Western Healthcare Alliance

06/17/2026

Rural healthcare is well-represented at the HRSA conference in Bethesda, MD this week! Thank you Colorado Rural Health Center CEO, Michelle Mills, and WHA CEO, Angelina Salazar for making sure our rural members are heard!

06/17/2026

Moab Regional Hospital recently installed a new DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner, replacing the hospital's previous bone density imaging equipment. WHA members are always advancing their services and technology to better serve their communities!

Moab Regional Hospital has installed a new DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner, replacing the hospital’s previous bone density imaging equipment with the latest technology available, according to Alina Murdock.

06/17/2026

WHAAS 2026 is on point with topics members want to learn about!

Behavioral health boarding strains emergency departments — limiting space, staff, and timely patient care while creating safety risks. Rural hospitals bear a disproportionate burden due to scarce outpatient resources. This session uses a case study and role-play to explore why lasting solutions require action beyond what local health systems can control alone. Learn more and register at www.wha1.org/whaas.

06/16/2026

Last week Grand Junction Fire Department firefighters practiced rappel-based pickoff rescues from the roof of WHA member facility, Intermountain St. Mary's Regional Hospital.

The heads of several firefighters poked out over the edge of the highest roof of Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, above the 12-story patient tower, Tuesday morning looking down

06/16/2026

Congratulations to WHA member UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center for being recertified as a Level III Trauma Center!

The UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center was recertified as a Level 3 trauma center by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment earlier this month According to a recent statement, the recommendation comes after...

06/16/2026

Congratulations to the following WHA members for being named on Becker’s list of 536 hospitals with lowest C. diff rates: Aspen Valley Health, Southwest Health System, Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center, UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, and Hills & Dales Healthcare (Aspire Rural Health System). Way to go!

536 hospitals lowest diff — 536 hospitals report the lowest C. diff rates, showing zero infections in CMS data from Sept 2024 to June 2025 across U.S…

06/15/2026

Join us in celebrating Health Care Risk Management Week! Now is the time to show your appreciation for healthcare risk management professionals in your organization and community. Health Care Risk Management Week recognizes and celebrates these professionals who play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and trusted patient care and safeguarding the well-being of staff.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to WHA member Elizabeth Kruger, Nursing Supervisor at Vail Health, for being awarded the Nursing Professional Development Achievements in Nursing from the Colorado Nurses Foundation!

06/11/2026

Congratulations to the following WHA members for being named on Becker’s list of 567 top hospitals for nurse communication: Animas Surgical Hospital, Hills & Dales Healthcare, and Southwest Health System. Way to go!

Discover 567 top hospitals nurse communication five-star ratings from CMS HCAHPS data, highlighting excellence in patient-nurse interactions nationwide.

06/11/2026

Join us in celebrating National Certified Nursing Assistant Week! Observed since 1977, National Nursing Assistants Week recognizes the unique contributions of nursing assistants and other care workers. Whether they provide care on the frontlines of battle or in an operating room, clinic, or nursing home, they have been professionally trained to provide excellent care while helping nurses and other medical staff complete their job with ease.