Las Vegas, NV -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/05/2022 -- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs, according to experts from Intermountain Healthcare.

"COPD is a common respiratory condition, that is preventable and treatable, in which a patient has persistent respiratory symptoms due to structural damage to the bronchial tubes, or airways, and the air sacs in the lungs," said Dr. Suresh Tawney, Pulmonary Physician, Intermountain Healthcare COPD Clinic.

More than 15 million people have COPD in the United States. But an additional 12 million people have COPD and do not know it as it is undiagnosed. The CDC reports that more than 150,000 people die every year from COPD. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the US as well as the 4th leading cause of disability. Approximately 185,000 people in Nevada are diagnosed and suffer from COPD.

Risk factors include:
- Exposure to air pollution
- Breathing secondhand smoke
- Working with chemicals, dust and fumes
- A genetic condition called Alpha-1 deficiency
- A history of childhood respiratory infection
- COPD is more common in women – about 56 percent of cases
- COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive asthma

The symptoms according to the American Lung Association:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities (dyspnea)
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
- Fatigue
- Producing a lot of mucus (also called phlegm or sputum)
- Wheezing

"Roughly 80 percent of all COPD cases are attributed to smoking," said Dr. Tawney. "The remaining are environmental factors or genetically from your family."

The damage to the bronchial tubes and air sacs is usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles, such as in smoking, or gases.

The American Lung Association provides five steps to help reduce your risk of COPD:
- If you smoke, it is a smart and healthy choice to quit. Seek help from family and experts to learn how to quit. It is never too late.
- If you don't smoke, then don't start.
- Avoid secondhand smoke around you. This includes making your home smoke-free.
- Be aware of the dangers with chemicals, dust, and fumes at home and at work.
- Work with your community to help fight for clean air.

"The Intermountain COPD Clinic focuses currently on Medicare patients. Intermountain Healthcare uses a team to treat you at the COPD Clinic," said Dr. Tawney. "The team includes the physician, case manager, respiratory therapists, among others."

The COPD Clinic team helps with the following:
- Medication management
- Educate disease process
- Signs and symptoms and how-to self-monitor and manage their chronic condition
- Provide symptom management and acute symptom triage via direct access to clinic and/or remote patient monitoring
- Work with help with self-care success
- Social determinants of health
- Transition of care coordination during and after hospitalization

To learn more about COPD, the COPD Clinic and Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/Nevada, call (702) 691-9120, or see your primary care provider.

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/04/2022 -- Parenting is hard – and Primary Children's Hospital in Utah wants everyone to know it's OK to ask for help.

"It takes an entire community to help strengthen families and protect children from child abuse and neglect," said Dr. Antoinette Laskey, division chief of child protection and family health for University of Utah Health, and medical director of Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital's Center for Safe and Healthy Families. "We want families to know about the many free resources available to them that can help them get through the stresses and challenges they face."

In Utah, more than 9,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse and neglect, according to state data. Parents' high stress, social isolation, substance abuse, and lack of support are among the most common risk factors for child abuse and neglect.

Focusing on ways to strengthen families to safely care for their own children is one way to help prevent child abuse.

Research from the Center for the Study of Social Policy shows that families who demonstrate five strengths, or protective factors, often are better able to navigate life's challenges. These strengths – parental resilience, social connection, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and the social and emotional competence of children – are key to helping families cope in times of stress.

Here are some free, community resources to support families:

Family Support Centers of Utah has 17 locations with a 24-hour crisis and respite nursery, information and referral services, and parenting and youth education programs.

The Utah Department of Health Office of Home Visiting helps pregnant women and young families receive support and information about breastfeeding, developmental milestones, toilet training, nutrition, mental health, home safety, child development, and more.

Help Me Grow Utah is an information and referral help line from the United Way of Utah for parents, physicians, and providers seeking ways to help children grow and develop and to access parental mental health screenings.

Prevent Child Abuse Utah offers home visits in Davis, Weber and Box Elder counties. These visits include parent educators offering support, education, and fun connective activities for families with young children. Statewide, PCAU offers free online courses, as well as virtual and in-person training about protective factors, digital safety, bullying, and child sex-trafficking.

Help with housing, utilities, food, transportation, employment, domestic violence and abuse and more is available by calling 211 or visiting 211Utah.org.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.

People who have a concern that a child has been abused or neglected, and it is not an immediate emergency, should call the Utah Division of Child & Family Services at 1-855-323-DCFS.

"By coming together as a community, we can avert crises and give families the help they need to be successful," Dr. Laskey said.

More information can be found at PrimaryChildrens.org.

Dr. Antoinette Laskey is division chief of child protection and family health for University of Utah Health, and medical director of Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital's Center for Safe and Healthy Families.

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is a nationally ranked pediatric acute care children's teaching hospital located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The hospital has 289 pediatric beds and is affiliated with the University of Utah School of Medicine. Primary Children's is part of Intermountain Healthcare, a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/03/2022 -- May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is a good time to refocus on mental well-being. Intermountain Healthcare experts say the potential mental health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic are profound. The pandemic has been associated with uncertainty, school closures, shutdowns, social isolation, and economic vulnerability— these stressors can be linked to mental health issues. COVID-19's mental health consequences are likely to be present for longer and peak later than the actual pandemic.

Then add the war in Ukraine, economic downturns, racial injustices, and political unrest, just to name a few, and what we all encountered was mental well-being moments that challenged us.

Research has studied the effect of large-scale traumas and disasters on communities. Not only has this pandemic caused mental health challenges for many of us, we have also been given the opportunity to practice and develop our resilience. Some people think of resilience as a trait one is born with (hardiness) or an outcome (presence of post-traumatic stress or growth).

Resilience is neither lucky or passive and can be strengthened with practice. Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity. When we get far enough past an adversity to look back with perspective, we can consider its effects on our lives and identities, reflect on the skills we developed, the actions we took, the lessons we learned, and the reasons we kept going.

Asking ourselves "what do I do when times get hard?" reminds us of our personal skills and characteristics that we can use. The question "Who helps me when times get hard and who can I help?" address our social supports and sense of connection. Finally, asking ourselves "Who do I want to be when this is over and what will it have meant for me?" helps us to focus on a sense of meaning and purpose.

"Think of resilience like a seesaw or balance scale where negative experiences tip the scale towards negative outcomes, positive experiences towards positive outcomes, and shifting the fulcrum so that the scale can handle more negative experiences without leading to negative outcomes," said Dr. Travis Mickelson, mental health integration director for Intermountain.

The COVID pandemic is far from over with vaccines providing us a bright light at the end of this tunnel. Until then, we need to be deliberate about navigating the middle of the resilience process, the part between getting through and looking back. We will do this by harnessing resources that work for us based on our individual and community needs.

If you want to speak to someone, you can call Intermountain's Behavioral Health Navigation Line at 833-442-2211. The Behavioral Health Navigation Service is a new service provided by Intermountain and designed to help the community find the resources that they need.

The Behavioral Health Navigation services is a singular phone number where you can call in and speak with caregivers in our organization to be directed to the right service, and as needed scheduled with an appointment, or referred to Intermountain's Behavioral Health Connect Care, which is a new service virtual service working to address needs for people or the loved ones in real time.

Travis Mickelson, MD, is a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist with Intermountain Medical Group, and practices at Salt Lake Clinic, Memorial Clinic, and the Pamela Atkinson Clinic at Liberty Elementary.

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/01/2022 -- Collagen drinks and powders have become a common dietary supplement found in most grocery and big box stores. With all the anti-aging hype surrounding collagen, are collagen supplements important to include in a healthy diet?

"Research is unclear if the benefits some people have from collagen protein comes from collagen itself, or from consuming more protein in general," said Sara Mathews, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital.

Here are a few points to help people decide whether collagen supplements are right for them:

- Like all proteins consumed, collagen is broken down in the digestive system to be used wherever the body most needs protein. This means that collagen cannot be absorbed whole. Instead, it is absorbed as the smallest components of protein.
- Most research on collagen has been conducted using industry funding, which means there is a potential for bias in the study results.
- Preventing collagen breakdown in the body may be a more effective strategy to prevent skin aging and support joint health. Mathews encourages people to choose healthy lifestyle and diet habits such as:
- Getting enough sleep.
- Avoiding high sugar intake, which can damage existing collagen.
- Eating a healthy diet including vitamin C and sulfur-containing foods (citrus, strawberries, broccoli, onions) to aid in collagen production in the body.

"Overall, as careful consumers, people should be wary of the claims surrounding collagen supplements and focus more on whole food, quality protein sources as well as other beneficial whole foods to limit the negative effects of aging," Mathews said.

More information can be found at Intermountainhealthcare.org.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare or the Intermountain Healthcare Blog.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/29/2022 -- The Utah Fetal Center at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital has received a generous gift of $15 million from a Utah family in memory of their infant son. This donation will allow the hospital to strengthen fetal care and surgeries for expectant mothers and their families for many years to come.

Brad and Megan Bonham's $15 million endowed gift helps establish the first highly specialized fetal care center in Utah and the Intermountain West – a vital community resource that will enable Intermountain Healthcare and Primary Children's, with partners from University of Utah Health, to become a national leader in comprehensive fetal care, including complex fetal surgeries.

With the donation, Intermountain Primary Children's has renamed the Utah Fetal Center the Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center in honor of the couple's infant son, who passed away one day after birth due to complexities that could not be addressed in-utero at that time.

"What the Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center represents to us is hope – a hope that other families might look forward to a happy, healthy life with their children who are facing challenging medical circumstances," Brad Bonham said.

"We've gone through some really difficult trials in our lives and there was always somebody there with an outstretched hand that has helped lift us up," he added. "We find it almost incumbent that we provide those same lifting hands when the opportunity arises."

The Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center is part of Intermountain Healthcare's "Primary Promise" to create the nation's model health system for children – a multi-faceted initiative and investment of at least $500 million in children's health that will be shared by Intermountain Healthcare and community philanthropic support through an emerging campaign organized by Intermountain Foundation.

This campaign is being led by four civic and community business leaders:
- Gail Miller, owner and board chair of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and chair of the Intermountain Healthcare Board of Trustees
- Crystal Maggelet, chair and CEO of FJ Management Inc. and Intermountain Healthcare trustee
- Steve Lund, co-founder and executive board chair of Nu Skin Enterprises
- Spencer Zwick, co-founder and managing partner of Solamere Capital and former senior advisor to U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney.

In January 2010, at their 20-week ultrasound exam, the Bonhams received devastating news: their unborn son had posterior urethral valves, a kidney condition for which, at the time, there was no treatment. Their son wouldn't live long after his birth.

The following May, Grant Scott Bonham was born at full term, weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces. He lived 33 hours, all the while held by his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends before passing away in his mother's arms.

"This gift to the fetal center at Primary Children's Hospital is very personal to us," Megan Bonham said. "As challenging as this time was for us, we now feel motivated to help others who have to experience something similar."

The Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center is the most highly specialized fetal care center in Utah and the Intermountain West. Leaders recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the center's first fetal surgery with the patient mother and her smiling 11-month-old daughter.

"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brad and Megan Bonham for their incredible generosity to help expectant mothers and their unborn babies," said Katy Welkie, RN, MBA, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Healthcare Children's Health. "The Bonham family's leadership and support will rewrite the stories of untold numbers of children in the years to come."

"Often, the joy a parent feels in pregnancy can turn into despair when they realize their child is affected by congenital anomalies," said Stephen Fenton, MD, a pediatric surgeon with University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, who is director of the center.

"We hope the fetal center will become command central for these parents – a place where they can access integrated, high-quality care, innovative therapies, and a full team of experts, researchers, and fetal surgeons to help expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies overcome these challenges," he added.

About Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital
Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is a nationally ranked pediatric acute care children's teaching hospital located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The hospital has 289 pediatric beds and is affiliated with the University of Utah School of Medicine. Primary Children's is part of Intermountain Healthcare, a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Intermountain Life Flight Jet recently used to help save the life of Utah six-year-old

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/28/2022 -- Intermountain Life Flight recently unveiled its newest medical resource – a unique long-range medical jet that will be used to transport patients for highly-specialized care. It can also be used to enhance organ transplantation in Utah by retrieving donor organs from throughout the United States.

One of the premier air medical transport programs in the nation, a specialized Intermountain Life Flight medical team joined a Utah family, whose six-year-old son's life was saved last month by utilizing the medical jet for a highly-specialized procedure, in unveiling the new aircraft.

In addition, members of the Intermountain Life Flight program were joined by leaders from DonorConnect, the organ procurement agency that serves the Intermountain West, to talk about how they will use the medical jet to enhance organ transplantation in Utah.

"We're really excited to have this invaluable resource to enhance organ transplantation in Utah," said Tracy Schmidt, executive director of DonorConnect.

The new Intermountain Life Flight medical jet, a Bombardier Challenger 604, can fly anywhere in the world and will be used for longer distance patient transports or organ retrievals (1,500+ miles). The aircraft has a range of 4,600 miles.

The aircraft is unique as it has a large cabin area that can accommodate two patients and allow for complex medical procedures while in flight, such as the use of ECMO, which stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

ECMO is a highly-specialized critical life-saving heart-lung bypass treatment in which a circuit pumps and supplies oxygen to the blood. It's an extraordinary, delicate procedure requiring a team of specialists on the flight.

"One of the great features of the Challenger is the large cabin that allows us to care for complex and very ill patients who require advanced care from specialized team members and necessary medical equipment," said Kent Johnson, director of aviation operations for Intermountain Life Flight. "This aircraft is very reliable and unique, and we're excited to add it to the Life Flight fleet."

The Life Flight medical jet can carry eight passengers, and in addition to the large patient care area, has a crew rest area for pilots and medical team members.

"The ability that this aircraft provides for us to transport really complex patients is a tremendous resource that will result in many lives being saved," said Tammy Bleak, RN, director of clinical operations for Intermountain Life Flight.

A Personal Story

One of those lives that was saved was six-year-old Ezra Partridge from Draper, Utah.

Ezra had been a healthy, active child until last March, when he began to experience fatigue and was diagnosed with heart failure caused by pulmonary vein stenosis, a rare and serious condition in which there is a blockage in the blood vessels that bring blood from the lungs back to the heart.

Ezra was admitted to Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital where he went into cardiac arrest and was placed on an ECMO machine in the pediatric cardiac ICU to help support his failing heart function.

Stents were placed in Ezra's vessels to help keep them open, but his heart continued to struggle, and it was determined that he needed a very specialized and unique treatment performed at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

Thanks to the new long-range Life Flight medical jet and highly-trained, specialized pediatric team, Ezra was flown to Houston while on the ECMO machine for his procedure. In Houston, Ezra was able to get the life-saving procedure he needed.

After he improved, he was flown back home to Utah aboard the Life Flight medical jet while being cared for by the specialized medical team. He continued his recovery at Primary Children's Hospital and is now home continuing his recovery, which is going well.

"We're so grateful to Intermountain Healthcare, Life Flight, and the incredible team at Primary Children's Hospital for all that they did for Ezra and our family," said Brooke Partridge, Ezra's mother. "We're very appreciative for the great care Ezra received."

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/27/2022 -- It's World Immunization Week this week and Intermountain Healthcare doctors say it is a great time to pull out the family's immunization records and find out which vaccines are due.

COVID-19 has been constantly on our minds the past couple of years and has modified our choices and opportunities to access health services as people avoided exposure to and spreading the virus.

While many prevention and wellness services were delayed due to the pandemic, now is the time to return to our regular health maintenance and make up those services we put off, such as regular immunizations, said Dr. Tamara Sheffield, medical director of preventive medicine for Intermountain Healthcare.

Data presented at the Northern Utah Immunization Coalition Conference on April 21st demonstrated a dramatic reduction in childhood well child visits to their medical providers in Utah during 2020. This resulted in fewer immunized children and adolescents, and those numbers of missed vaccines have not yet been made up.

"Well visits provide a time for important screening, coaching, and preventive services such as immunizations," said Dr. Sheffield. "It's time for adults and children of all ages to return to their regular scheduled visits with their medical providers."

Now that masking has been reduced in the community, infections due to respiratory viruses besides COVID, such as influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), have returned.

When vaccination levels in communities drop below a high threshold, other deadly infections such as measles and polio can re-emerge, she added.

Vaccines have been held up as one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. Not only do they greatly reduce the suffering and death caused by illness, but they also reduce the cost of care significantly by preventing the need in the first place. In some cases, diseases have all but disappeared thanks to strenuous vaccination efforts.

"You rarely hear of smallpox, diphtheria, or rubella today thanks to vaccines," said Dr. Sheffield. "It's good to do a regular assessment of your health needs and those of your family. Did you put off getting a mammogram or getting your second shingles vaccine? Has your child received both doses of their HPV vaccine to protect them from future HPV related cancers? If you are behind on some of your regular care, it's time to come in and protect your health by catching up on those services."

It isn't just children and adolescents who need to come in for their regular childhood vaccines.

In the past year, there are new recommendations for regular adult vaccines, too. For many years, Hepatitis B vaccines have been recommended for infants, children and adolescents to prevent serious liver disease and liver cancer caused by the virus.

"It is now recommended that all adults ages 19 to 59 years who weren't previously vaccinated with the Hepatitis B series get immunized," said Dr. Sheffield.

There are also new vaccine recommendations for immunocompromised adults, the recombinant shingles vaccine and new pneumococcal vaccines are now recommended.

With the new recommendations for adult vaccines, it is also a good idea to talk to your health care provider about the vaccines you should receive, because old vaccine records may not show that you are due for vaccines such as Hepatitis B, which was previously just a child or adolescent vaccine recommendation, Dr. Sheffield noted.

"We've learned how to be proactive as families and communities to protect ourselves and others during COVID. Now it is time to look after ourselves and our well-being with regular care," she added. "If we come in to get our preventive services we can have the peace of mind knowing we have done all we can to get the medical services recommended to protect ourselves and our children for a healthier future."

Additional Resources

Childhood Immunization Schedule (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html

Adult Immunization Schedule (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html

Vaccines for Children Program from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html

Immunization as the Best Defense: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/health-information/immunization

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare or the Intermountain Healthcare Blog.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/26/2022 -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 at various locations across the nation. Partners -- including law enforcement, public health, and healthcare providers such as Intermountain Healthcare -- are supporting in the effort.

This bi-annual event offers free, anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at drop boxes at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. Please remember that every day of the year that there are also drop boxes scattered throughout Utah, easily found by searching knowyourscript.org.

"Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs. I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded prescription medications now."

According to the DEA, drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.

How did Utah handle the COVID pandemic in terms of drug deaths?

Overall, Utah is not experiencing as significant of increase in all overdose deaths as reported in other states.

The CDC reports that the United States experienced a 30.9% increase in all drug overdose deaths between January 2020 and January 2021 – and Utah saw an 11.2% increase in overdose deaths.

However, the number of fentanyl involved overdose deaths has increased considerably over the last two years.

Based on preliminary data from the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, there were 569 fatal overdoses of accidental and undetermined intent in Utah in 2021. This represents a 7.1% increase in all fatal drug overdoses (i.e., any drug) compared with the previous 12 months, January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

The majority of drug overdoses in Utah are the result of polysubstance use.

Over half (58%) of all overdoses in 2021 involved both an opioid and a stimulant. This represents a 29% increase in the number of overdoses involving both an opioid and a stimulant from 2020 to 2021.

Methamphetamine was responsible for more deaths (48%) than any other single drug in 2021 followed by fentanyl (28%) and heroin (25%).?

What the community needs to know is that not all opioids are created equally. It is like comparing apples to oranges based on which opioid is prescribed, the strength of the opioid, and the frequency of the dose.

All opioids have risks, but the risks increase as the potency increases. Several studies show that long-term opioids don't improve pain relief and can contribute to significant risk, overdose, and side effects for patients.

There were 407 accidental overdoses and overdoses of undetermined intent involving an opioid in Utah in 2021. This represents a 3.3% increase in fatal overdoses involving an opioid compared with the previous 12 months, January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Overdose deaths among youth are rare. On average, there were fewer than five overdose deaths per year since 2016. However, the number of overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased in 2020 and 2021 compared with previous years.

All overdose deaths among those ages 14 to 17 involved fentanyl in 2020 and 2021. Drug use, even experimentally, is more dangerous now than it has been at any time previously due to increased availability of fentanyl.
Additionally, adolescents are at a higher risk for opioid overdose due to drug naivety, including lower tolerance and use.

The highest number of overdoses in 2021 were among those ages 35 to 44, followed by those ages 25 to 34.?

What is Intermountain Doing?

Intermountain Healthcare is working to ensure that patients and communities can live the healthiest lives possible. Part of that mission is to ensure that the health system caregivers prescribe opioid medications responsibly to ensure that patient safety is maintained.

To address this, and to ensure that Intermountain is doing its utmost to help improve patient safety, Intermountain has changed the quantities of opioid tablets prescribed for acute needs such as surgery.

Intermountain is now working to ensure that the strength of medications provided to patients is most appropriate to meet their needs. These efforts help to reduce the risk of patients developing opioid use disorder, overdose, and even death.

Intermountain Healthcare underwent a process in 2017 to work with prescribing physicians and mid-level providers to work as a team to reduce the number of opioid pills prescribed.

Through this process, Intermountain has "right-sized" prescribing to better fit the need of the patient aligned with the procedure/pain need. Since this effort was initiated, Intermountain Healthcare has prescribed over 11 million fewer opioid tablets, a 40% reduction in acute and 31% in chronic prescribing.

MME Reduction
Intermountain Healthcare is actively working to address not only the quantity of pills prescribed by providers, but also the potency of those medications.

At the beginning of 2019, 11.21% of all opioid prescriptions from Intermountain Healthcare providers were of high dose opioids, or high morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME). As of now, Intermountain's percent of prescriptions with a high (>90) MME is about 7%.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives to opioids. If an opioid is needed, ask about side effects, the risk of overdose, and about naloxone.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Spanish Fork, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/25/2022 -- One year ago, during the height of the COVID pandemic restrictions, cancelled events, and limited social interactions, Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital opened its doors to the community.

Many individuals weren't able to see the new hospital up close, but last weekend caregivers were able to host a community event to allow Utah residents the opportunity to experience the many resources and technology available at the new hospital.

Fun events, family activities, food, and education opportunities were presented, along with opportunities to interact with caregivers and see some of the high-tech resources available at the hospital.

"Because Spanish Fork Hospital opened for service in April 2021 during COVID-19 restrictions, we were not able to host an event for the community," said Megan Johnson, nurse administrator of Spanish Fork Hospital. "That's why we are excited to invite the community to join us to celebrate this important milestone."

Visitors were able to experience various activities, including a life-size game of Operation, fun face and body bone painting "x-rays," and much more. In addition, a drop box for residents to safely dispose of unused medications was provided along with the opportunity to participate in Intermountain's HerediGene study. Spanish Fork Hospital also partnered with Tabitha's Way to host a community food drive to help those in need.

Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital is located at 765 East Market Place Drive.

For more information, go to https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/spanish-fork-hospital/ or call (385) 344-5000.

About Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital
Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital is part of Intermountain Healthcare, a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/21/2022 -- The COVID-19 pandemic may be waning, but Intermountain Healthcare experts say the impact of prolonged periods of social isolation, interrupted school schedules, and limited social interaction is having lasting effects, especially on young children.

"Taking children for their well-child check-ups is a way for parents to talk to their pediatrician or family practice provider about any concerns they have about their child's health and growth, and if they're reaching their developmental milestones for their age," said Katrina Jensen, a pediatric nurse with Intermountain Healthcare.

"It's also a time to talk about things like brain development, motor skills and social skills. This is especially important for children under age five."

The toddler, pre-school and grade school years are a time of not only physical development, but a time when children develop social skills and cognitive thinking.

"With the increase in social isolation and online learning during the pandemic, it's important for parents to talk to a provider about if their child is reaching appropriate language, cognitive, social and emotional development milestones for their age," said Jensen

During the pandemic, some parents have put off well-child visits. If that's the case, schedule a check-up this spring before the back-to-school and end of summer rush.

Recommended ages for well-child check ups
After a baby is born, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends frequent check-ups to assess the child's health, growth and development. The recommended schedule for check-ups is at two weeks of age and then every two months until the child is six months old, and then every three months until age 18 months, and then at age two, and then annually after that.

When parents take their child to these visits, they can easily stay on schedule for all the recommended immunizations for children.

"Well-child visits help children stay healthy by identifying any type of health or development concerns and teaching parents about any next steps they can take to help their child," said Jensen. She offered five reasons kids can benefit from well child check-ups.

Five Reasons Why Regular Healthcare Check-Ups are Important for Kids

1. Physical examination to check child's heart, lungs, skin, eyes, ears, nose, etc.
2. Tracking growth and physical development
3. Preventing illness by receiving immunizations for preventable diseases
4. Screenings for hearing, vision, autism, etc.
5. Checking for age-appropriate cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral development.

For more information about well-child visits, or to find a provider for your child, visit Intermountain Healthcare.org.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare or the Intermountain Healthcare Blog.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/20/2022 -- To celebrate Earth Week, Intermountain Healthcare is unveiling the largest landscaping overhaul the Utah-based health system has ever undertaken at its hospitals and clinics that will save an estimated 17.5 million gallons of water annually.

As the west continues to suffer from record breaking drought, Intermountain is taking steps to reduce the impact its facilities have on water use.

"For a long time, larger facilities put in a lot of water intensive grass because it was cheaper and looked nice from an aesthetic standpoint," said Keith Pennington, landscaping supervisor for Intermountain Healthcare. "Our approach now means thinking about the impact of everything we plant before it goes into the ground and to work to help conserve as much water as possible."

The landscaping upgrades are taking place at five Intermountain facilities, which include:

- Intermountain American Fork Hospital
- Intermountain Orem Community Hospital
- Intermountain Riverton Hospital
- Intermountain Saratoga Springs Clinic
- Intermountain TOSH – The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital

At these hospital and clinic campuses alone, Intermountain is removing 19 acres of grass and planting more than 350 trees. This will not only save water, but will greatly reduce the need for fuel, repairs, fertilizers, and regular mowing.

It all adds up to an estimated savings of more than $200,000 a year.

"A major benefit of our sustainability efforts means the money we don't use on running our facilities can go back into funding our health programs for patients and the community," said Glen Garrick, system sustainability director for Intermountain Healthcare. "We want to be good stewards in the communities we serve, and this is another step towards that goal."

For the past several years, Intermountain has made water wise landscaping a requirement at all new facilities. Now, the focus is turning to older campuses that were built with more grass and non-native plants.

A major part of the savings at these facilities doesn't just come from the plants, but the technology used to water them. New high-tech irrigation systems have been installed to monitor weather for rain, and alert crews if there are leaks anywhere in the piping.

Pennington says many people don't realize how important landscapes are to hospitals, and he hopes these upgrades will only enhance the experience for patients and visitors.

"We want a beautiful place for our patients to be able to heal and relax outside, and hopefully take their mind off their stresses," said Pennington. "Some long-term patients may only get a few brief moments outside and we want to make sure the time they do have is special. We're working to unite conservation and wise use of resources with ensuring our campuses are places of healing."

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare or https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/19/2022 -- Menstrual cramps are common for women who experience periods. Sometimes, the range of normal discomfort may interfere with daily life, and leave some wondering if or when they should see a provider, or if what they are experiencing is normal.

Leah Moses, a certified nurse midwife with Intermountain Healthcare, offers suggestions on navigating through the pesky aches that menstrual cramps can bring, what they could mean, and ways to manage them.

About menstrual cramps
"Menstrual cramps are also referred to as dysmenorrhea," said Moses. She said this can include pain in the hips, lower back, inner thighs, and abdomen. Abdominal pain may also be accompanied by pressure and even loose stools, an upset stomach, nausea, headaches, as well as vomiting in severe cases.

During a period, the uterus sheds its lining. Hormones released during this time can sometimes cause pain and inflammation, also causing cramps.

Although most menstrual cramps are manageable, some common conditions may cause normal menstruation cramps to become more painful. These include pelvic inflammatory diseases, uterine fibroids, polyscystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis.

Home remedies
Period pain without an underlying cause tends to improve with age, and sometimes menstrual cramps improve after a woman has had children.

For those who are dealing with the discomfort that menstrual cramps can bring, there are various types of home remedies that may help alleviate pain, including:

- Exercise, stretching, or sexual intercourse
- Heating pad, hot compress or warm baths
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (Motrin, Tylenol)
- Consider Midol and Pamprin for bloating and muscle aches
- Acupuncture or chiropractic adjustments
- Herbal teas
- Natural supplements such as magnesium, fish oil, vitamin B1 and B6
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and stress

"If women experience other underlying health conditions, it's important to check with their providers to know which medication may be best. Following the dosage directions on the label of over-the-counter medication is also important," said Moses.

When to see a provider
"If full doses of over-the-counter medicine is needed more than a few times a day for several days in a row, then women should see their provider to review their symptoms," added Moses.

Another reason to see a provider is to discuss birth control options. Birth control can be an option to help alleviate normal to severe cramps and may be pursued when home remedies don't relieve the pain. These methods may include an intrauterine device (IUD), an implant, or birth control pills. Most women don't have to wait until things get severe to consider using birth control as an option to reduce menstrual pain.

"Consider seeing your provider when your menstrual cramps are unusual or severe, or if your monthly flow lasts much longer or is much heavier than usual. Painful period cramping can be treatable," said Moses.

It's important to seek immediate care if cramping becomes dramatically worse such as severe abdominal pain that isn't going away, or menstrual flow is filling a regular sanitary pad in as fast as one hour.

Additionally, pelvic and physical exams may be performed to help identify abnormalities or infections of the reproductive areas. Often, an ultrasound or other imaging will be needed to know more.

Sometimes women don't realize they may be experiencing cycle or menstrual cramp irregularities until discussing their symptoms. Find out what is physically normal by discussing symptoms and concerns with a women's healthcare provider at an annual exam.

For more information or to find a provider, visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org. For helpful advice for expectant moms and new parents, see Intermountain Moms online or follow us on www.facebook.com/intermountainmoms, www.instagram.com/intermountainmoms, or https://twitter.com/IntermtnMoms.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/18/2022 -- It might not look like therapy when James Stewart is working with one of his occupational therapy patients. In fact to the outside observer, it probably looks a lot more like playing.

Whether they're interacting with dinosaurs, building with blocks, or lining up cars, it's all part of a popular therapy known as "Floortime."

"It's an idea from child psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Greenspan and it's one of my favorite therapies," said Stewart, a pediatric occupational therapist with the Pediatric Outpatient Rehab at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital in Utah. "The idea is to build skills while interacting through play, so it's much more fun and engaging."

Play is the "work" of childhood. It's how all children learn and develop skills. For children with autism, play therapy is especially helpful because it can be done in the clinic, at home, and at school.

In Pediatric Outpatient Rehab, the play itself varies based on the interests of the child, but its main goal is to increase the social and interactive skills of Stewart's patients, particularly those who fall on the autism spectrum.

"There are a lot of factors associated with an autism diagnosis, or someone who is 'neuro atypical', but at its core, autism is a social issue," Stewart said. "Neuro typical people seem to innately understand certain social skills and situations, but these kids with autism are missing some of those things. We teach those skills in order for them to build that ability and engage and socially interact with others."

Using the repetitive behaviors of the patient, or their obsessions, Stewart works through therapy to help move the child forward in their development. But this approach also focuses on the need to accept the patient's differences.

"I'm not trying to change a child. I'm just going to use what they like and what they're into as a mode for play and therapy," Stewart said. "I have one kid who is obsessed with leaf blowers and vacuums. Another patient likes circles. Some like letters and numbers."

This sort of acceptance of neuro atypical children is the growing trend among those on the autism spectrum; a change in the way the diagnosis is viewed. Rather than being seen as a problem to be "fixed," it is a difference to be accepted.

"We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, some are just more visible than others," Stewart said. "When it comes to social skills, there are many people both on and off the spectrum that could benefit from some training in that area."

"Some people joke that autism is the spectrum and we're all on it to one degree or another," Stewart continued. "Some of us are good at social emotional intelligence and others are just not."

Interacting socially is something that Stewart said comes naturally to him, which is why he enjoys utilizing this kind of therapy. He also likes that it is something that can be continued at home relatively easily with parent and child.

"A lot of parents like it," Stewart said. "A lot of kids will start to engage more, they start to understand the back and forth interactions and can connect with more people. Then you start to see them develop even more skills."

Whether he is working with a neuro atypical patient, or just interacting with the world at large, Stewart said it is important to accept people's differences.

"People are people," he said. "We can work within whatever context they're in, regardless of whether they have autism or not."

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division with more than one million members called SelectHealth, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information, see Intermountain Healthcare or the Intermountain Healthcare Blog.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/17/2022 -- It might be hard to tell from the weather this week, but spring is right around the corner. Many individuals are excite and are getting ready for warmer outdoor activities. But this transition in recreation also brings a new risk of possible injuries which Intermountain Healthcare doctors say are common this time of year.

Claire Gross, MD, sports medicine physician at Intermountain, says winter and spring activities often work muscle groups in different ways. In many cases, as people transition to outdoor activities, the injuries come from overestimating one's fitness level.

"Even if you partake in winter sports, it works muscle groups in different ways and our overall activity level is usually lower in winter," said Dr. Gross. "Most injuries we see are from people going too hard and too fast right as the weather gets nicer, and their bodies can't keep up."

Researchers have mixed results about what causes certain injuries but have shown they are higher in the spring. One study found there are more ruptured Achilles tendon injuries in the spring, and they're lowest in the fall.

These overuse injuries can also include a strained back, pulled muscles, and strained tendons. The worst overuse injury is a stress fracture, which is initially a small crack or cracks in the bone culminating into a complete fracture caused by repetitive force on one part of the body like a foot or leg.

Dr. Gross suggests people gradually increase their activity as they begin transitioning to outdoor activities like hiking, running or bike riding in the spring, and she recommends strengthening muscles over stretching. She also recommends not increasing activity more than 10 percent per week.

"Newer research shows stretching right before an activity can lead to injuries," said Dr. Gross. "Strength training can help build up the muscles in your body and make them less susceptible to injuries."

Dr. Gross says stretching is recommended after an activity. Static stretching includes hamstrings, arms, and quad holds for 20-30 seconds. These are great for flexibility, but not before strenuous activity.

A warmup can consist of things like range of motion activities like slowly swinging arms and legs in circles or doing air squats. These activities aren't done intensely which why it's best before physical activity.

Also, she recommends that you start off slowly and gradually increase your speed or resistance with your intended activity is a great way to warm up. Think of warming up as slowly increasing blood flow and temperature into you working muscles.

"As we tend to sit more during the winter, our core muscles become weaker, starting by training your core will help prepare you for outside activities," Dr. Gross noted. "Exercises like planks are a good way to train your core. It's more than just about getting a 6-pack but think of is as the center of our body."

Another important aspect of avoiding future injuries is to get rest and focus on recovering from a current injury. Many times, people are conditioned to ignore and push through pain thinking this will hasten improvement, but when that pain is from an injury it can end up making things worse.

Dr. Gross says that while some discomfort is part of exercise, pain should not be the goal.

When experts talk about pain and exercise, they use a 0-10 scale with 10 being the worst pain a patient can experience. Caregivers say exercise should be no more than 4/10 or less on this scale. If the pain is higher than this, it is a signal to stop and figure out what is causing the pain.

"The best way to continue staying active is to make sure you take care of any injuries big or small," said Dr. Gross. "Rest is good for the body and it's okay to give yourself a break."

For more information on about sports medicine at Intermountain click here.

Claire A. Gross, MD, is a practicing sports medicine physician with Intermountain Medical Group and the Intermountain Lehi Clinic.

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/15/2022 -- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, both old and young were faced with serious illness or a medical emergency that required vital decisions about their medical care, and sometimes those decisions couldn't be made by the patient themselves. This has brought more awareness to the need for making an advance directive.

Intermountain Healthcare and other Utah health systems and healthcare associations came together this week to emphasize the importance of advance care planning in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, which is held each year on April 16.

This day is set aside to encourage people to make an advance directive, or to discuss their wishes about future healthcare decisions and put them in writing. This helps loved ones, providers and facilities be aware of and respect those wishes, whatever they may be. People can also specify about what life-sustaining treatments they do or do not wish to have. Tax season is a great time to think about getting not just tax forms ready, but all personal documents in order.

"During a medical emergency or serious illness, you may not be able to make healthcare decisions for yourself. Designating a trusted healthcare agent who is aware of your wishes means you'll have an advocate who can help speak on your behalf," said Dr. Dominic Moore, a pediatric palliative care physician, with University of Utah Health and medical director of palliative care at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City, UT who works with patients with serious illnesses.

"Advance directives are important not just for older adults, but for younger people as well, and even children, especially if they have a chronic condition. These are difficult, but very important conversations to have," he added.

Dr. Moore says it's a good idea to update or change advance directives annually, or if one of the "four D's" occurs:

1. Diagnosis – you receive a serious diagnosis
2. Deterioration – your health is declining
3. Divorce
4. Death of your designated healthcare agent

He reminds people it's important to keep all the contact information for yourself and your healthcare agent up to date and check the legal requirements to complete the paperwork in the state where you live.

If you're over 18, it's a good idea to have an advance directive in place, since a sudden injury or illness might leave a person unable to make decisions for themselves. Once an advance directive is made it should be shared with loved ones, healthcare providers and the hospital. Forms can be completed online, on paper, at home or in the doctor's office or hospital.

"Many patients wish they'd done advance care planning earlier. It's always too early, until it's too late," he added.

For more information about advance directives, visit Intermountain Healthcare.org or National Healthcare Decisions Day for state-specific requirements. Advance directive forms for Utah in English and Spanish can be found here.

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/14/2022 -- A year after a specialized medical team at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and University of Utah Health performed the first in-utero fetal surgery – the young patient and her family reunited with her caregivers to celebrate this successful Utah medical milestone.

The complex, often life-saving surgery is available at only a few hospitals nationwide and now includes the Utah Fetal Center. The procedure is performed only by specially trained pediatric surgeons, with extensive planning and care for the mother and unborn child. Fetal surgeries are a game-changer in expert care that can significantly improve health outcomes for newborns.

"The surgery is so complex that only a handful of hospitals in the country can perform it," said Stephen Fenton, MD, a pediatric surgeon with University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and director of Utah Fetal Center. "We now have the partnership, expertise, and facilities to perform these fetal surgeries here in Utah so families don't have to travel across the country to access this innovative procedure."

The fetal surgery is made possible through a partnership between University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.

Alisha Keyworth of Victor, Idaho, and her unborn baby were the first to undergo the surgery one year ago, on April 6, 2021. During an ultrasound, doctors discovered her fetus had Spina Bifida, a condition that leaves an area of the spine open and nerves exposed.

At the newly created Utah Fetal Center, doctors performed surgery on the fetus to address the anomaly between 24 to 25 weeks of gestation. The fetal spine then was able to heal as part of its natural development. A month after her surgery Keyworth needed an emergency c-section and gave birth to her daughter Abigail, who is now 11 months old.

"I'm so excited to celebrate the one-year milestone of Abigail's surgery, and to see her doing so well. I still can't believe what a miracle it is to have this type of surgery available and not have to travel across the country to get it," said Keyworth. "Abigail now has a better shot at a healthier, happier life because of this procedure."

Fetal surgery is part of Intermountain Healthcare's "Primary Promise" to create the nation's model health system for children. This multi-faceted plan and investment of at least $500 million in children's health will be shared by Intermountain Healthcare and community philanthropic support through an emerging campaign organized by Intermountain Foundation.

"Fetal surgery provides life-saving treatments and care coordination to expectant mothers and their unborn babies, giving children greater opportunities to grow and thrive," said Katy Welkie, RN, MBA, CEO of Primary Children's Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children's Health. "By receiving this care all in one place it helps relieve the stress and anxiety that comes with a life changing diagnosis.

Spina bifida occurs in 1 of every 3,000 U.S. births, but is slightly more common in Utah. In the past, Utah women had to travel long distances to have the procedure and stay in a city far from home for months to receive the care that they needed.

In many cases the burden was so great, women chose to wait until the after their baby was born to have surgery to fix the condition. Doctors note waiting to fix spina bifida isn't optimal either because there's more room for complications to arise.

Fetal surgery also can address other anomalies of the heart and lungs when caught early.

"Having fetal surgery is a game-changer for the way we care for patients and their families," said Dr. Fenton.

Keyworth says her daughter has had some setbacks since her birth, but for the most part is happy and doing well. Abigail will need more follow up care throughout her childhood.

Intermountain's effort to create the model health system for children is designed to help children like Abigail with the help of an emerging philanthropic campaign.

This campaign is led by four civic and community business leaders: Gail Miller, owner and board chair of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies and chair of the Intermountain Healthcare Board of Trustees; Crystal Maggelet, chair and CEO of FJ Management Inc. and Intermountain Healthcare trustee; Steve Lund, co-founder and executive board chair of Nu Skin Enterprises; and most recently, Spencer Zwick, co-founder and managing partner of Solamere Capital and former senior advisor to Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

About Intermountain
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

About U OF U HEALTH
University of Utah Health is the only academic medical center in the state of Utah and the Mountain West and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, western Colorado, and much of Nevada. It also serves as the training ground for the majority of the state's physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and other health care professionals.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

St. George, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/13/2022 -- In a time filled with calamity and chaos, despair and division, it's easy to point out all the things that are going wrong. But what about the many things that are going right?

In a world filled with weeds, you can water the flowers — recognizing and appreciating the good – which is precisely the idea behind the DAISY awards.

Formed in 1999, the DAISY Foundation is an international organization created on behalf of J. Patrick Barnes whose family wished to honor the great nursing care he received while in the hospital before his death.

"We wanted to give patients, families, and co-workers an easy way to express their gratitude for nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care," said Mark Barnes, co-creator of the DAISY Foundation. "And we wanted the program to honor nurses all year long."

At Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is given to a nurse who has been nominated by the community or their peers for showing incredible skill and kindness in their work.

Recently, St. George Hospital recognized Avery Broadbent as its latest DAISY Award recipient.

"We appreciate any opportunity we have to highlight our fantastic team of nurses here at St. George Regional," said Natalie Ashby, nurse administrator for St. George Regional Hospital. "The quality of care in all of our departments would not be at the level it is without the tireless efforts of nurses like Avery and many others."

According to the article in Some Good Hospital News, Broadbent has been a nurse with St. George Hospital for three years and is known for her upbeat attitude and friendliness toward everyone.

After witnessing Broadbent's exceptional care of her husband, Kari Moss nominated Broadbent for the DAISY Award, noting that, "She (Broadbent) really cared about him as a person, not just another body she was taking care of."

During the two days that Broadbent cared for Moss' husband in the ICU, Moss noticed that she "went the extra mile in every step of his care."

"She did little things for him to be comfortable," Moss said. "When my husband signaled he wanted to write something she immediately found some paper, a clipboard and a pen for him to be able to communicate with us more easily. She also found some laminated cards with questions/words on them that I could ask him so he could tell us what he was feeling or wanting to express. I found that to be so helpful."

Another nomination, this time from Anna Chouquer, indicates that Broadbent's tender care of Chouquer's cousin made it much easier to feel at ease about what was going on.

"Avery showed my 84-year-old cousin loving compassion. She was so careful and tender with her," Chouquer said. "She was always kind and upbeat when she came into the room, which was especially important since my cousin really needed that positivity, and so did I."

The DAISY Award allows nurses like Broadbent and others to be recognized for the little things and the big things that make quality care the only acceptable kind of care.

Community members are encouraged to nominate nurses for the DAISY Award. If you know someone who is deserving of a nomination, submit them online here. A nominee will be selected monthly by the St. George DAISY Selection Committee.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cedar City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/11/2022 -- Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, in conjunction with Intermountain Healthcare's Community Health team, presented a total of $90,000 toward student scholarships to Utah higher education schools Southern Utah University and Southwest Tech.

Southern Utah University received $60,000 in scholarships for minority students, as part of the Diversity in Nursing Scholarship program. These scholarships, of up to $3,000 per semester per student, are awarded to SUU nursing students enrolled full-time, and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, and any other barriers including child care or transportation, that may prevent culturally-diverse students from enrolling or continuing their education.

Mindy Benson, Interim President of Southern Utah University, says, "We're so grateful for our partnerships with Intermountain Healthcare, and grateful for the strong and generous support of our nursing students. Providing support and opportunities for students from all socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds is vital, and we thank Intermountain for this scholarship donation."

Eric Packer, Administrator at Cedar City Hospital, says, "We are proud to support the outstanding nursing program at SUU. Cedar City Hospital is an official clinical site for the SUU nursing department, which provides an opportunity for student nurses to learn and train in a real-life healthcare setting. We know first-hand just how exemplary the nursing program is at SUU because Cedar City Hospital ends up hiring many of their graduates. They are an integral part of why our hospital is one of the best rural hospitals in the nation."

Intermountain Healthcare Cedar City Hospital has collectively donated $220,000 in the last six years to the Diversity in Nursing Scholarship program at SUU.

Intermountain also gave $30,000 to Southwest Tech, based in Cedar City, toward a bridge program for scholarships to promote diversity in healthcare. This donation is one of the first of its kind, according to Jordan Merrill, Intermountain Community Health Program Manager. "We've donated to many organizations throughout the state, but this will hopefully be the first of many more to come and directly benefit students in this way and in this area," says Merrill. "Our partnership with Southwest Tech is what has spearheaded this and hopefully will pave the way for other technical colleges and universities to provide funding to bridge the work that is being done with healthcare and our educational systems. The work that Southwest Tech does is so important. We see it on a daily basis throughout all our healthcare entities. We are grateful to Southwest Tech for providing excellent students and excellent caregivers for us to benefit the community."

Southwest Tech President Brennan Wood says, "The Intermountain Healthcare donation is a generous and far-reaching donation. I am thankful to have wonderful partners such as the Cedar City Hospital who invest in the future of our students and support technical education. The donation of $30,000 will have an immediate impact on our region and improve access to healthcare training in seven different health profession programs."

Intermountain's Community Health team is working to improve the health and well-being of our community by improving mental well-being, preventing avoidable disease, improving air quality, and addressing the social determinants of health.

Fulfilling our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible requires deploying health system resources, collaborating with community stakeholders to understand health and social needs, and collectively strategizing to improve the well-being of our communities.

Learn more here: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/about/who-we-are/community-health/.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than 1 million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/07/2022 -- A new study finds that alcohol consumption does not provide additional heart benefits in cardiology patients already being treated with statins –- the most commonly used drugs to lower cholesterol -- according to Intermountain Healthcare researchers.

Previously, some observational studies have linked drinking alcohol, such as red wine, with reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. However, the new Intermountain study failed to demonstrate any added benefit for patients taking statins to control their cholesterol.

"Recommending alcohol for heart health is a controversial topic, although past observational studies have suggested benefit," said Jeffrey L. Anderson, cardiologist at Intermountain Healthcare and principal investigator of the study. "However, more recent reports have questioned this."

In the Intermountain study, researchers examined how alcohol affected specific groups of heart patients, including those without prior known heart disease (primary prevention group) and those with known heart disease (secondary prevention group), and those taking and not taking statins in these two groups.

"While we did see some protective heart benefits for our patients not on a statin in the primary prevention group, we also found that it didn't help those statin-taking patients in either the primary or secondary prevention groups," Dr. Anderson noted.

Findings of this retrospective population study were presented this week at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C.

In the study, researchers examined Intermountain patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography to determine whether they had coronary artery disease and, if so, whether they needed a stent or bypass surgery. About one third had normal coronary arteries.

At intake, these patients were also asked if they used alcohol as part of a comprehensive survey of personal lifestyle and other health habits. Of the alcohol drinkers, 416 were on statins and 164 were not. Of the non-drinkers, 313 were on statins and 808 were not.

The Intermountain research team then looked at how many patients in each category experienced a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), such as a heart attack or stroke, within the next four years.

The researchers found that primary prevention patients who drank alcohol and were not on a statin did have lower rates of major adverse cardiac events than non-statin taking patients who did not drink.

However, in primary prevention patients already on a statin, they found no difference in MACE and death rates whether they drank or not. In the secondary prevention group, alcohol did not reduce the risk of MACE whether or not these patients were taking a statin.

These findings are important, said Dr. Anderson, because of conflicting views on alcohol use, especially in light of both higher rates of alcohol abuse during the COVID pandemic, and the World Health Organization's recent position statement that any alcohol consumption is bad for your health.

It also finds support in a current study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, which suggests that the supposed benefits of alcohol consumption may be explained by other healthy lifestyle factors that are common among light to moderate drinkers (JAMA Network Open).

Dr. Anderson added that larger and more in-depth studies, like that from Harvard and MIT, will further clarify the possible links between drinking alcohol, the amount and type of alcohol consumption, and heart health.

"We, as physicians, struggle with what to tell our patients about alcohol consumption in light of these new findings, especially since we know that higher levels of consumption have cascading negative health risks," Dr. Anderson noted. "If further confirmed, our findings may help us in our recommendations to patients about their personal choices about alcohol consumption as well as to inform professional medical society recommendations about alcohol use and heart health."

Other members of the Intermountain research team include: Viet T Le, PA-C; Tami Bair, BS; Joseph B Muhlestein, MD; Kirk U Knowlton, MD; and Benjamin D Horne, PhD.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Population Health and Value Model Will Improve Affordability and Access to Care

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/06/2022 -- Two leading nonprofit healthcare organizations Intermountain Healthcare and SCL Health -- have completed their merger, creating a model health system that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to more patients and communities in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas.

This combination employs more than 59,000 caregivers, operates 33 hospitals (including one virtual hospital), and runs 385 clinics across seven states while providing health insurance to one million people in Utah and Idaho.

With the close of this merger, Intermountain Healthcare is the eleventh largest nonprofit health system in the United States.

Mike Leavitt will serve as the new Board Chair for the combined organization. In previous roles, he served in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Secretary of Health and Human Services and as a three-time elected governor of Utah.

The Board includes representation from the pre-merger boards of both Intermountain Healthcare and SCL Health. The most recent Intermountain Healthcare Board Chair, Gail Miller, and most recent SCL Health Board Chair, Michael L. Fordyce, will continue as members of the combined board.

Fordyce will serve as Board Vice-Chair of the Intermountain Healthcare Board and as Board Chair of the Intermountain region board based in Broomfield, Colorado, and Miller will serve as Board Chair of the new region board based in Salt Lake City.

The new organization, named Intermountain Healthcare, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with regional offices in Broomfield, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Intermountain Healthcare President and CEO Marc Harrison, MD, is confident about this united effort.

"With this merger, we'll create a model for the future of healthcare that focuses on keeping people healthy and proactively addresses causes of illness through high-quality, affordable, and accessible care to more patients," Dr. Harrison said. "The merger provides a model for healthcare for the rest of the country."

Dr. Harrison leads the new organization. Lydia Jumonville, as the Executive Sponsor, will lead the integration of the two systems and work in partnership with Dr. Harrison and serve as a member of the new Intermountain Board.

In addition to the newly integrated Board of Trustees, the enterprise leadership team has been selected from both systems as the dynamic integration process is now moving forward.

"We're pleased with how our organizations have come together," said Jumonville. "Our work is well underway, and we are being very thoughtful about moving the best of our systems forward to continue providing the highest quality of care in the communities we serve. We will advance our mission and better serve the entire region together."

SCL Health's Catholic hospitals retain their distinctive Catholic names and continue to operate according to existing practices.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Based in Utah with locations in seven states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

St. George, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/05/2022 -- It can be difficult to see the silver lining during dark moments. But when a loved one is on the brink of death, it is possible to bring joy to someone else in need through the selfless act of organ donation.

Although it is not a position anyone would ever want to be in, according to YesUtah.org, many people have found a way to turn pain into peace when they make the decision to donate a loved one's organs.

Currently there are approximately 1.78 million organ donors registered in the state of Utah, but Mike Wood, operations director of critical care at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, said the goal is always to raise that number by increasing awareness and education on the topic.

"Be aware of your loved ones wishes; have those conversations before something tragic happens so you are not in a dilemma in the moment of crisis," Wood said.

Because there are very specific donor criteria, only about 2 percent of deaths nationwide qualify for organ donation, according to YesUtah.org. So the vast majority of people who indicate their willingness will never be called upon to actually donate. However, all it takes is one person in the right situation to potentially be able to save up to eight lives.

"It's not something taken lightly or casually," Wood said. "The staff that is trained by Donor Connect to approach patient families do so with the utmost respect and sensitivity knowing they are approaching during an extremely vulnerable time."

Geneya Jensen, a Donor Connect liaison and nurse in the ICU at St. George Regional, has been the person approaching families about organ donation in the past. Seeing the process from both sides — both the family of the donor and the recipient in the ICU — she is amazed at the fact that, even in the worst moments of life, there can be a very special experience.

Likewise, Wood said he has always been grateful to see something rewarding come out of something tragic.

"I've always been interested in organ donation, ever since my uncle was brain dead in an accident and donated his heart to a local resident in our community," Wood said. "I was only 11 or 12, but that really stood out to me. It's remarkable to see this glimmer of hope in people's lives."

For people wishing to donate, it is as simple as saying "yes" on the driver's license form, Wood said.

However, if you're not due for a trip to the DMV, you can sign up at YesUtah.org. You can also change your donation decisions on the web site at any time.

"There are so many things that can be done, even beyond the life saving organs, such as donating for research or agreeing to tissue and eye donations," Wood said. "Even if you don't directly save a life you may indirectly save many lives because of the research that is done."

DonorConnect will be hosting a 5K fun run -- Heroes in Disguise -- on April 9th at Crosby Family Confluence Park, 2099 South Convention Center Drive in St. George, Utah, for which Intermountain is a primary sponsor. Click Here to register.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 25 hospitals, 225 clinics, a Medical Group with 2,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a health insurance company called SelectHealth, and other health services in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in clinical quality improvement and in efficient healthcare delivery. For more information about Intermountain, visit intermountainhealthcare.org, read our blogs, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/01/2022 -- Thirteen Intermountain Healthcare hospitals in Utah have earned the prestigious 2022 "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for policies and programs to ensure equitable and inclusive care is provided to all patients in the community.

The honor by the Human Rights Campaign highlights Intermountain's commitment to equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that everyone in the community feels welcome and safe when receiving care.

The 13 Intermountain hospitals earning HRC recognition this year received the highest score of 100. They include:

- Intermountain Alta View Hospital, Sandy
- Intermountain American Fork Hospital
- Intermountain Layton Hospital
- Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City
- Intermountain Medical Center, Murray
- Intermountain Orem Community Hospital
- Intermountain Park City Hospital
- Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, Provo
- Intermountain Riverton Hospital
- Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital
- Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital

These 13 Intermountain hospitals are among only 18 facilities in the state – and less than 500 hospitals in the nation – to earn the HRC LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation for 2022.

Also, five other Intermountain hospitals were named top-performing equity providers by the HRC. They include:

- Intermountain Cedar City Hospital
- Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital, Panguitch
- Heber Valley Hospital
- Logan Regional Hospital
- McKay-Dee Hospital, Ogden

Intermountain recognizes a person's sexual orientation and gender identity is an important part of their overall health picture. Intermountain knows those in the LGBTQ+ community face some health issues at a higher rate but may be less likely to seek care for a variety of reasons.

"This designation recognizes the efforts of many hardworking people throughout Intermountain who fiercely advocate for all of our patients, including LGBTQ+ patients, members, community, and caregivers," said Nathan Alexander, co-chair of Intermountain's LGBTQ+ Caregiver Resource Group. "The recognition is an honor and represents a true responsibility to keep improving access to equitable and affirming care for everyone in the communities we serve."

In reviewing and scoring healthcare providers, the Human Rights Campaign uses a scoring system called the Healthcare Equality Index which looks at four central pillars including: patient and community-centered care, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and foundational policies and training in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care.

"Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care. The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services," said Tari Hanneman, director of health and aging at the Human Rights Campaign.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Located in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 25 hospitals, 225 clinics, the Intermountain Medical Group with some 2,700 employed physicians and advanced care practitioners, a health plans division called SelectHealth, Homecare, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/31/2022 -- Intermountain Healthcare is donating $540,000 and partnering with the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) to assist Utahns who need help in recovering from the impacts of abuse.

Domestic and sexual violence cases have been on the rise throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Data show that cases of domestic violence rose 8.1 percent in Utah since the pandemic began in early 2020.

The UDVC is a private nonprofit organization recognized nationally for providing advocacy, education, and expertise concerning issues of domestic and sexual violence to member programs, community partners and others in Utah. Their membership includes the nonprofit domestic violence shelters and sexual assault advocacy organization.

The donation from Intermountain will help cover operations costs of UDVC members in their effort to support and stabilize community organizations. These community organizations help provide the appropriate resources that victims need to address healing from trauma such as, but not limited to, the reduction of psychological sufferings and coping mechanisms.

"Access to resources is an essential part of the healing process," shared Mikelle Moore, senior vice president and chief community health officer at Intermountain Healthcare. "The members of the UDVC work together to support domestic violence survivors in a way that makes access easier and the use of funds more efficient. Intermountain is proud to support their efforts ensuring services are available where and when survivors need it."

Intermountain's contribution will be paid in two annual installments of $270,000 beginning in 2022. The contributions will be given to the UDVC, who then distributes them equally ($15,000 each) to 18 local organizations.

"The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and our member programs are so grateful for the financial support from Intermountain Healthcare in meeting the increased need for services for survivors," said Jennifer Campbell, Executive Director of UDVC. "Having operational funding will help our programs continue to provide their life-saving services and ensure that when someone is in need, they can find help."

Data in Utah shows that one in six women and one in 25 men experience rape or attempted rape during their lifetime and about one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence during their lives. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition says that in a women's lifetime, one in three women will experience domestic violence in the state of Utah.

To learn more about the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, visit udvc.org.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Located in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 25 hospitals, 225 clinics, the Intermountain Medical Group with some 2,700 employed physicians and advanced care practitioners, a health plans division called SelectHealth, Homecare, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/30/2022 -- Intermountain Healthcare has developed creative ways to keep patients and caregivers safer from COVID-19, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Intel that has funded the purchase of 70 new camera systems for use in the Intermountain Patient Safety Monitoring (PSM) program.

Intermountain caregivers use the portable cameras to serve as a set of eyes and ears in hospital rooms where patients may be at risk of falling, pulling out an IV or catheter, and other concerns.

Working from a secure remote location, PSM caregivers can watch for signs of trouble, and then intervene by notifying on-site clinical staff and using the system's built-in microphone to remind the patient that help is on the way.

The cameras are deployed to Intermountain hospitals throughout Utah and monitored from Salt Lake City.

In addition to helping keep patients safer from falls and other risks, the system has also proved to be very beneficial in coping with COVID by:

- Reducing risk of potential exposure. One PSM caregiver can monitor 12 patients at a time, which reduces the number of people who have to enter or exit patient rooms daily.
- Alleviating strain on staff. The PSM program frees up certified nursing assistants, who can help with other staffing needs, which in turn frees up more time for nurses to provide patient care.
- Creating other opportunities for work. During the COVID pandemic, some caregivers were unable to continue in-person care for a variety of reasons, including having a compromised immune system. The PSM program gave them an opportunity to continue working and caring for patients in a way that was safer for them.

Research nationally has shown that similar remote monitoring programs have significantly reduced patient falls, increased confidence among patients and families and helped reduce overall costs for patients and hospitals.

"At Intermountain, we strive to offer the best possible care to our patients and caregivers. While this pandemic has been taxing on both parties, it is gratifying that there are ways to help alleviate the burdens of the pandemic one way or another to these populations," says Andrew Davis, project lead for Patient Safety Monitoring at Intermountain Healthcare. "We are always strategizing and finding ways to improve safety and this grant helps fulfill that."

The Intel grant funded 70 portable camera/microphone units powered by Intel Core i5 processor, Intel WiFi, and Intel RealSense camera, which boosted the program's capacity by more than 45 percent.

Since the program begin in 2017, the Intermountain Patient Safety Monitoring system has been used to serve more than 9,500 patients for a combined total of more than 1.4 million hours.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Located in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 25 hospitals, 225 clinics, the Intermountain Medical Group with some 2,700 employed physicians and advanced care practitioners, a health plans division called SelectHealth, Homecare, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Salt Lake City, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/29/2022 -- A new podcast, "A Healthier Future," was launched today by Intermountain Healthcare. Hosted by CEO Dr. Marc Harrison, the weekly program will explore big ideas for transforming and improving the future of health, showcasing the most innovative solutions and best practices of today with a look toward tomorrow.

"I'm excited to connect with some of the nation's most fascinating leaders to discuss how we can transform the future of healthcare," said Dr. Harrison. "Our lineup of guests for season one offers a range of unique outlooks on healthcare, technology, and innovation. I hope these discussions inspire others to think outside the box, collaborate on ways to build a healthier future, and effect positive change in our communities."

The first season of "A Healthier Future" includes 12 episodes, each running 30-45 minutes, released each Monday. Episodes feature conversations with innovative leaders in healthcare, business, entrepreneurship, politics, technology, and beyond.

The first three episodes are now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms, with high-profile guests including retired four-star Army General Stanley McChrystal and 23andMe co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki. Listen at: https://a-healthier-future.captivate.fm/listen.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Located in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 25 hospitals, 225 clinics, the Intermountain Medical Group with some 2,700 employed physicians and advanced care practitioners, a health plans division called SelectHealth, Homecare, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm