At Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, caregivers are redefining what it means to deliver lifesaving trauma care, starting at the moment a patient arrives. The new Direct‑to‑Operating Room initiative streamlines the path for patients with the most severe penetrating injuries, moving them straight from the ambulance bay or helipad into surgery when every second matters. By eliminating unnecessary steps and uniting trauma teams where they’re needed most, Lutheran is accelerating care, reducing complications, and improving outcomes. This program reflects a shared commitment to clinical excellence and to helping people live the healthiest lives possible. It’s the result of deep collaboration, rigorous preparation, and a clear focus on doing what’s best for patients, especially in their most critical moments.
Our Ambulatory Children’s Health Clinical Program has led a remarkable effort that’s changing outcomes for infants across our communities. What started at Primary Children’s Hospital is now an enterprise-wide best practice, with data showing dramatic reductions in hospitalizations and no immunized infants requiring ICU care. By empowering pregnant mothers with a new vaccine option and giving newborns access to Nirsevimab, our teams helped tens of thousands of babies stay healthier this RSV season. Utah is now ranked first in the nation for infant RSV protection. “This is something that can really turn around RSV for infants,” says Carolyn Reynolds, executive clinical director of the Ambulatory Children's Health Clinical Program. And the impact shows just that. Read how this program is transforming care and what it means heading into the next respiratory season.
Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado has been nationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular care — a reflection of our caregivers’ dedication to improving outcomes and elevating every patient’s experience. From advanced treatments to compassionate support, this recognition highlights our commitment to helping people live the healthiest lives possible. Read more about this achievement in the article below.
Our mission of Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals. For the past five years, Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado has supported CrossPurpose, a non-profit organization abolishing relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development. From six weeks of intensive personal development to in‑demand career training and multi‑year financial coaching, graduates are changing their families’ trajectories, with many landing job offers with real, livable wages as early as week 10. Through a long‑standing annual investment and consistent engagement, Lutheran supports career pathways into healthcare roles, opportunities for continuing education, including support for alumni pursuing nursing or higher degrees, and more. Read the story and see the impact in the article below.
For Louis “Lou” Cicio, January 30 isn’t just another date — it’s his “second birthday.” Eight years ago, Lou suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his office in Boulder, Colorado. He was resuscitated and rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, where caregivers stepped in during the most critical moments of his life. Their quick action, skill, and compassion saved him. Last Friday, Lou returned to Good Samaritan to reunite with the physician and care teams who helped save his life — a visit he makes every year to honor his second chance. “When you’ve had cardiac arrest, that means you’ve already died once,” said Dr. Shaheer Zulfiqar, Intermountain Health interventional cardiologist. “The fact that he’s here today is extraordinary.” Lou later learned his chance of survival was about 40 percent. Today, he’s healthy, active, and deeply grateful. Each year, he thanks caregivers with boxes of fresh fruit. “I come back every year to say thank you,” Lou said. “They don’t get many patients coming back.” Reunions like Lou’s remind caregivers why they chose healthcare and the lasting impact of lifesaving care.
For two and a half years, 15‑year‑old Cade Hulet made long trips from Parowan, Utah to Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital, Main Campus in Salt Lake City, all while fighting leukemia. Everything changed when Intermountain Cedar City Hospital launched its pediatric chemotherapy program, allowing Cade to receive his final treatments close to home. This is what happens when caregivers across teams listen, collaborate, and lead with heart. Cade’s courage—and the caregivers who stood with him—show what care together truly means. Read Cade’s inspiring story below.
Parkinson’s disease has no cure, but comprehensive, team‑based care can make a powerful difference. After his diagnosis, Billings resident Dan Merry chose hope, resilience, and a comprehensive care plan at Intermountain Health St. Vincent Regional Hospital. His story shows how advanced treatments, therapy, and determination can help patients continue doing what they love.
What if booking next year’s physical today could change a life? At West Valley Clinic in Northern Utah, our caregivers preschedule annual visits (and needed follow‑ups) before patients leave the exam room. The result: dramatically lower no‑show rates, higher screening completion, and earlier detection, plus fewer refill messages and a smoother experience for everyone. See how medical assistant Dulce Sanchez and Dr. Erin Helms turned a simple idea into a best practice.
A few days before Christmas, three‑year‑old Ty Siebert became very sick with croup and influenza A and was admitted to Intermountain Health Bear River Valley Hospital. His parents, Trevor and Andrea, stayed by his side while their two daughters visited so the family could remain close, even though the holiday looked different than expected. On Christmas Eve, nurses stopped Andrea in the hallway and asked, “Would you mind if we invited Santa to visit Ty?” That evening, the family gathered to open Christmas pajamas and take their annual photo by the tree. Later, Santa—played by Dr. Ricky Gardner—visited Ty, bringing surprises and making the night feel magical. He also spent time with Ty’s sisters, helping them feel included. On Christmas morning, Ty spotted the gift he’d asked Santa for waiting under the tree, placed there by nurses who worked with the family to create a special moment. For Ty, the magic was real; for his parents, it meant everything. Throughout their stay, the Sieberts felt genuine care from every team. Ty was soon strong enough to go home, and Trevor said, “We feel a debt of gratitude we can’t repay.”
One observation at check‑in changed everything. When Kodee arrived at our St. George Women’s Health OB‑GYN Clinic pregnant and in severe pain, our team noticed red flags right away and acted fast. An ultrasound confirmed suspected appendicitis, and our caregivers coordinated immediate surgery to protect both mom and baby. This is what it looks like when every role advocates for our patients. Read the full story below.
