As Memorial Regional Health gears up to commemorate National Hospital Week (May 12-18), we reflect on the vital role our community hospital has on the health and well-being of Moffat County residents. Despite the challenges confronting rural hospitals, we believe our hospital shines as a beacon of resilience, compassion and dedication to patient-centered care and service excellence.

In 2023, Memorial Regional Health saw more than 100,000 patient visits and diagnostic services (visit our website for the full 2023 Community Report). With a staff of more than 360 professionals, these numbers emphasize the trust placed in Memorial Regional Health and the commitment of our team to deliver exceptional care every single day.

According to a recent report by the Colorado Rural Health Center, rural areas in Colorado play a vital role in our state’s healthcare system, representing 73% of all hospitals. Additionally, healthcare ranks among the top three industries in rural Colorado, contributing significantly to both employment and income in rural communities. 

---

---

However, despite its importance, critical challenges persist within our community and across the broader landscape of rural healthcare in Colorado, including:

• More than 21% of our rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with 10% facing immediate closure. 

---

---

• More than half of Colorado rural hospitals have experienced CEO turnover since fall 2019 (24 of 43), with six hospitals facing turnover twice in same time period.

• Many rural hospitals are cutting services due to workforce shortages and low patient volumes.

• The scarcity of healthcare and behavioral health resources contributes to higher rates of suicide, with rural and frontier communities experiencing rates well above the state average.

Despite these obstacles, Memorial Regional Health remains dedicated in its commitment to serving as a vital resource for our community. Our team will continue toward maintaining financial stability, enabling us to invest in initiatives that enhance our community’s health and well-being. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by many community members in accessing specialized care, we have expanded our list of visiting specialties to include more cardiology and oncology services, enabling patients to receive advanced care close to home. Additionally, we are fostering a workplace that promotes employee satisfaction, engagement and well-being resulting in a more motivated and productive healthcare team. Moreover, we are committed to addressing the growing mental health needs in our community by expanding behavioral health services, introducing new providers and enhancing access to mental health care in our emergency department.

We reaffirm our commitment to providing exceptional care, advancing health equity, and serving as a resource for health and healing for Moffat County residents. Together, during National Hospital Week and beyond, let us celebrate the resilience and dedication of the staff of Memorial Regional Health as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare.

Here’s a snapshot of Memorial Regional Health by the Numbers:

• More than 100,000 patient visits and diagnostic services in 2023.
• 1401 Inpatient Stays 
• 6,356 Emergency Visits
• 31,949 Clinic Visits 
• 1,381 Surgeries & Procedures 
• 59,927 Inpatient Lab Procedures
• 6,517 Outpatient Lab Procedures 
• 16,846 Radiology Procedures
• 6, 715 PT (Inpatients & Outpatient)
• 1,667 OT (Inpatient & Outpatient)
• 1,236 Speech (Inpatient & Outpatient)
• 364: MRH Staff Count 
• $172,526: The daily cost to operate MRH, ensuring uninterrupted care for our community.
• $2 million: Our net income in 2023, reinvested to enhance patient care and community services.
• 80%: The percentage of MRH employees who call Moffat County home, embodying our commitment to local employment and economic growth.
• 720: The number of additional jobs supported in a community, amplifying our impact beyond healthcare.
• $2.30: additional business activity generated by every dollar spent by MRH, fueling economic prosperity in Moffat County.

Shelli Steele is the Marketing & Community Relations Director at Memorial Regional Health.