As we reflect on 2021 we also continue to focus on our amazing caregivers and all they give day in and day out on our continuing Covid journey. During the past two months Montrose Regional Health (MRH) has cared for a record number of Covid patients with our ICU at capacity for many days. Caring for you like family is our motto and we will maintain that level of care and compassion as we continue to grow. We appreciate your continued support as we work together to navigate these challenging times.
In March, Montrose Regional Health was recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital for the sixth time. MRH is the only hospital in Colorado with this recognition for six consecutive years. The Top 100 program highlights strategies and innovation for delivering higher quality care and better outcomes within rural communities.
In July, we welcomed Jeff Mengenhausen as our CEO and he brought a visionary, strategic leadership style and is up and running at full speed. There are many exciting projects on the horizon as we continue to grow and meet the increasing demands from our communities. He has been speaking to several local groups as well as serving on the Montrose Economic Development Board and helping coach his son’s wrestling team.
In October, we changed our name to Montrose Regional Health to better reflect who we are and highlight our status as the healthcare provider of choice for Montrose and throughout the area. The name emphasizes the regional presence of the hospital, as we serve people from across the region. The concept behind the logo is a person being cared for who has access to integrated and comprehensive (wrap around) care. In other words – all your healthcare needs are met right here. The teal color provides continuity with our old brand, the gold references excellence and the award-winning nature of the hospital and the teal/purple are colors which represent our caring environment. As Montrose continues to grow, it’s important that your hospital continues to grow with it.
Our communities welcomed several new physicians during 2021 including Drs. Hersh, Johannes and McAllister. Dr. Andrew Hersh is a Pulmonologist who joined Drs Jimmy Gilbert and Lee Ettinger at our newly expanded pulmonology clinic now called Montrose Lung and Sleep Center. Dr. Hersh has helped MRH broaden our offerings to include comprehensive lung cancer screenings, lung nodule tracking and navigational bronchoscopies. Dr. Jennifer Johannes is a general surgeon who grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana but lived in several big cities while pursuing her education and career. She is thrilled to be back in a small town and delighted to become part of a medical community that is tightly knit and supportive. Dr. Kevin McAllister completed his medical school training at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and has been a welcome addition to our top-level emergency medicine team. Also new in 2021 are Dr. Jeffrey Kay, Pathology, Dr. John Strasswimmer, Dermatology, Dr. Melinda Marzolf, Family Medicine and Dr. Davis, Podiatry.
Alpine Women’s Centre at Montrose Regional Health added two new physicians, Drs. John Mercer and Ashely Allen in addition to expanding and adding new med/spa services. These services include Mona Lisa touch laser therapy, BioTe hormone replacement therapy and 3D ultrasounds. Alpine Women’s Centre Clinic & Med Spa opened at 904 South Fourth Street to provide our communities with advanced, nonsurgical aesthetic services to help women achieve their wellness goals.
The caregivers at Montrose Regional Health continue to feel the support from our communities. The banners around town thanking the Healthcare Heroes are much appreciated and so are the special meals, coffee and treats. Last year at this time, we all hoped that the pandemic would be over soon, however that is definitely not the case. Our doors continue to be open to care for everyone who walks through them. The compassionate care given is heartwarming and never ending.
As we look forward to 2022, our team wants you to know we will be here during your time of need. We also appreciate the love and support from our amazing communities. Last week we received a beautiful letter addressed to the entire staff that said, “I felt you needed to hear how much you are appreciated and admired. We sympathize with the frustration and stress you feel and your service and sacrifice to your profession is remarkable. Thank you, thank you for all you do and please know there are others like us who thank, admire and appreciate all you do!!” We are blessed to be the healthcare provider of choice for our communities.
Leann Tobin, Chief Marketing Officer, Montrose Regional Health