Mountain Flowers of Aspen Lisa Guida Lorraine and John Jardine Jay Levitt Jazz Aspen Snowmass Mountain Freshies LLC Anne Gurchick Linda Dresner and Edward Levy Mrs. Barr’s Natural Foods Jessica Gurrentz Jefferies Group LLC Stephanie Lewis Richard and Debbie Jelinek Ms. Rae Lampe’s Art Class The Gurrentz Family Melony and Adam Lewis at Aspen Middle School Sara and Bill Gustoff Advised Fund at Aspen Advised Fund at Aspen Community Foundation Michelle and Gabriel Muething Gwyn’s High Alpine Community Foundation Lauren and Mark Munger Jen’s Cafe Bars Daylene and Gary Lichtenwalter Myra Jex Drs. Heather and Michael Murphy Darlene and Victor Less Kelsey Musser H Joe Chocolate Co. Drs. Karen and Kelly Locke Lisa and Michael Haisfield Karen Johnson Stevie Lomahaftewa Edward & Julia Hansen Foundation Samantha Johnston Gail and Ralph Lombardi Vanessa Hardeman N Shana Johnstone, Louis Swiss Pastry Inc. Cheryl and Paul Natale Ethan Harkless Shenandoah Foundation Louis Vuitton Meredith Nelson-Daniel Julie Hartman Kirsten and Kyle Johnstone, Sam and Peter Louras Christine Walker Nerney and Lisa and Byron Haselden Kiryle Foundation The Lowe Foundation Thomas Nerney Becky Headden Jour de Fête Lowe’s Home Improvement Sean Nevin Healthcare Alliance Fund JÜS Aspen Meredith and Stephen Luskey Jennifer Nevins at Aspen Community Foundation Karin and Joseph Luter Kathleen and Thomas Niemer Katherine and Michael Heaney Katrin Luyten Kathleen Hutchinson and John Nolan Stefani and Christopher Heaphey K Diane and Gaines Norton Barbara and Peter Hearst Sandra and Jeffrey Kallenberg Susan and Wilson Lyle Paula Hebbard Nicolette Kantas Melissa Helser Robert Y. Kanterman, M O Shirley and Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr. Kanterman/Fine Family Fund Christopher Maciag Nome Obermeyer Bush Helzberg, Best & Co. Laura and Mike Kaplan, Dr. John and Lori Maloy James O’Callaghan Heidie Hendricks The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Gerson Manzano Jane and Daniel Och Casady M. Henry Family Foundation Marriott International Inc. Maury and Gerald Kaplan Diane Henry Janice Martin Continued on page 24
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 23 Janet and Thomas O’Connor, Dave and Julie Ressler Anna Silva 2020 Rescue Fund at Aspen The Arrowhead Foundation Ronald Ressler, Karen Silverman Community Foundation Jacqueline O’Harrow R. R. Ressler Family Trust Allison and Heinz K. Simon Two Leaves and a Bud Blanca and Cavanaugh O’Leary Cari and Garrett Reuss Keri and Jeffrey Sivess Dr. Stephen and Tamar Olitsky, Melissa Rhines Jennifer Slaughter and Derek Skalko Olitsky Family Foundation River Valley Ranch Golf Margie and Gerald Slater V Andrea and Doug Olson Kenneth Roberts, Lawrence J. Slater Family Fund Viktoria Vadenyuk Kathi Olson The M.U.S.E. Foundation Inc. Jamie Sloate Karen Vail Laurie Crown and Richard Ortega, Suzanne Robinson Penny and Basil Smilios, Stephen Vance Castaways Foundation Nancy and Richard Rogers Aspen Handyman Service Lisa Vantine Laureen Osier Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA LLC Nancy Smith Vectra Bank Juan Osorio Jennifer Roman Elizabeth Smith Marguerite VillaSanta, Carol and John Ott Steve Romanello Dawn and Russ Smyth Dr. Frank C. Marino Inc. Lisa Owens Ruth and Mel Ronick Snowmass Club Briana Von Ohlen Barbara and Donald Rosenberg Rachel and Benjamin Sollars Molly O. Ross Charif Souki P Rotary Club of Aspen Sandra Sovich W Stacy Paczos James Rothschild Linda Spada-Magill W Aspen Bruce Paddock, Royal Salute James Spencer Miles Wagner Paddock Foundation Jeannette Rubio Thatcher Spring Nancy and Charles Wall Helen Palmer William Rutledge St. Regis Aspen Family Foundation Fund Todd Panella John Rutledge Dr. Eric and Bari Stahl Donna and Thomas Ward Paradise Bakery & Cafe Stephanie Ryan Starbucks Coffee Tina and Gary Ward Bruce Parlette Elle Stark Soffia Wardy Ingrid Paschoalin Paula and Robert Starodoj Cindy and Rick Wark Carol Pasternak S Galia and Axel Stawski Steven Watkins Beverly and Matt Patera Karra Sabol Sandra and Stephen Stay Patricia and Jerome Webster Judith Tope and John Patterson Ana Salais Gillian and Robert Steel Gail and Lenny “Boogie” Weinglass Flor Paz-Pastrana Lucina Salcedo Dereynoso Linda and David Stein, Jeanne Weinkle Dr. Eleanor von Stade and Lauren Salzer David A. Stein Charitable Trust Mary Weinkle Doug Pearson Nathan and Karen Sandler Charitable Laura and Robert Stewart Darcy Weissenborn Anthony Peregretti Fund at the Jewish Community Melissa Stewart Dana and Michael Werner Hensley and James Peterson Foundation of Los Angeles Lonna and Michael Stolper, Amy Jo Westerman Patricia and Edwin Peterson Lois and Thomas Sando, Michael Stolper Fund Whispering Angel Brooke A. and Carol Peterson Sando Foundation William Stolz Stephanie Stach and Bill White Advised Fund at Aspen Corrine and Lenny Sands Foundation Jeanne Stough Barbara Bakios-Wickes and Community Foundation Dr. Clare and Marius Sanger Joel Strumph Steven Wickes Kim Peterson Robertson The Estate of Vincent Santucci Andrea and Lubert Stryer, Donna Lundgren and Dr. Tomas and Lori Pevny Jan and John Sarpa Stryer Family Philanthropic Fund of William Roy Wiedinmyer Suzanne Pfister Lisa Sarver the Jewish Community Foundation Dave Wilkins Amy and John Phelan Sashae Floral Arts & Gifts Suzanne Sturz Deborah Essex Willocks and Paula and Edmond Phillips Elizabeth Savage Mark and Jennifer Styslinger Nick Willocks Alina Pitman Jay Scharer Charitable Foundation Marilyn Wilmerding Ashley Plescia Suzanne Scheer Michelle Sullivan William and Marie Wise Tamra and Ed Polen, Julie Mathias and Keith Schenkelberg Sundance Liquor and Gifts Family Foundation Polen Family Foundation Drs. Randy and Joel Schenkman Sweet Coloradough Alison Wolfson Sandra Ponce Betty and Lloyd Schermer Michael Wolke Tiffany and Adam Poss Barbara and Stephen Schloss, Women’s Literary Club Lexie and Robert Potamkin Schloss Family Fund of the Bank T Sam Wyly Mary Frances Powell of America Charitable Fund Kimberly and Michael Taets Dana and William Powell, Barbara and Gene Schmitt, Monica Taitano Dana Dillard Powell Trust of 2011 The Schmitt Family Emily Taylor Y Lisa Pranno Charitable Foundation Kimberly Teaford Krista Yardas Benjamin Pritzker Alexander Schonwald Lois and Douglas Teegarden Hannah Yeary Lee Schumacher Lilia Tellez Diane Wallace and Jeff Yusem Q Ginette and Peter Sebenaler Sharon and Todd Thaden Mandy Quattlebaum Michelle and Stephen Selby Theatre Aspen Terri Sharp Kimberly Thompson Z Kelli and Allen Questrom Crispina Zacarias Sallie Shatz Fund of Katherine Benziger Elisha and Jeffrey Zander, The Community Foundation and Todd Threlkeld The Cardinal Trust of Utah Tiedemann Advisors R Judy and Joseph Zanin, Damian Radice Anthony Shaw Tiny Tweaks Zanin Family Foundation Radiology Imaging Associates Isa Catto Shaw and Daniel Shaw Laurie Tisch Pablo Zelaya Jose Ramos Rebecca Sheehan Paul Toler Silvia Zelaya Canas Gary and Susan Rappaport Jill Sheeley Sterling Tompkins The Ziff Family Family Charitable Fund Barbara and Robert Sheldon Beau Troesch Zivaro Inc. Allison Ratajczak Lauren and Brian Sherry Amy Trubiroha Wells Pixie and Jimmy Reiss Li Zhu and Don Shi Vicki and Jim True Lynda and Stewart Resnick Patricia and John Shields Donna and Rudolph Tulipani
*Fondly remembered
This list represents donors from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020 and also donors whose lifetime cumulative giving is $100,000 or greater. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, if we have made an error please contact us at 970.544.1302 so we can correct our records.
24 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY
Let’s face it, this worldwide pandemic has proven that Aspen Valley Hospital can never be too prepared. Managing COVID-19 cases while also caring for the thousands of other patients who present for tests, treatments, and preventative care has been a challenge — but a challenge we have been preparing for.
Over the past decade, an unprecedented four-phase Master Facilities Plan (MFP) has been underway, and three of the four phases are complete. These critical upgrades and improvements allow the Hospital to provide care in new, state-of-the-art facilities with advanced technology that assures patient safety, privacy, and extensive infection prevention capabilities.
The fourth and final phase of the MFP still needs to be completed and is 100% contingent on philanthropic support. Completing this phase will bring all of our facilities up to the latest standards and will ensure that we are operating to our fullest capacity.
While we cannot predict the future, we can plan and prepare for it. Your support can save lives.
0401 Castle Creek Road | Aspen, Colorado 81611 970.544.1302 [email protected] supportaspenvalleyhospital.org
EIN 46-0865487
DONATE ONLINE NOW
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 25 AVH Information Hub DIRECTORY of services Want to schedule an appointment? Wish to check on a patient? Have a billing question? For all of your questions and requests, here is a list of Aspen Valley Hospital phone numbers to call.
HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS General Information 970.925.1120 Nutrition Services 970.544.1157 Administration 970.544.1261 Oncology & Infusion 970.544.1507 Admissions 970.544.7350 Outpatient Scheduling 970.544.1392 Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation 970.544.1302 Pain Center of the Roaring Fork Valley 970.544.1146 Aspen Ambulance District 970.544.1583 Patient Care Unit 970.544.1135 Aspen Birth Center 970.544.1130 Pharmacy 970.544.1778 After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt 970.544.1250 Physical Therapy/Rehab Services 970.544.1177 Billing Help Line 970.544.7694 Same Day Surgery/Outpatient 970.544.1327 Breast Center 970.544.1420 Snowmass Clinic 970.544.1518 Business Office/Billing 970.544.7377 Spanish Resources 970.544.1543 800.262.3067 Surgery Scheduling 970.544.7391 Cardiac Rehabilitation 970.544.1383 Whitcomb Terrace Assisted Living 970.544.1530 Cardiopulmonary/Respiratory Clinic 970.544.1264 Community Relations 970.544.1296 MEDICAL PRACTICES Diabetes Education 970.544.7394 Center for Medical Care Diagnostic Imaging 970.544.1192 Aspen Valley Primary Care 970.279.4111 Diagnostic Scheduling 970.544.1392 Cardiology 970.544.7385 Emergency Department 970.544.1228 Ophthalmology 970.544.1460 Gift Shop 970.544.1304 OrthoAspen 970.544.1289 Human Resources 970.544.1367 Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) 970.544.1460 Laboratory 970.544.1570 Endocrinology 970.544.1395 Medical Records 970.544.1290 Pulmonology 877.225.5654 Midvalley Imaging Center 970.927.5087 Rheumatology 970.544.1395 Nuclear Medicine 970.544.1127 AVH network of care El Jebel Basalt Post Office N Basalt Intercept Lot After-Hours Medical 82 Aspen/Pitkin Willits Care County Airport Town Center Aspen Aspen Valley OrthoAspen Aspen Valley Hospital Primary Care Snowmass Downtown Aspen AVH Outpatient Physical Therapy Village Snowmass Club Snowmass Base Village Whitcomb Terrace Snowmass Assisted Living Clinic
26 HEALTH MATTERS | FALL 2020 Detecting Breast Cancer Early With Screenings ASK THE EXPERT
Elizabeth (Betsy) Brew, MD, FACS, general surgeon at Aspen Valley Hospital, on the importance of breast health screenings and the satisfaction of helping women through an extraordinarily stressful time.
hy are regular breast health equipment, and we have radiologists screenings so important for specially trained in interpreting breast W women? images — which is remarkable for a small Breast cancer affects one in eight women hospital. If a woman needs care beyond in the U.S. Ninety percent of these women Breast health imaging, our nurse navigators offer have no family history of breast cancer, caring, individualized support. AVH also so screening is the most effective tool screenings are the provides outstanding medical oncology to detect cancer early, when treatment care if there is a diagnosis of breast cancer. options and outcomes are best. most effective way Why did you choose to specialize in What is the #1 reason women avoid to detect cancer breast care and breast cancer surgery? screenings, and what would you say When I started in practice, there were to a woman who has that rationale? early when treatment very few women general surgeons. I Unfortunately, many women avoid joined a group in Wheat Ridge, Colo., in screenings because they do not think options and outcomes 1996 and was their first woman surgeon. they are at risk. They think if they do not As a result, my practice quickly filled with have a family history of breast cancer or are best. women, many with breast health issues. if they are healthy, they won’t get breast cancer. To overcome this perception, I also enjoy the multi-disciplinary approach I tell my patients that a mammogram to breast cancer treatment, which involves and possibly whole breast ultrasound the patient, her family and friends, and are still the best techniques that we have her care team: surgeon, radiologists, for early detection of breast cancer. radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and genetic counselors. Most importantly, What are recommended guidelines I appreciate being able to take care of for breast health screening? women at a moment of great stress and I like the American Society of Breast help them realize they will likely be cured Surgeons guidelines, which are relatively and can resume their normal lives. simple to follow. Basically, all women age 25 and older should have a formal risk How is your membership in Surgical assessment for breast cancer. Then at Specialists of Colorado an advantage age 40, all women at average risk should in treating breast cancer? start annual 3D screening mammograms. I started at AVH by covering trauma cases Women with dense breast tissue should and quickly realized there was a need for consider supplemental imaging, such a breast surgeon in the valley. I was amazed as an ultrasound. Women should how many women were driving to Vail and continue annual mammograms Denver at such a stressful time in their until their life expectancy is less lives. My experience as a partner of SSOC, than 10 years. For women at combined with AVH’s resources, has higher risk, earlier screening allowed me to provide outstanding and possibly breast MRI scans care for women in their own world. should be considered. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How would you describe To learn more about the Breast Center at AVH’s breast health services? AVH and breast health screenings, visit Our services are excellent. The aspenhospital.org/breast-center or call Breast Center has state-of-the-art 970.544.1420. n
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL 27 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CURTIS 1000
Photo by Vital Films
HOW TO GET TESTED FOR COVID-19 If you have symptoms of cough, fever and/or shortness of breath:
Call your doctor or Aspen Valley There is no cost for the test 1. Primary Care at 970.279.4111 to 2. beyond insurance (if you have it). get a referral for testing (no walk-ins). No insurance needed.
Aspen Valley Hospital’s Respiratory Evaluation Center is open to see and test referral patients with COVID-19 symptoms under the following schedule*: 3. n Evaluation of moderate to severe symptoms: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon. n Community testing: Monday - Friday, 1 - 5 p.m., with a physician referral. n Weekend hours for community testing: 12 noon - 2 p.m., with a physician referral.
*Hours may change. Please check aspenhospital.org for the latest updates.
@AspenValleyHospital @AspenValleyHospital @AspenValleyHospital
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This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see your physician if you have a health problem. Aspen Valley Hospital respects your privacy. If you prefer not to receive communications from us, please email [email protected] or call 970.544.1302.