A Year of Progress, Partnership and Purpose at Gunnison Valley Health

Over the past year, Gunnison Valley Health has made significant strides in strengthening care, expanding services, and deepening our connection to the community we serve. From major clinical advancements to national recognition and meaningful community investment, these accomplishments reflect the dedication of our staff, providers, volunteers, donors, and partners — and our shared commitment to keeping high-quality healthcare close to home.

Building a Stronger Foundation for Care

One of the most significant operational milestones this year was the successful transition to Epic as our new electronic health record (EHR) system. This move modernized how we manage patient information and care coordination, while enhancing safety, efficiency, and continuity across the organization.

Alongside Epic, strong participation in MyChart has empowered patients with easier access to their health records, appointment scheduling, secure messaging with providers, prescription management, and online bill pay — tools that are especially impactful in a rural setting where access and convenience matter.

Together, these upgrades support smoother care coordination, reduce administrative burden, and make it easier for patients and families to stay connected to their care teams.

Expanding Access to Needed Services

GVH continued to strengthen and expand access to care across the valley:

• Primary Care operations remained stable, including the onboarding of Gunnison Valley Family Physicians (GVFP), ensuring continuity for patients.

• The launch of the Dermatology service line has been highly successful, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for specialty care.

• Planning is underway for a new Breast Disease Program, reflecting both community need and our commitment to comprehensive women’s health services.

Each of these efforts helps close care gaps and brings specialized services closer to home.

Advancing Quality, Safety, and Strategic Growth

GVH achieved several important quality and safety milestones this year:

• Trauma Level IV re-designation with no deficiencies

• Gold Star Award for Stroke Care

• COPPER Designation for Pediatric Preparedness in the Emergency Department

• Celebrate 6 Award for Breastfeeding Excellence

We also completed a Community Health Needs Assessment with the second-highest participation ever, confirming that our strategic priorities align closely with the needs and priorities of our community.

In partnership with the GVH Foundation and generous community supporters, we advanced work on the Cancer Screening Access Fund and oncology upgrades — helping remove barriers to early detection and treatment.

Delivering Clinical Excellence

Our teams continued to demonstrate outstanding clinical performance:

• Behavioral Health achieved full state licensing, expanding access to mental health support.

• The Senior Care Center earned a Five-Star Rating, reflecting excellence in long-term care.

• Home Health completed a survey with zero deficiencies, a testament to the quality and professionalism of our home-based care teams.

These achievements reflect the consistency, compassion, and clinical rigor our patients experience every day.

Recognized on a National Stage

GVH was honored nationally as:

• One of Becker’s Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare

• A Becker’s Best-in-Class Employer

These recognitions highlight the culture, teamwork, and mission-driven environment that make GVH a place where people are proud to work and grow.

Investing in Our Community

Community partnership remains at the heart of GVH. This year we celebrated:

• The opening of the Jack & Mary Blake Family EMS Station, fully funded by 637 generous donors

• Expanded community outreach, health education, and engagement efforts

• Record participation at community events

These moments reflect not only our commitment to community health but also the community’s trust in and support of GVH.

Looking Ahead

Each of these accomplishments reflects our shared mission: to provide high-quality, compassionate care and to ensure the Gunnison Valley remains a healthy place to live and work.

As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for our caregivers, staff, partners, donors, and community members — and with excitement for what’s possible when a community and its healthcare system move forward together.