Colorado Spring, Colo. (Sept. 24, 2026) – UCHealth Memorial Hospital is offering low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) that can help ease joint pain from osteoarthritis - especially for people who have not found sufficient relief with physical therapy, medications or injections.

A non-surgical treatment option for osteoarthritis pain

This non-invasive treatment works to calm inflammation in the joints. For many people, it can bring meaningful pain relief that lasts for months or even years.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It often affects the hands, knees, and hips, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement.

How low-dose radiation therapy works

Radiation is not a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, but it can be a helpful option when other approaches have not worked. Low doses of radiation have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

While many people think of radiation as a cancer treatment, this approach has been used in Europe for decades to treat joint pain, Olsen said. At UCHealth, the therapy uses the same advanced technology as cancer care, delivered at a dose 10 to 20 times lower. Patients are often referred to treatment by their primary care providers.

What patients can expect

• Six 20-minute treatments over three weeks.
• No pain during treatment.
• Little to no side effects.
• No downtime—patients can continue their daily routines.
• Relief is not always immediate, but most notice improvements in a few months.
• About 70% of patients report significant relief.

How vagus nerve stimulation supports stroke rehabilitation

The therapy is designed for ischemic stroke patients and works using a device that is implanted in the chest which stimulates the vagus nerve. The stimulation when combined with physical therapy builds neuroplasticity in the brain and helps strengthen muscles to improve mobility. Since August 2025, UCHealth has implanted 14 patients and aims to implant at least two patients a month.

Building Colorado's first VNS program for stroke recovery

UCHealth was able to bring VNS to Colorado because of the advocacy work of a UCHealth patient, Kyle Severson of Denver, and with the support of Dr. Bakeman.

Dr. Bakeman notes that VNS is an option for ischemic stroke patients who have previously suffered from a stroke even decades prior. The procedure for the implant is low risk and minimally invasive.

A stroke survivor regains strength and independence

“The implant has done wonders for me,” said Kyle Severson. “I have seen more grip strength from the affected arm.”

Since his procedure, Kyle can now snowboard and participates in indoor rock climbing. He has also been able to find more independence through the ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, vacuuming, and carrying a laundry basket.

“After getting the implant, my life is opening with freedom with this newfound purpose,” he said.

Rapid community growth results in increase demand for healthcare

The project reflects the rapid growth of Douglas County and the strong demand for convenient, high-quality care in Highlands Ranch. Since its opening in 2019, Highlands Ranch Hospital has been operating near capacity most days. UCHealth broke ground on Pavilion 2 and a second hospital tower in 2023, just four years after the hospital opened, to continue meeting the needs of the growing community.

Services available in Pavilion 2

• Gastroenterology clinic
• Heart and vascular care, including cardiac rehabilitation
• Imaging
• Internal medicine clinic
• Outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Surgery Center of Highlands Ranch

In the coming months, dermatology, executive health, infusion, outpatient laboratory services, pre-procedure services and pulmonary function testing will also open.

Continued investment in Highlands Ranch Hospital

The expansion is part of UCHealth’s continued investment in Highlands Ranch Hospital and the broader south metro Denver region. In addition to Pavilion 2, a new hospital tower is expected to open this fall, expanding the emergency department, adding 70 inpatient beds and creating shelled space for future growth.

Pavilion 2 offers greater access to advanced treatments, specialty clinics, imaging, rehabilitation and outpatient procedures. For many patients, that means fewer trips to metro Denver and more options for coordinated care on the Highlands Ranch campus.

UCHealth ranked No. 29 in Colorado. Forbes based the list on employee surveys and evaluations that looked at workplace culture, leadership, growth opportunities and the overall employee experience. The recognition comes as UCHealth continues to grow its workforce and care for patients at hospitals and clinics across the state.

Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers list recognizes organizations that stand out as top places to work in each state. The 2026 rankings were based on an independent survey of more than 245,000 U.S. employees and more than two million employer evaluations.

Nationally, 2,500 employers are recognized each year, with up to 100 in each state. The list is designed to capture a broad view of employee experience and workplace reputation across industries.

Faster transfers to specialty and trauma care

Pending weather conditions and with a speed of up to 140 knots/161 miles per hour, LifeLine 6 has the capability of transporting a patient from YVMC in Steamboat Springs to, for example, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland in 50 minutes or a hospital in the Denver area in 55 minutes. Should the Steamboat-based aircraft require maintenance or an additional patient transfer be needed, backup helicopters will activate from Loveland or Cheyenne. LifeLine also can provide fixed wing coverage out of Denver. LifeLine also partners with non-UCHealth air medical providers to ensure patient transport occurs as quickly as possible.

Local staffing and operational readiness

UCHealth will employ 6-8 staff, including flight nurses and flight paramedics, to support LifeLine operations in Steamboat. They will work closely with YVMC’s Level III trauma center and local first responders. YVMC will continue using existing air transport partners as necessary to ensure timely patient transport.

Faster results save time and money

With just a few drops of blood, Abbott's i-STAT Alinity traumatic brain injury (TBI) test can eliminate the need for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain, reducing exposure to radiation. The test is also able to provide lab quality results in about 15 minutes and can help clinicians rule out the need for a CT scane, which can take more than three hours to complete and read.

Avoiding unnecessary CT scans

Hertner said the hospitals have used the test more than 175 times over the past six months with strong results. Evaluating patients for possible mild brain injuries – often suffered from falls or while playing sports – is commonplace in the emergency department. The test is also frequently used for patients who have been in motor vehicle accidents or have suffered a blow to the head.

How the test works

The test – done with a handheld device at the patient’s bedside - looks for two proteins released into the bloodstream after a brain injury. If the proteins are not present, patients can avoid a CT scan. If the test is positive, a scan is often still necessary.

He further explained: “When you hit your head, we want to know if there could be bleeding in the brain. A strong hit can damage brain cells, which release specific proteins into the blood. This test helps us see if that kind of injury may have happened and if a CT scan is needed. So if your test is positive, we should do a scan.”

Who can receive the test

• It can be used only on patients 18 and older.
• It must be used within 24 hours of injury.

“We are exploring how we can safely use this test in a more broad range of people,” Hertner said. “This test is already demonstrating the ability to use resources where they are most needed.”

Signs of a head injury

Signs of a potential head injury include loss of consciousness, headache, repetitive vomiting, blurred vision, difficulty thinking clearly and short-term memory issues.

In fiscal year 2025, UCHealth cared for 3 million patients and provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefits, including $762 million in uncompensated care for patients who could not afford to pay.

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The annual list highlights hospitals across seven specialties: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology, orthopedics, pulmonology and gastrointestinal care. The 2026 rankings include 1,375 hospitals nationwide.

UCHealth’s nationally ranked hospitals and their recognized specialties include:

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology, orthopedics, pulmonology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland: cancer, heart care, endocrinology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs: gastrointestinal care.

The rankings are based on quality and patient experience scores from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a nationwide survey of doctors and patients, and data from an independent third-party system.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines.

"These recognitions reflect our commitment to delivering the highest quality cardiovascular and emergency care," said Dr. James Caldwell, UCHealth Parkview chief medical officer. “From stroke and heart failure treatment to resuscitation, our physicians and care teams are dedicated to following the latest evidence-based guidelines to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. These awards demonstrate the expertise and teamwork our community can count on.”

UCHealth Parkview is recognized on the AHA Honor Roll for meeting specific criteria that improves medication adherence, providing early follow-up care and coordination, and enhancing patient education with the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke

This year, UCHealth Parkview received these American Heart Association achievement awards:

• Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award
• Get With The Guidelines® – Heart Failure Bronze Achievement Award
• Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold Achievement Award (Adult)
• Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Silver Achievement Award (Pediatric)
• Target: CPR Achievement Award (Adult)
• Target: Survival Achievement Award (Adult)
• Target: Heart Failure Optimal
• Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
• Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

“These awards reflect UCHealth Parkview's commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Parkview can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”

The clinic, located on the main level at 150 W. Jackson in the former Solandt Memorial Hospital, features two private exam rooms, a point-of-care lab and electrocardiogram (EKG) testing capabilities.

Internal medicine physician Kevin Borgerding will care for patients at the new clinic. He has been a resident of the Yampa Valley since 1994, previously cared for patients in Steamboat Springs and most recently at UCHealth Primary Care – Craig.

His strong commitment to longitudinal care has impacted countless patients.

“Access to primary care is important to the health of any community,” said Borgerding. “I’m excited to provide that care to adults in the entire Yampa Valley and beyond.”

Trevor Gann, mayor pro-tem of Hayden, agrees in local healthcare.

“This new clinic enhances the ability for residents of Hayden to remain in Hayden. It’s an added service that makes us less of a bedroom community and more of a full-fledge community,” said Gann. “There’s a lot of value in the partnership between UCHealth and the Town of Hayden – it enhances the resilience of this community, and we look forward to seeing where this goes in the coming years.”

UCHealth Primary Care - Hayden clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Patients seeking appointments are encouraged to schedule via UCHealth’s My Health Connection patient portal or call the clinic at 970.875.2685.

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Located at UCHealth’s Boulder Health Center, the clinic allows patients local access to comprehensive hepatology and post-transplant services. For patients who require advanced services, including liver transplant evaluation, the Boulder clinic offers a direct pathway to UCHealth’s multidisciplinary transplant team at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) on the Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, ensuring continuity of care across every stage of treatment.

Liver disease impacts more than 4.5 million adults and is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. UCHealth has performed more than 3,000 liver transplants and operates one of the nation's largest non-directed living donor transplant programs. UCHealth’s liver transplant program also reports better-than-expected mortality rates among patients on the liver transplant waiting list compared to national benchmarks, reflecting UCHealth's focus on early evaluation, timely treatment and coordinated care. The expansion into Boulder will further improve access to specialty liver care, helping patients connect with experts sooner and closer to home.

Who is at risk?

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter and harmful chemicals that can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, children, pregnant individuals and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Even short-term exposure can cause eye and throat irritation and may lead to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dr. Lemery says when the air quality declines, visits to the ER can spike. He warns that people who do not have any pre-existing health conditions can still feel the impacts. 

“It’s also young healthy people we can see come into the ER. I’ve had a triathlete come in during a bad air quality day from wildfires and say, ‘I never knew I had asthma,’ and in fact, they don’t have asthma—they have reactive airway disease from the smoky air,” Lemery said. 

How to protect yourself

When air quality declines due to wildfire smoke, Lemery encourages people to take the following steps:

• Stay updated on air quality conditions.
• If you are close to an active wildfire, be ready to evacuate. Keep a 7-to-10 day supply of medications on hand along with copies of important documents.
• If you can see or smell smoke from fires in Colorado or elsewhere in the West, that means air quality is poor.
• Stay indoors with the windows closed.
• If you have underlying respiratory or cardiovascular disease, avoid exercising outdoors.
• If you have air filters in your home, use them.
• Seek medical attention if they experience shortness of breath and chest pain making it difficult to complete a full sentence. 

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Estes Park, Colo. – UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC) has noted a rise in visits to the emergency department in recent weeks. 

The number of patients visiting the emergency department increased 43% when comparing the three-day Father’s Day weekend in 2025 to 2026. 

“Now that the hiking and tourist season is in full swing in Estes Park, visitors should give their body time to adjust to the higher elevation before enjoying the local area,” said Angela Haynes, a respiratory therapist at EVMC. She also noted that she has been seeing patients coming to the emergency department, complaining of shortness of breath. When at elevation, this can often be a sign of altitude sickness. 

Altitude sickness is preventable and treatable but advanced forms can lead to life-threatening concerns especially for those with chronic medical conditions. 

Estes Park, where EVMC is located, sits at 7,522 feet while nearby Rocky Mountain National Park reaches as high as 14,259 feet at the top of Longs Peak. The Alpine Visitor Center sits at 11,796 feet – more than two miles above sea level – along Trail Ridge Road. 

Visitors from lower elevations may experience the effects of altitude sickness if they do not allow themselves time to acclimate to the higher altitude. Even those living at higher elevations are not immune to the impacts of the condition. 

Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness or AMS, occurs when a person travels to higher elevations beyond what their body is familiar with or too quickly before their body can adjust. At higher elevations, there is less atmospheric pressure and thus fewer oxygen molecules per square inch. This results in the body inhaling less oxygen with each breath. 

When severe, the condition can develop into fluid in the lungs and swelling of the brain. Both forms are extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention. That does not, however, mean that less severe cases should be ignored. 

“The more severe forms of altitude sickness can develop into life-threatening conditions,” said Dr. Paige Machado, an emergency medicine physician at EVMC. “Recognizing initial signs and symptoms, such as headache, nausea and shortness of breath, can be resolved by descending to a lower altitude. Other tips we recommend are staying hydrated, avoiding heavy exertion until you have acclimated, limiting alcohol intake, and not going to higher elevations if you have symptoms.”

Signs of mild altitude sickness 

• Headache (the most common symptom).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue and less energy than usual.
• Shortness of breath with exertion.
• Lightheadedness 
   

Call 911 if these more severe symptoms occur

• Extreme shortness of breath (inability to speak in full sentences or walk a short distance).
• Sudden or severe headache.
• Confusion.
• Slurred words.
• Abnormal walking. 
   

“There is no guaranteed way to predict who will develop altitude sickness,” said Machado. “We do know that people with chronic medical issues, especially underlying heart and lung conditions, are more susceptible. Those with less physical conditioning and the elderly are also at higher risk.” 

A 2025 study of hikers in the Andes, however, showed that up to 80% of people who once had AMS will develop it again when they repeat the rapid ascent in elevation. 

Preventing AMS involves staying well hydrated before arriving and while at elevation, allowing your body to adjust by not gaining more than 1,000 feet of elevation per day and sleeping at lower altitudes than the highest altitude traveled during that day. 

A person’s primary care doctor can prescribe the medication acetazolamide, branded as Diamox, that can be prescribed before coming to high altitude to limit symptoms. 

“It can be hard to wrap your head around just how high up we are in Estes Park,” said Machado. “I tell patients in the ED to imagine taking the length of a football field and turning it vertically. If you stack them end-to-end, we are just over 20 football fields up in the air.” 

Machado also tells people that technically, the only effective treatment for altitude sickness is going back down to a lower elevation. 

She stresses that mild symptoms can be treated with these recommendations. 

“Most importantly, don’t ignore more serious symptoms, because delaying medical evaluation and treatment can lead to life-threatening complications,” said Machado.

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The Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility combines metrics of health equity and value of care with patient outcomes, offering a holistic view of hospitals as community partners. Lown’s annual index includes more than 2,700 hospitals and health systems and evaluates performance on more than 50 measures, including community benefit, inclusivity, cost efficiency, clinical outcomes and patient safety.

Several UCHealth hospitals were also individually recognized with “A” grades in social responsibility.

• UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins)

• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies (Loveland)

• UCHealth Grandview Hospital (Colorado Springs)

• UCHealth Greeley Hospital (Greeley)

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora)

• UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central (Colorado Springs)

• UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital (Colorado Springs)

About UCHealth

UCHealth is a nationally recognized nonprofit health system that pushes the boundaries of medicine through advanced treatments and clinical trials, improving health through innovation and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Investing $1.6 billion in community benefits including $762 million in uncompensated and charity care each year, UCHealth is Colorado’s largest Medicaid provider and dedicated to the communities it serves. With the region’s only adult academic medical center, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz campus, UCHealth includes 38,000 employees, 15 acute-care hospitals and thousands of physicians across Colorado, Wyoming and western Nebraska.

A three-month pilot project on UCH’s Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit uses lifelike robotic cats, dogs and birds designed to provide companionship and emotional support for patients with dementia and delirium-related symptoms.

“We immediately saw incredible responses,” said Becky Fehlig, nurse manager of the ACE unit at UCH. “Many of our patients’ moods change entirely once we bring in a pet for them. It’s really powerful to see.”

The robotic pets respond to touch, sound and interaction, mimicking behaviors of live animals while remaining safe and accessible in a hospital environment. Each patient receives their own pet and can keep them once they’re discharged.

The program is designed for patients with moderate to advanced dementia, particularly those who may be disoriented, anxious or at risk for delirium. Some patients tend to become agitated, distressed or even violent while in the hospital, requiring “sitters” or behavioral health technicians to help calm them down and ensure their safety.

Andrea Cervantes, a charge RN on the ACE unit, says robotic pets have already reduced the need for these interventions by creating calming moments, emotional reassurance and a sense of responsibility during what can often be a stressful hospital stay.

“We see patients who come in really agitated, confused and not talking much, until we bring in a pet,” said Cervantes. “These pets are making patients happy, so it’s making nurses happy, because they’re able to do something that brings joy to the patient.”

Richard Walker, a 74-year-old patient who was brought to UCH after wandering out of his retirement home for multiple hours, named his gray robotic cat “Stuffy.” His sister, Donna Delano, says the connection he was able to build with Stuffy has brought her family peace of mind as well.

“He’s talking. He’s interacting. He’s happy. He looks good. He looks healthier than when he came here. We were scared,” said Delano. “Thanks to that cat, I know that even when I can’t be here, he’s still happy.”

The ACE unit’s pilot project began on April 1 and has benefited dozens of patients so far. Because of the positive results and outcomes, UCHealth plans to expand access to the robotic pets throughout the hospital, including for post-anesthesia patients and those on other acute care units experiencing behavioral or dementia-related symptoms.

"At UCHealth, we are committed to finding innovative approaches that enhance patient care and improve outcomes," said Jen Rodgers, chief nursing officer at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. "This pilot has proven that small interventions can make a significant difference in a patient’s experience. We’re thrilled by the results so far and are excited to bring this program to more patients across the hospital.”

Aurora, Colo. (June 16, 2026) – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has recognized UCHealth hospitals and clinics as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders” in the 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmark of inclusive policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ patients, families, and employees.

“This recognition reflects the work happening across our system to create an environment where every patient feels respected, heard and safe,” said David Mafe, UCHealth’s chief diversity officer and vice president of human resources. “It’s not about a single program or policy - it’s about showing up consistently for patients and our community in ways that build trust and improve care.”

The designation follows a comprehensive review of each organization’s policies, practices, and patient experience. The HEI evaluates health systems on areas including nondiscrimination protections, staff training, patient services, employee benefits, and community engagement.

“Health care access for the LGBTQ+ community in 2026 is a tale of both important progress and dangerous setbacks," said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “Even amid extraordinary pressure, many healthcare institutions are continuing to show up for LGBTQ+ patients and staff. Doctors want to take care of their patients in the best way they can. Even so, disinformation campaigns are having a real impact on people’s lives. It’s vital for all LGBTQ+ people to get the most accurate information we have on access to care across the country, and we are proud of the ways in which the HEI helps the community understand this.”

The Healthcare Equality Index is the nation’s leading benchmarking tool for evaluating LGBTQ+ inclusion in health care settings.

UCHealth will continue building on this work as part of its broader commitment to improving access, experience and outcomes for all patients.

About UCHealth

UCHealth is a nationally recognized nonprofit health system that pushes the boundaries of medicine through advanced treatments and clinical trials, improving health through innovation and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Investing $1.6 billion in community benefits including $762 million in uncompensated and charity care each year, UCHealth is Colorado’s largest Medicaid provider and dedicated to the communities it serves. With the region’s only adult academic medical center, University of Colorado Hospital on the CU Anschutz campus, UCHealth includes 37,000 employees, 15 acute-care hospitals and thousands of physicians across Colorado, Wyoming and western Nebraska.

Estes Park, Colo. – UCHealth announced today the promotion of Crystal Mecham to chief nursing officer at UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center  (EVMC). She will begin the role on June 21. 

Mecham has served UCHealth patients as a nursing house supervisor at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins for more than four years while also managing a private practice in Boulder as its executive director. She previously worked as the CEO at Banner Surgery Center – Loveland and the CEO and clinical director for Arête Surgical Center in Johnstown. 

Mecham holds a master’s degree in nursing administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, both from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y. 

“As a healthcare leader with years of executive experience, Mecham will bring to this important role a commitment to patient care, a strong record of managing fiscal responsibilities, and a track record of implementing strategic goals,” said Vern Carda, president of EVMC. “As CNO, Mecham will focus on developing community relationships and hospital services while supporting our teams as we continue to integrate with the UCHealth system and all of the advanced medical care it offers.” 

Ben Hetrick has served as interim CNO at EVMC for the past year and helped guide a smooth shift into the UCHealth system. He will now take on a new role within the UCHealth affiliate services team. 

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Ben Hetrick for stepping into the role of interim chief nursing officer for the previous year,” Carda said. “With a positive attitude and infectious smile that permeates throughout the hospital, Hetrick served as an integral role model for the staff to guide them through the transition into UCHealth with his leadership skills, problem-solving abilities and vast knowledge of nursing care and healthcare informatics.”