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n GRAND JUNCTION-BASED COLLECTION AGENCY EXPANDING BEYOND HEALTH CARE MARKET
A Grand Junction-based collection agency has announced plans to further expand beyond the health care market. A-1 Collection Agency, a subsidiary of Healthcare Management, provides services not only to hospitals and other health care providers, but also government agencies and small and medium businesses. “A-1 puts people first and is sensitive to community relationships,” said Angelina Angelina Salazar Salazar, chief executive officer of Healthcare Management. “Our trained financial counselors consider the fact that in smaller communities, everyone knows each other and collecting on debt is not a conversation a business leader wants to have with their customer in the grocery store or at a local sporting event. A-1 takes care of those customers by putting them on payment plans so businesses can provide their services to their community without additional worry.” Twelve rural hospitals purchased A-1 Collection Agency 30 years ago and subsequently formed Healthcare Management. Now owned by 21 health care providers, Healthcare Management provides billing and collection services for hospitals, health care systems, physician groups and skilled nursing facilities. For additional information about A-1 Collection Agency, call 986-3594 or visit www.a1collection.com. n TEEN-AGE VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO ASSIST WITH LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM Teen-agers age 14 to 18 are encouraged to volunteer to help with the summer reading program at Mesa County Libraries. The program will run from June 1 to July 16. Volunteers are needed to sign up participants, assist with events, distribute prizes and help with additional tasks. For additional information, visit the library volunteer portal located at https://mcpld.galaxydigital.com or send an email to volunteer@mcpld.org. Applications should be submitted no later than June 24.
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An orthopedic group at Community Hospital in Grand Junction has received a designation recognizing excellence in care. A group comprised of Western Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Western Colorado Spine received the Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation from DNV Healthcare Accreditation Services. “This designation underscores our ability to provide consistent, highquality orthopedic care,” said Chris Thomas, president and chief Chris Thomas executive officer of Community Hospital. “The community can be confident that we have state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained personnel and we have a steadfast commitment to maintain our orthopedic service line at peak performance. Achieving this designation validates the hard work and dedication of our entire staff to ensure the health and safety of our patients.” DNV provides certification, assurance and risk management services in more than 100 countries. The Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation is based on achieving certification in at least three orthopedic service line programs based on requirements from DNV and guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Achieving this designation shows a commitment to excellence,” said Patrick Horine, president of DNV Healthcare. “It helps demonstrate that the orthopedic practice is performing at the highest level.” Community Hospital offers a range of services in an acute care facility licensed for 60 beds. For additional information, visit https://yourcommunityhospital.com.
n ONLINE REGISTRATION UNDER WAY FOR 2022 WEST SLOPE STARTUP WEEK Registration is under way for a free regional business conference that will offer information about a range of topics related to starting and growing ventures. West Slope Startup Week is set for July 11 to 15 with virtual events throughout rural Colorado as well as in-person events in Grand Junction. Events will offer information to everyone from those considering starting businesses to serial entrepreneurs looking to launch their next projects. Business owners and managers — including those in retailing and restaurants — will learn about finance, human resources, marketing and other topics. West Slope Startup Week will feature lectures and workshops related to capital, communications, makers, people and technology. A fun track will offer social events and outdoor activities. To register for or obtain more information about West Slope Startup Week, visit https://westslopestartupweek.com. n APPLICATIONS SOUGHT THROUGH JUNE 8 FOR GRAND JUNCTION CANNABIS STORES Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 8 for 10 sites for retail and co-located medical cannabis stores in Grand Junction. The application process follows Grand Junction voter approval in 2021 of two measures enabling the Grand Junction City Council to establish regulations and tax rates for retail cannabis sales in the city. The city clerk’s office will manage applications and is scheduling appointments for application delivery. Contact the city clerk’s office at cityclerk@gjcity.org or 244-1509. F
West Slope home care agency marks 20 years in operation A not-for-profit home care agency providing a range of services throughout the Grand Valley and other areas of Western Colorado is celebrating 20 years in operation. “Our goal has always been to provide people with the services and resources they need to remain at home,” said Charleen Raaum, chief executive officer of SummitWest Care. “We provide compassionate home care for all ages, from NICU babies to seniors and Charleen Raaum everything in between. It doesn’t matter what age you are, home is the safest, most comfortable place to be.” Formerly Home Care of the Grand Valley, SummitWest Care is headquartered in Grand Grand Junction. The agency provides medical and nonmedical services to patients in Mesa County as well as in Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Those services including occupational, physical and speech
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therapies as well as skilled nursing care. SummitWest Care is the only home care agency on the Western Slope that provides medical pediatric and newborn home care. Additional services offer assistance with grocery shopping, housekeeping and meal preparation. In response to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, SummitWest Care partnered with Health Recovery Solutions to offer telehealth and remote patient monitoring. In 2021, SummitWest Care developed a chronic care management program offering additional support to clients who suffer from two or more chronic diseases. “It is important that we are flexible,” Raaum said. “What it comes down to is: How can we better serve our community? We are always looking for more ways to help people who are in need.” For more information, log on to www.summitwestcare.com or call 263-0202. F
