FREE Take One
SAN LUIS VALLEY
2018
PROGRESS
Health & Recreation
February 28, 2018 719-852-3531 835 First Ave. Monte Vista, Colo.
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Health & Recreation Progress
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Medical marijuana regulations and cautions BY TERESA L. BENNS
SAN LUIS VALLEY — According to Internet statistics, over 100,000 medical marijuana applications have been granted and several hundred thousand applications are pending in Colorado. Retail marijuana legalization in 2012 means the drug is available, whether for medicinal or recreational use, to everyone. But before consumers make that buy, there are some things to consider health-wise and laws they must be aware of to be able to use marijuana in Colorado both safely and legally.
Medical marijuana card To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Colorado, applicants must present a valid social security number and be receiving treatment for one of many conditions listed as qualifying by the state. These include: • HIV or AIDS • Glaucoma • Cancer • Seizures • Severe pain • Severe nausea • Persistent muscle spasms and • Cachexia (a wasting disease often associated with cancer, certain infectious diseases, and other autoimmune disorders). A physician must determine, in the case of the last five chronic and debilitating ailments, that marijuana would be useful in treating and alleviating symptoms. Those wishing to apply for a medical marijuana card must present a completed application, a certification form completed by the physician and a $15 money order made out to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE). Those wishing to designate a caregiver must also fill out a Caregiver Acknowledgment form and include the caregiver’s ID. Minors under 18 must also submit a parental consent form. Those without Colorado ID can obtain a temporary (one year) residency waiver by supplying the required documents and proof of identity. When renewing the card, a Colorado driver’s license or photo ID is required. On approval, patients may possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow up to six plants. Three of these plants can be mature and flowering at any time. A caregiver can also possess this amount for a patient. Types of caregivers in Colorado include: parent caregivers, advisory caregivers, transportation caregivers who and purchases and deliver
marijuana to a patient’s home and cultivation caregivers, who grow the product for the patient. To apply for a marijuana card, go to https:// www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/ CHED_MMR_Form_MMR1001_APPLICATION_0316.pdf
Medical marijuana benefits Some of the most beneficial medical aspects of marijuana may not be related to the “high” generally associated with the drug. CBD cannabinoids, a marijuana byproduct, do not affect the mind or behavior. Scientists are conducting further studies into reports that this substance can reduce pain and inflammation, control epileptic seizures, and possibly improve mental health problems and addictions. Marijuana extracts also are being studied to determine if they kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. Certain studies indicate that when used with radiation, the extracts can increase cancer-killing properties. Preclinical and clinical trials also are being conducted to determine if marijuana and its extracts can successful treat various autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis Courtesy photo and Alzheimers. Hemp is a product that can be put to many uses, such as macrame items and various healing oils. Epilepsy treatment would reduce the potency of their crops if cross- It is believed over 25,000 different items can be The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado fea- pollination occurred. made with hemp. tures a comprehensive summary of the treatThe THC content of industrial hemp varies The crop can be grown almost anywhere and ment of children with CBDs to control epilepsy from between 0.05 and 1percent, while mari- is naturally pest-resistant. Cotton, by compariand related conditions. Children’s Hospital in juana THC content ranges from three percent son, must constantly be sprayed with pesticides Denver is currently conducting research stud- to 20 percent. to guarantee the expected yield, consuming over ies on CBD’s to determine the effectiveness, According to the North American Industrial 50 percent of all the world’s pesticides. side effects and the effects of long-term use Hemp Council, hemp is an historic crop in this Hemp can be pulped using fewer chemicals in children. country. Another website notes the United States than required for wood so is a natural forest The site urges parents and caregivers to be is the only developed nation in the world that saver. When a hemp crop is harvested, it leaves cautious in arriving at informed treatment deci- classifies hemp as a drug. Currently states are no weeds behind. Hemp produces roughly three sions, and notes that CBDs should be their last allowed to produce hemp after proper guidelines to five tons of fiber per acre, four times what the resort in seeking treatment for their child (http:// and regulations are put in place. average forest yields. www.epilepsycolorado.org/news-research/medThe difference between hemp and marijuana Hemp also is a great source of polyunsatuical-marijuana/efco-report-to-the-community/). production is that hemp hones in on enhancing rated essential fatty acids, containing a rare nufiber, seed and oil, while marijuana growers trient known as GLA, believed helpful for the Hemp facts primarily seek to maximize the psychoactive alternative treatment of autoimmune conditions. An Internet search finds few “cons” to the element in their crop. The original “gruel” was made of hemp meal. cultivation of marijuana’s cousin, hemp, which Historically, hemp has been grown for Hemp oil and seed can also become ingredients many feel could become a popular agricultural 12,000 years and the Founding Fathers of this for various nutritional products. product in the Valley. Some concerns include country were among the first to grow it here. It The largest hemp farm in the U.S. is located in cross pollination of the product with marijuana has been said that the first American flag was Eaton, Colo. Many believe the San Luis Valley crops and possible use of the product as an made from hemp. Hemp fibers can be used to is a hemp farm destination area. intoxicant, which most agree would be dif- make almost anything, ranging from clothing, Local hemp products can be viewed at http:// ficult if not impossible, owing to its low THC rope, ships sails, fiberboard, paper products, a www.slvhemp.com content. Those growing marijuana are worried biodegradable sort of plastic, paints, resins and For more information, visit http://naihc.org/ about hemp production for that very reason — it shellacs (from the oil) and many other products. hemp_information/hemp_facts.html#history
State health department releases first medical aid-in-dying report
COLORADO— Data compiled by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that 69 terminally ill Coloradans received a physician’s prescription in 2017 to obtain aid-in-dying medication to voluntarily end their lives. Aid-in-dying medication was dispensed by Colorado pharmacies to 50 patients. These data do not show whether individuals ingested the aid-in-dying medication dispensed by the pharmacy; however, among all those prescribed the medication, the department has received death certificates for 56 patients through routine vital records registration. Note that not all of these deceased patients were dispensed aid-in-dying medication, and deaths may have been due to ingestion of aid-in-dying medication, the underlying terminal illness or condition, or other causes. The Colorado End-of-Life Options Act passed in 2016 requires the department to collect data from physicians who prescribe aid-in-dying
medication, and from pharmacists who dispense this medication. These data are presented in Colorado’s first annual statistical report describing Colorado’s participation in medical aid-in-dying. All data collected concerning participation in medical aid-in-dying are confidential. The department is prohibited from releasing any information about individual patients, physicians or pharmacists who participate in the act. Characteristics of Coloradans who were prescribed aid-in-dying medication and who have since died mirror those of other states with medical aid-in-dying laws, including similar proportions of female (46 percent) and male participants (54 percent); similar median age (75 years); similar terminal illness diagnoses, including cancer (64 percent), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, 10 percent), heart diseases (including heart failure, 10 percent) and respiratory diseases (including COPD, nine percent); and similar proportions of
participants enrolled in hospice care (93 percent). The report describes other characteristics of individuals prescribed aid-in-dying medication who have since died, including age group, race/ ethnicity, marital status, educational attainment, county of residence and where death occurred. To comply with the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act, physicians who prescribe aid-in-dying medication are reminded to submit the following documentation to the department: • Attending/prescribing physician form. • Patient’s completed written request for
medical aid-in-dying medication. • Written confirmation of mental capacity from a licensed mental health provider (if applicable). • Consulting physician’s written confirmation of diagnosis and prognosis. Health care providers who dispense aid-indying medication must submit a medication dispensing form. Instructions for reporting, including forms, and this report are available at https://www.colorado. gov/pacific/cdphe/medical-aid-dying
Bone density exams on hold ALAMOSA—Due to an anticipated upgrade in equipment, SLV Health will not be providing bone density exams until further notice. It was determined that instead of investing money into an older outdated machine SLVH would concentrate on purchasing a more updated Bone Dexa
machine. SLV Health will also be relocating this service to the Stuart Avenue Clinic (PS), 2115 Stuart Avenue, Alamosa in the X-ray department. SLV Health apologizes for any inconvenience. Please contact Director of Radiology Janet McGinnis at 719-587-1230 with any questions.
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Health & Recreation Progress
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Options for health insurance SAN LUIS VALLETY — The unemployed, working parents struggling to raise families, those with pre-existing medical conditions — all know the difficulty of finding an affordable insurance plan that suits their personal needs or the needs of all family members. While many blame insurance companies for consistently raising premiums and driving up insurance costs, the most common cause of rising insurance rates is the exorbitant cost of medical procedures and the cost of prescription medications. One Internet article reports the pharmaceutical industry is the single largest lobbyist in Congress and also lobbies the Food and Drug Administration. Until Congress finally gets down to business and presents Americans with a workable healthcare plan, consumers are burdened with doing the best they can to cover their healthcare expenses. The following tips may help them make those choices.
and are not financially dependent upon them (see healthcare.gov). This is the cheapest option even if reimbursing parents for premium costs. For those with pre-existing conditions, there are federal and state options known as PCIP/ High Risk Pools that offer insurance under the Affordable Health Care Act. This insurance covers major medical and prescription drug costs. Deductibles, out of pocket expenses and premiums state to state may vary. Check out Medicaid Individuals with limited income who meet the criteria may qualify for Medicaid. Those who are pregnant or disabled will likely qualify. Check with the local department of Social Services to see if any given family or individual meets the criteria.
Private plans For consumers choosing to buy private insurance, the following comparison charts will Piggyback on a parent’s plan help determine the best plan: HealthCare.gov’s Those under the age of 26 might be able to plan finder and eHealthInsurance.com. Sort by be added to a parent’s health insurance plan, estimated monthly rate at: HealthCare.gov›s even if they are married, don’t live with them plan finder. These plans can be very expensive.
At eHealthInsurance, consumers can also sort insurance crisis while others feel they take unfair by price or deductible and also see customer advantage of patients who often pay more for ratings. physician services. Patients can pay as little as $1,200 a year up to $5,000 a year depending HMOs, PPOs and hospital only plans on the type and level of coverage they prefer. HMO and PPO plans also are available. Some hybrid practices do accept insurance, HMOs help people see a primary care physician but most concierge plans do not accept insurwho can then refer them to a specialist, if neces- ance. Some patients have 24-hour access to sary. PPOs provide a network of physicians to doctors through the phone or e-mail, same-day choose from. appointments at the home or office, basic lab Hospital-only plans offer emergency-only work and other services. care for those who are relatively healthy. Some The fee doesn’t cover specialists or hosof these plans also offer preventative health pitalizations, which is why most concierge care such as flu shots and well-child visits at patients have traditional or catastrophic health no extra charge. insurance. But some preventative procedures are covered that are not covered by the AffordHigh deductible plans able Care Act. High deductible plans work well for those Search concierge doctors by state at the Amerusing it in conjunction with a health savings ican Academy of Private Physicians to locate account. A few thousand dollars per person concierge doctors by state. Another network of must be saved before the deductible can be paid. concierge physicians, is MDVIP. These doctors affiliated with this group charge a membership Concierge coverage fee of $1,500 to $1,800 per year. Their practices Another type of health coverage is a concierge are limited to no more than 600 patients. plan, a type of cooperative insurance. Some have Shop wisely and best of luck finding a plan touted these plans as the answer to the present that fits.
Valley-Wide opens new clinic, continues intern program BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SAN LUIS VALLEY—Valley-Wide Health Systems has opened a new clinic in partnership with San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group on the south side of Alamosa. According to Valley-Wide President/CEO Gigi Darricades, the clinic is a new, innovative health provider that brings the services of Valley-Wide family practice and combines it with the mental health services provided by SLV Behavioral Health. “We are two separate organizations that have combined to offer a wide range of services in one location. Not only is it convenient for our patients, it is a chance for our two organizations to further our partnership in a new model clinic,” said Darricades. Darricades continued, explaining that ValleyWide has always had counselors within their clinics, offering mental health services to their patients, but now with the new branch, patients have a primary care facility that they can con-
sider their health care home. “We want patients to have a medical home. Our providers offer a wide variety of services from wellness check ups and woman’s care to total medical services and now with SLV Behavioral Health Group, they can get all of their health services in one place which makes treatment a lot easier,” finished Darricades. “The clinic is currently open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has been very successful. It’s a nice joint effort and very convenient for our patients.” Residency program In addition to the new clinic, Valley-Wide is also in the middle of their new residency program. Several years ago, Valley-Wide Health Systems took part in a region-wide residency program that introduced new people to the differences of rural medical and dental training. As a result, the Valley saw an increase in both health and dental
providers, however, the program ended when the people running it moved away. Now, years later other health and dental officials have taken over and will be reintroducing the residency to the Valley this summer. Last year, Dr. Barbara Troy explained the medical residency program, beginning with the fact that thanks to recent legislature changes, the state of Colorado will be funding the program in order to train more doctors in the rural lifestyle setting. “There is a significant difference between rural medical training and metropolis medical training. For one, in a city specialists are available on demand. In rural areas like the communities in the San Luis Valley, we have to send people abroad to a specialist or have people here in the area trained for specific medical practices,” stated Troy. Residents enrolled in the program have gone through a rigorous selection process for three Colorado communities that will serve as test
locations for the program through Rural Training Track. Alamosa, Fort Morgan and Sterling, Colo. will each receive two resident medical doctors in July that will help serve their communities for the next two years. The residents begin at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pueblo prior to coming to the Valley to receive initial training for the rural communities they will serve. Once the residents arrive in the Valley, each will be responsible for a wide range of services including OB, ER, clinic patients and everything in between. “We have two residents currently on site with two more due to come in July of this year and two more in July of next year. We are really working to improve health care services in the Valley and it’s very exciting. We have received great feedback from our patients, some saying that the care they received from residents was amazing,” said Darricades.
There are alternatives to traditional medicine
SAN LUIS VALLEY— Contrary to popular belief, significant expense is paid to test alternative medicine, including more than $2.5 billion spent by the United States government. Alternative treatments are not the same as experimental medicine or traditional medicine, although much of the latter is alternative when used today. Newer proponents often suggest alternative medicine be used together with functional medical treatment, in a belief that it “complements» (improves the effect of or mitigates the side effects of) the treatment. Alternative medicine is criticized for being based on misleading statements; however, practitioners in the San Luis Valley are careful not to make unprovable statements. Here are some elements of complementary medicine practiced in the San Luis Valley.
so energy can flow freely again, restoring wellness. More research is needed, but pilot studies have found positive results: Acupressure might decrease nausea for chemotherapy patients and reduce anxiety in people scheduled to have surgery. Many massage therapists successfully practice this.
Acupuncture Though “acupuncture” may immediately bring needles to mind, the term actually describes an array of procedures that stimulate specific points on the body. The best-known variety consists of penetrating the skin with thin needles controlled by a practitioner or electrical stimulation, and it’s currently used by millions of Americans each year. Some studies find it helpful for chronic pain or depression and each patient has different needs. Acupressure Acupuncturist Rick Wertz offers this remedy This is similar to acupuncture, but no needles every Tuesday morning at the Alamosa Senior are involved. Citizens Center. Practitioners use their hands, elbows or feet to apply pressure to specific points along the Turning to nature body’s “meridians.” According to the theory This is where medical marijuana comes behind acupressure, meridians are channels into play. The Cannabis plant has a history of that carry life energy (qi or ch’i) throughout the medicinal use dating back thousands of years body. The reasoning holds that illness can occur across many cultures. when one of these meridians is blocked or out of Naturopathic medicine is premised on balance; acupressure is thought to ease blockage the healing power of nature.
Trained in both conventional and alternative medicines naturopathic doctors seek to understand the cause of a condition by exploring its mental, physical and spiritual manifestations in any given patient. Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment techniques including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. Treatment for sciatica, for example, includes exercises, behavioral changes and homeopathy, along with traditional pain control medications. Because it involves so many different therapies, it’s difficult to design studies that specifically target naturopathy’s effectiveness. In fact, one study that evaluated the practice for low back pain found positive results. Also considered homeopathic are medical cannabis or medical marijuana. Cannabis and cannabinoids are sometimes recommended by doctors for their patients. The use of cannabis as medicine has not been rigorously tested due to production restrictions and other governmental regulations. Limited
evidence suggests cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS and reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms. Tinctures derived from cannabis are useful as massage lotions for those who don’t want to use it as internal medicine. For information on this, stop by any distributor with a green cross on its sign.
Ayurvedic medicine Ayurveda originated in India and has been around for thousands of years. Practitioners use a variety of techniques, including herbs, massage and specialized diets, with the intent of balancing the body, mind and spirit to promote overall wellness. Similar practices exist in native tribes and other cultures that have existed before modern medicine. the fact that the treatment system has persisted for so many years suggests it’s got something going for it. For information on this, stop by the Valley Food Co-Op in Alamosa.
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Emergency professionals sharpen skills at TSJC EMS Symposium
SAN LUIS VALLEY— It takes a certain skill set to quickly assess and address the injured at the scene of an accident or a medical emergency. A delay of only seconds can be the difference between life and death. To stay abreast of changes in medical emergency treatment, many of Colorado’s emergency medical personnel attended the annual EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Symposium. Teaming with SLV RETAC (Regional Emergency & Trauma Advisory Committee) Trinidad State hosts the symposium every February on the Valley Campus in Alamosa. “This is a great program,” said David Chavez, a ranger at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. “I come every year to work toward recertification. It’s really nice to meet other providers. Team building skills begin here.” More than 30 topics were presented by 15 instructors. Participants earned many of their required continuing education units or credits (CEUs) during the three-day symposium. Topics included: understanding EKG print outs, working with autistic children, diabetics and asthmatics, electronics in EMS, team work with fire departments, new equipment and techniques and much more. These like-minded public servants share a special camaraderie as they return to the symposium year after year to learn and to share together. For husband and wife team, Mark and Lisa Werts, medical emergency team-building skills began before their marriage when he was one of her EMS instructors. Now living in Holyoke, Colo., where Mark works with the police department, they come to this symposium every year to reunite with fellow EMTs, to learn and to teach. Both are volunteers for their local ambulance service. Mark will return to the Valley in June to teach a three-day tactical medical class at the college. Tactical medics work with law enforcement to provide medical care for SWAT (special weapons and tactics) teams. Bringing with him a host of new medical emergency devices and equipment, Fidel Garcia, a paramedic for over 30 years, comes from Grand Junction each year to teach multiple classes at the event. Lisa Werts said he will do whatever it takes to get the point across. He even created a dance to help students remember class material. Garcia is a sought-after presenter who teaches throughout the United States. Chris Mulberry, a Trinidad State EMS gradu-
ate, is working with the Platte Valley Ambulance Services in Brighton, Colo. He presents throughout the state and taught several classes at the symposium. A four-legged visitor named Rocky, a Golden Retriever, belonging to Deb and Gary Haverfield is a registered therapy dog. Golden Retrievers are known to be sensitive both mentally and physically. Rocky visits The Legacy (an assisted living facility) in Monte Vista weekly. The Haverfields plan to use him to help calm victims and reduce stress when they are first responders after traumatic events. Trinidad State alumnus, Angie Medina, who earned both EMS and nursing degrees at the college, has been teaching nursing there for eight years. She is the Simulation Coordinator for the Alamosa Campus. It is her job to program electronic mannequins as a teaching tool. The more advanced mannequins can be programmed with heart, lung and bowel sounds, can speak, and can mimic many medical conditions such as heart attacks, appendicitis, birth, strokes and much more. “I absolutely love working with simulation,” said Medina. “It’s a great safe learning environment where mistakes are made, and students learn what not to do in practice.” For the symposium she had two live-birth scenarios with two different mannequins. One was an unconscious roll over victim with traumatic wounds to a leg and a foot. The other was a young woman on meth. After her lecture, she invited participants to address the birth challenges as they delivered the babies. One paramedic told about the first baby she delivered in her career while riding in an ambulance. Minutes after the mother was loaded into the ambulance, the baby was born. There was no time to prepare and the EMT hurriedly cut the umbilical cord too close to the baby and was immediately sprayed with blood from head to toe. A lesson learned as Medina explained that the umbilical cord should be cut about six inches from the baby and then clamped off which also allows it to be used as an intravenous line if needed. Each day during lunch one or two specialized high visibility EMT jackets, provided by SLV RETAC, were given away along with many other door prizes. When Eva Campbell’s name was drawn for a jacket, she jumped up from her chair and exclaimed, “I’ve been waiting 20 years for this!” An EMT from Trinidad,
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Shannon Uran, Charles Maze and Quinton Norris practice simulations of ambulance calls while a student poses as the victim. Campbell finally won her most coveted prize. A new tradition was established last year at the symposium in memory of Dusty Claunch, a well-liked Trinidad EMS graduate who was killed in an airplane crash while spraying crops in August 2016. Claunch was known to be generous, kind, compassionate, loyal and fun-loving. Each year the Dusty Crophopper Big Heart Award is given to an EMT who exemplifies those characteristics. At noon on Saturday, Betsey Strawn was moved to tears as she humbly accepted the award from Deb Haverfield who recognized her for her many years of service. Similar in personality to Claunch, Strawn has served as an EMT since 1977 when she followed in her Dad’s footsteps. Her mom, Delma Dooley, who walked in and surprised Strawn for the presentation, explained what really happened. When Strawn was a senior in high school, she was grounded for bad behavior and was required to be with a parent at all times. Having no choice, she accompanied her dad to his EMT refresher class. She liked it so much she took the training. Her brother also became an
EMT and her retired military husband was one too. Their daughter, Christine, who graduated from Trinidad State, is a paramedic for Flight for Life making three generations of emergency medical personnel in the family. Christine’s husband, Zachary Davis, another Trinidad State graduate who was raised in Alamosa, is a paramedic for Airlife out of Denver. Strawn fully expects their grandson, Thatcher, to follow in their footsteps making this an ever-expanding family affair. In addition to Trinidad State and SLV RETAC, Flight for Life and North Star Ambulance also sponsored the event. Dean of Instruction (for health-related programs) LoriRae Hamilton and Nursing Instructor Marty Dineen organized the meals, even cooking some of them. Haverfield has been coordinating this event for over 20 years. “EMS in this Valley wouldn’t be the same without Deb,” said Lisa Werts. To learn more about the EMS program, or CPR or First Aid certification, call Haverfield at 719-589-7046. Or call the Learning Center at 719-589-7135 and be sure to ask for advising on the Valley Campus.
Local veterans group helps with healthcare issues BY TERESA L. BENNS
During a recent veterans’ coalition meeting in Alamosa, VA officials heard questions from veterans who experienced grave difficulties in resolving their healthcare issues. One man told a story of a veteran who lost his eyesight in one eye because the VA refused care. Another was refused emergency care at a Valley hospital. Veterans complained they cannot get Choice healthcare providers to see them because the VA will not pay the providers. Issues like these have sparked outrage nationwide and national investigations, which now have reached Colorado VA facilities, Nagley said. Several states have reported deaths or possible deaths resulting from delays in receiving care at VA clinics and hospitals. Commenting on the completion of the new VA hospital in Denver, Nagley noted: “One of its main purposes is to be the most sophisticated spinal injury hospital in the nation. It will go through regardless of the politics being played.” The new hospital will serve a six-state region, helping to compensate for other VA hospitals closed recently. Nagley cited poor planning and poor administration at the top as the reasons the unfinished facility has reportedly become one of the most expensive hospitals ever built. Recently it was revealed the old VA hospital Veteran’s Choice program Nagley said the Veteran’s Choice program will need to remain open because the new hosconsiders Alamosa (with no physician) as one pital does not have enough examining rooms. of the regions where veterans are eligible for Involving local government VA to pay to have them see local doctors. While Nagley explained that the coalition works the program helps veterans see doctors more quickly and avoid long drives to Denver or with 18 commissioners throughout the valley, Pueblo, veterans still face problems in dealing county veterans service officers, state senators and the governor’s office as well as U.S. senators with healthcare issues.
SAN LUIS VALLEY— A group formed four years ago is fighting on the local front to help provide better health care and overall services for veterans by working with local government officials and the Veteran’s Administration (VA). That applies to some 5,000 veterans living in the valley, roughly 10 percent of the population, many of them retirees receiving monthly benefits. The Veterans Coalition of the San Luis Valley first organized formally and stepped to the forefront when the Alamosa VA Clinic lost its physician. The clinic has been without a physician for four years. “As everyone knows, VA is not serving its vets very well,” coalition member Richard Nagley commented during a phone interview Monday. He says the group is trying to lobby for improved health care services in the valley so that World War II veterans in their 80s do not have to drive to Denver “just to get an x-ray.” Although the Trump administration promised improvement in veterans’ healthcare, changes are painfully slow in coming. And now the national director for VA is involved in a travel scandal that could bring his resignation.
Photo by Teresa L. Benns
Healthcare providers speak at a veterans’ coalition meeting held at Adams State University. and representatives — also the VA itself — to have as many as 500 women veterans needing explore all alternatives in improving the health care, he estimated. delivery system. The group also works with A new women’s veterans group meets on a local hospitals and clinics as well as mental monthly basis at Home Lake. Jayne Salisbury, health and has secured discounts for veterans coordinator for VC-SLV is also the president from local businesses who support the project. of the Women Veterans of the San Luis Valley. The SLV Veterans Coalition meets the Women vets in valley third Wednesday of each month at 1921 Main Because gynecological and obstetric ser- Street in Alamosa, (formerly the Grizzly Inn vices, also breast exams, are not readily avail- Restaurant, now the SLV Health Education & able from VA facilities in the valley, women Conference Center), from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. For more information, call 719-992-4108 or veterans often are more underserved than male veterans, Nagley pointed out. The Valley may email sahndra.vcslv@gojade.org.
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Health & Recreation Progress
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SLV Health receives prestigious Summit Award
SAN LUIS VALLEY — San Luis Valley Health received a Summit Award as the Hospital Provider of Choice and also two Pinnacle Awards as the Hospital Provider of Choice and for Patti Thompson as the Inspiring Administrator at the 2018 HealthCare Service Excellence Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The Summit Award is the highest award of excellence presented at the HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. It is awarded to qualified, innovative, and progressive individuals, teams, and healthcare facilities who have made outstanding progress towards improving the patient experience and staff engagement. Individuals, teams, or organizations must be nominated to be eligible for a Summit Award. San Luis Valley Health was awarded 33 Outstanding Achievements in Breakthrough & Star Rating Awards which speaks to providing evidence based solutions to increase patient care, safety and satisfaction. SLV Health is in their 4th year of the Service Excellence initiative, with a goal to increase the satisfaction of the patient experience in both the hospitals and the clinics. Of the 33 breakthrough and star rating awards, the Diamond award was significant because it meant that SLV Health scored 10 percentage points higher than the comparative data from the vendor survey of patients about their experience. These are awarded annually to hospitals and clinics which have demonstrated improvement and achievement with meeting or exceeding their goals. SLV Health received 5 Ruby, 11 Emeralds, 2 Golds, 6 Silvers and 8Bronze awards, each representing various measures of percentage points of improvement for different criteria. Each category focuses on different criteria such as total time spent waiting, the registration process, explanations of new medication and much more. These awards demonstrate the success of the total commitment to improve customer service from all personnel from the front line to the administrators. SLV Health’s Regional Medical Center increased to a 4-star hospital in 2017 which was a great achievement in patient safety and satisfaction.
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SLV Health 2018 conference attendees proudly display 33 awards received at the 18th Annual Night of Excellence Summit Awards. From left are Felicia Durham, Karen McKee, Adam Lawrence, Tom Scrivana, Janet McGinnis, Patti Thompson, Sam Valdez, Billy Werner, Cindy Bradley, Taylor Broughman and Ressa Gonzales. Not pictured are attendees Amber Romero and Reina Chacon. The star rating and awards acknowledge the efforts of SLV Health staff to increase patient and family satisfaction as measured by an independent source. In 2017, the Summit Awards committee received over 265 nominations from 20 different healthcare organizations spanning 10 states. 54 of the nominations were chosen as Pinnacle Achievers (the best of the best), and 15 of those 54 were presented the Summit Award. The 2017 Summit Awards are presented by Custom Learning Systems during the annual HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. The HealthCare Service Excellence Conference is dedicated to delivering evidence based solutions to help hospitals and other healthcare facilities improve the overall patient experi-
ence. Each year, participating organizational I-2 Service Excellence Mentor- Monica employees are invited to submit nominations. Hinds It’s an honor to be nominated by your peers I-3 Exceptional Nurse- Lisa Romero and the divisions and individuals who were I-3 Exceptional Nurse- Sheena Mathis nominated in the different categories are listed L-13 Inspiring- Administrator Patti Thompbelow. son SLV Health is so proud of its team members I-3 Exceptional Nurse- Monica Hinds for these amazing accomplishments! I-4 Exceptional Employee- John Thompson I-5 Empowering Manager- Adam Lawrence Nominations for Breakthrough Awards from I-5 Empowering Manager- Nina Crawford San Luis Valley Health: I-6 Customer Focused Physician- Dr. Nuwan T-8 OASIS Team-Clinic Patient Experience Pilapitiya T-8 OASIS Team-Transition of Care L-10 Super Coach- Mandy Crockett T-9 DO IT Improvement of the Year- La Jara L-13 Inspiring- Administrator Kelly GalClinic Team legos I-1 Service Excellence Advisor- Merisa O-16 Hospital Provider of Choice- San Luis Armstrong Valley Health
Valley-Wide Health Systems – looking back, moving forward BY ELARIO RICKEY
The emergency room was the only primary- especially those who lacked health insurance. SAN LUIS VALLEY—The year was 1976. care option available to many Valley residents, In an attempt to remedy this and provide quality, comprehensive health care to all residents of the Valley, a citizens group founded ValleyWide Health Systems. A lot has changed since 1976, and the healthcare industry has been far from immune to these changes. The advent of technology continues to influence the way organizations care for patients. Patient records are now stored electronically. Physicians are sometimes seen on a screen. Yet sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same. The mission of Valley-Wide Health Systems, serving all populations with high-quality, safe, effective and integrated health care continues to be Valley-wide’s focus.
Primary care services Valley-Wide aims to keep local communities healthy and provide family medicine services Courtesy photo at clinics across the San Luis Valley, Arkansas The Edward M. Kennedy Health Clinic (EMKHC) is centrally located in downtown Monte Valley and Canon City. These clinics provide Vista and provides not only provide primary medical care, but also offers integrated physi- services for both acute and chronic conditions, cal therapy and rehabilitation services and the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program. in addition to well woman, well male and well The Edward M. Kennedy Dental Clinic is co-located on the south side of the building.
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Dental services Spread across eight clinics in southern Colorado, Valley-Wide offers excellent dental services for the entire family. The dentists and hygienists provide preventative education to adults and children both in VWHS clinics and through outreach in local communities. They also provide basic dental services such as exams, x-rays, and cleanings, in addition to more extensive services when necessary. Staying true to the organization’s mission, VWHS teams work with patients to ensure they have the education necessary to prevent dental problems in the future. Please see VWHS on Page 8
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child checkups. Additionally, Valley-Wide offers a Convenient Care Community Clinic in Alamosa that is open seven days a week and provides a less expensive alternative than the emergency room for treatment of illnesses. Also offered is a mobile medical clinic that brings care to where individuals are located. The mobile medical clinic also provides patients with education on how to live healthier lifestyles.
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Page 6
Health & Recreation Progress
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Rio Grande Hospital construction on track BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
DEL NORTE— The Rio Grande Hospital and clinic began construction for a remodel and addition in late fall and with the above average temperatures plaguing the area, the construction is on track and well ahead of schedule. “The warm weather has been wonderful for our construction, but not so much for the area. It’s a double-edged sword,” said maintenance supervisor and project manager Roger Banderas. Through efforts put forth by the Rio Grande Hospital Board and other area organizations, they were able to receive a low interest loan through the USDA to make the remodel and addition to the hospital possible. Last fall, the board held a special ground-breaking ceremony where they explained that the hospital would soon be able to offer new and innovative medical treatment while enhancing privacy and safety of patients. Construction has begun on the emergency room which will offer additional security and privacy to patients. Prior to construction, the emergency room was open with rooms that only had curtains for privacy. The new remodel will allow patients to enter a different door that connects to a waiting room and the administration intake desk, securing the inner part of the emergency room until patients are buzzed through security doors. The EMS and flight for life staff will have their own entrance that directly connects them with the emergency room, allowing for safe and efficient intakes. The emergency room remodel is scheduled to be finished by the end of February and will house three additional patient rooms that are equipped with doors, rather than the curtains for patient privacy. The new design ensures the safety of staff and patients with the new
locking mechanisms and intake procedures that will be in place by the time they open the new addition. “We will be moving the crane over to the emergency room location in the next few weeks so that we can begin steel work on the structure,” explained Banderas. The building that is being added in between the hospital and clinic is almost to the wall stage, and crews will be working to enclose the steel structure by the end of February. The building addition will house a new physical therapy room, wound trauma care and connect the hospital with the clinic. “The staff and patients will be able to walk directly from the clinic to the hospital without having to go outside. Everyone will be kept out of the weather and it will offer a safe passage, where Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell as before people had to walk from one building The Rio Grande Hospital and clinic construction is right on track, with the emergency to the next out in the open,” said Banderas. room addition to be open by the end of February. The north side of the hospital is also under construction as the addition to the new administrative offices is underway. “There will be a new conference area for large groups and more space for administrative offices. I know that the conference room will be available for public use, if the need arises,” said Banderas. The construction around the hospital has kept people at bay, thinking that some or all of their facilities are not open, to which Banderas openly replied, “We need people to know that even though it may look like we are closed, we are not. We still function 24 hours a day, all year long. The entrance to the emergency room has been moved to the west of the original entrance and people can still access it whenever they need to,” said Banderas. Construction will be underway for most of the coming year and as long as the weather holds will remain on track and finish right on time.
There will be an additional three bays in the emergency room which will include doors instead of the curtains offering better patient privacy and safety.
Nursing education could see changes statewide COLORADO— A new bill pending in the Colorado Legislature would change the structure of nursing education in the San Luis Valley – statewide – by making it possible for students to remain at the community college level and still obtain required BS degrees. HB1086, allowing community colleges to offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing, already approved by the House, was referred to the Senate. This joint bill was referred Feb. 21 to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which held hearings Feb. 22 on the bill as a whole. The traditional BSN program takes four years. Students take prerequisite courses and apply to the program at the end of their first year. They are generally accepted into the program and start their nursing courses at the
beginning of their second year. The bill’s passage would change the way students have been receiving two-year degrees at Trinidad State Junior College could transfer to Adams State University. With 2,500 students enrolled in nursing programs, TSJC has schools in Alamosa and Trinidad. It also offers concentration in geriatric nursing and licensed practical nursing. Both of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs offered at Adams State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This is a pre-licensure program at ASU and could be established at TSJC. After graduation, students will be eligible to take their state licensing exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
Harm reduction program opening in Alamosa
SAN LUIS VALLEY—The San Luis Valley will see its first harm reduction program opening on Feb. 21. SHARRP (San Luis Valley Health Access Risk Reduction Project) is a collaboration between the San Luis Valley Area Health Center, Alamosa Department of Health, the Alamosa Board of Health, SLV Behavioral Health Group and Valley Wide Health Systems. The program will offer services for those who use injection drugs free of charge. Services include HIV and Hepatitis C testing and
linkage to care, Naloxone (overdose reversal drug), sterile needles and syringes, safe needle disposal, evaluation for medical insurance eligibility and referral for mental health and substance use treatment, including medication assisted treatment. The program is located at 2311 Commerce Circle in Alamosa and will be open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon only, starting on Feb. 21. For more information call Charlotte Ledonne at 719-589-4977.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Health & Recreation Progress
Page 7
Trails a benefit to San Luis Valley BY A NTHONY GUERRERO DEL NORTE—Serene trails with breathtaking views of nature such as wildlife, natural wonders and trees can be enjoyed in and surrounding the small town of Del Norte. The Del Norte Trails Organization (DNTO) has done a superb job since its founding in 2007 in expanding the trails, teaching stewardship of the land and ensuring the recreation opportunity is also an economic and tourism boost for the San Luis Valley. Beginning in 2016 DNTO and other partners such as Trout Unlimited and Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project have been working on an exciting idea to create expanded recreation opportunities on the River Walk Trail located on the north end of town by North Park. There are plans to put in a boat ramp and work has been done to restore the banks and create better fish habitation. What makes the expansion of this trail unique is that it would be the first home of an amphitheater along the Rio Grande. The entertainment venue would be home to concerts and other outdoor recreation activities. The expansion project is steadily moving forward. It is beginning to move out of the planning phase and new approvals to proceed were given in early 2018. DNTO maintains and finds expansion opportunities for other trails throughout town and the area. These terrains include Pronghorn Trail, Middle Frisco Trail, Stone Quarry, Lookout Mountain and Penitente Canyon. They are built by volunteers throughout the year and summer. Organizations that have helped to build and improve these spectacular wilderness areas are the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Southwest Conservation Corps, Great Outdoors Colorado and San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. Multiple other organizations have lent a helping hand as well. DNTO works hard to connect the trails to the community and has used the system as an opportunity to connect with economically beneficial endeavors. Every year the historic Windsor Hotel hosts a trail showcase in the month of May. They invite travel bloggers and magazine writers to experience the trails on tours led by those who built them and high ranking bikers and runners. There is a party in the park and other local businesses such as Three Barrel Brewery offer beer and other refreshments.
Photo by Anthony Guerrero
The Del Norte Trails Organization, founded in 2007, continues to expanding trails, teaching stewardship of the land and ensuring recreation opportunities in the area. In 2015 the first ever “12 Hours of Penitence” endurance race was held in Penitente Canyon. It was wildly successful and the fourth event is scheduled for sometime this October. “It’s a very tough course. You’re in high desert canyons and there’s a lot of vertigo that’s not for the weak,” said Marty Asplin, DNTO co-director. The lap is 21 miles and gains 2,000 feet in elevation per lap. This race is tough and is named after “Los Hermanos Penitente” a Catholic sect who are known for atoning for their sins by flagellation, binding their body to a cross and tying limbs to hinder blood circulation and carrying heavy crosses. Those who may be interested in the race are
encouraged to visit and practice through the summer as it is definitely not for the non-penitent. The race this year will also be all completely held at the canyon including vendors, camping and entertainment. Riders will see a flight-for-life helicopter in the area as they did last year, adding a level of comfort and fear. The trails organization is also currently partnering with SLV GO to provide services through the GOCO Inspire Grant that was awarded to the San Luis Valley in the amount of $5 million. The goal of the grant is to connect youth to the outdoors. “We’re working on how do we get the kids connected to the outdoors. The easiest part
for us here is we have all of these federal lands and there’s rangers who can talk all day long about the animals, the biology and ecology. We just need to get the kids there to interact and get a chance to see what’s right outside,” said Marty Asplin. “We also want to do things like fishing and camping. We’re in the process now of getting public input including from the kids. That’s a major part,” said Bonnie Asplin. The Del Norte Trails Organization is definitely leaving its mark on the town of Del Norte, the San Luis Valley and indeed the entire state of Colorado. To learn more about their projects and trails, please visit www.delnortetrails.org.
South Fork officials continue work on ATV routes BY LYNDSIE FERRELL SOUTH FORK— The South Fork Town Board has been working diligently over the last two years to finalize the legalization of ATVs in town limits. Through combined efforts with CDOT officials, the town is nearing completion of designated routes that will allow users to drive ATVs through town and access the many miles of trails that surround the area. The purpose is to make it easy for ATV users to reach the trails without having to trailer the ATVs and transport them in order to gain access to trails and to boost local economy by bringing in ATV-based tourism to town. On July 3 of last year, the town announced the legalization of ATVs in town limits after working to change state legislature, but the routes leading ATV users through town still needed further approval from CDOT because the routes were so close to Highways 160 and 149. Though the town created temporary routes for users over the summer, hopes are to have permanent routes created for the coming tourism season. During a meeting of the South Fork Board of Trustees on Nov. 28, 2017 Town Administrator Dan Hicks gave an update on the ATV routes he has been working on with CDOT. The current work is focused on enlarging the overall trail and reviewing a location near County Road 19, where there is a proposed
highway crossing. Along with the additional crossing, Hicks and CDOT are working on an addition to the original trail near the Beaver Creek Road, adding in safety railings where the ATV trail runs near Highway 160 on the south side of town. “We hired a surveyor to survey the areas on the Highway 160 corridor where the proposed trail will run, and we walked the property on Nov. 8. It should take him about two to three days to complete the survey with his crew and about two weeks to put together the survey maps,” said Hicks. The survey will show the distance of the trail from the highway, where the speed limits change and move the trail away from the highway and show where guardrails will be needed to protect riders from traffic. “With the survey we should know how much guardrail will be needed to complete the trail,” said Hicks. Once the survey is complete, the board can then begin looking at the cost of the project and come up with a budget. Hicks explained that the 2018 budget will have $10,000 set aside for the installation of the guardrails as well as any other expenses that may come up in the ATV project. Some of the cost will come from having to build a culvert in the proposed trail. “The Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell goal is to have all of this done and approved South Fork board members listened to an update on the proposed ATV trail running by CDOT in May when the visitors come along the Highway 160 corridor in South Fork. Officials are working with CDOT to conback to the area,” finished Hicks. nect the trails throughout town by May.
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Health & Recreation Progress
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Adams State nursing graduates pass rate on NCLEX increases
ALAMOSA— The Adams State University Nursing Department continues to achieve goals and graduate well-prepared nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Jessica Goebel received her BSN last May and now works as an RN BSN at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. “The program provided the necessary resources for the 2017 cohort to pass on the first try,� Goebel said. “They gave us several Kaplan tools and really pushed us so that at the end of the day we were prepared for the NCLEX (the national nursing exam).� Dr. Melissa Milner, chair of the Nursing Department, said they doubled the number of nursing graduates passing the NCLEX on their first try from last year. “We had twenty graduates pass the NCLEX on first try and three more on their second try.� She was unsure if the other two have taken the test again. “Melissa made the necessary changes to improve our NCLEX pass rate and to make us better nurses overall,� Goebel said. “Melissa turned the program around and I don’t think I’d be the nurse I am today without her help and changes made along the way.� As the interim chair during the 2016/2017 academic year, Milner implemented new strategies to ensure successful NCLEX testing and improve the program overall. “I am so proud of our students and faculty. We all put in extra effort.� According to Milner, those who have passed the NCLEX were all offered positions in the profession.
The 2017 graduating class now work in Utah, the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Denver, Colorado Springs, and several stayed in the San Luis Valley. Goebel currently works with a paramedic, CNA and virtual nurse on the acute care innovation unit. “Our ratio is 9:1 and even though that sounds overwhelming, this unit has taught me great collaboration and communication skills. It’s a very team nursing-oriented unit and I highly enjoy the day to day challenges and learning experiences in my current position.� Milner said the Nursing Department has a good combination of professional background within the current faculty. A new cohort consisting of 22 students started this spring. “I believe this program gave me the skills to deal with just about any situation,� Goebel said. “It taught me how to work through hard times that challenge your beliefs and thoughts. It also gave me the experience and confidence to be where I am today.� This summer the Adams State Nursing Program was reaccredited for the next 10 years by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Adams State Nursing Department welcomed their ninth cohort in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Pictured, the new recruits participated in an ice breaker during orientation on Jan. 11. Courtesy photo
Valley now provides permanent drug take-back sites SAN LUIS VALLEY – Unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands too often. Almost 1 in 7 people who abuse prescription painkillers say they got them from a friend or relative. As the new year starts, make a resolution to safely store – and dispose of –prescription medications. Many people feel helpless to fight the growing opioid crisis – which includes both prescribed pain relievers like oxycodone, as well as heroin. Correctly disposing of unused medication is an important step everyone can take, along with using prescriptions as intended and storing them safely. (Learn more at www.TakeMedsSeriously.org). Fortunately, the addition of new drug take-back locations is mak-
VWHS
Continued from Page 5 Behavioral health services Recognizing the tremendous benefit that behavioral health services can have on an individual living a healthy lifestyle and staying true to the mission of being an integrated health care organization, Valley-Wide has integrated behavioral health services into the organization’s service line offerings. As this initiative continues to develop, Valley-Wide will integrate behavior health services into the patient care model, providing a comprehensive and team-oriented approach to health care.
Physical therapy services The physical therapy team at Valley-Wide helps improve a patient’s strength, flexibility and balance, while also managing pain. The team’s integrated approach allows primary care providers from across the regions to refer their patients to the physical therapy team to help with these issues. Through receiving physical therapy services, patients can find day-to-day tasks such as getting dressed, cleaning or exercising easier and more enjoyable. The central focus of Valley-Wide Health Systems has always been the patient and what is best for them. Whether you are establishing care or seeking different options in the services you receive, Valley-Wide invites you to experience what being their top priority is all about.
ing proper drug disposal easier in the San Luis Valley. The SLV now has four permanent medication take-back locations. Alamosa County’s Sheriff Office and Valley-Wide Health Systems’ Pharmacy in Alamosa have taken the lead in this effort; both provide disposal options on-site. The San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group has added a site at their main office in Alamosa. Look for the big green box located right inside the main doors. As of November 2017, there is now also a location on the west side of the Val-
ley. The South Fork Police Department has a medication take-back box at their office in the South Fork Town Hall. Rio Grande County Public Health Director, Emily Brown, praised the new drop-off sites and added, “Southern Colorado has some of the highest opioid death rates in the state, so it is very important for everyone to properly manage prescribed medications.� The state of Colorado has set a goal of establishing at least one permanent collection location in every Colorado county. A site that partners with the Colorado House-
hold Medication Take-Back Program, and receives a green metal disposal bin, must either be a law enforcement agency or a DEA-registered pharmacy. Work is being done to make sure every San Luis Valley county has a location. To learn more about efforts near you, contact your local county public health department. More information about what medications can be dropped off, as well as addresses and hours of drop-off locations, can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/ colorado-medication-take-back-program.
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