Bonnie Bowmer, Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Learning Specialist for the Ridgway School District, spearheaded the fund drive.
“I believe very strongly in making this happen because this is a project that could someday save someone’s life, no matter how young or old they are,” Bowmer said. “An AED is a critical piece of life-saving equipment, especially since we are in a remote location and quite a distance from Montrose Memorial Hospital.”
The San Juan Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization that was created in 1982 to provide support for healthcare services in our region. The mission of the Foundation is to develop resources for the advancement of charitable, scientific and educational healthcare needs.
CURECANTI MEDICAL SOCIETY ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIPS
MONTROSE – The Curecanti Medical Society has awarded scholarships to four area students in honor of the late Doctor George G. Balderston.
The CMS Scholarship program was originated thirty years ago to assist students pursuing a career in medicine. The Montrose physicians of the CMS fund the scholarships, which are awarded annually by the Curecanti Medical Society and Dr. Balderston's widow, Jean.
Each student was awarded $1,000 to further their education.
The four scholarships were awarded to Katie Abel, a 2009 graduate of Montrose High School and a Certified Nurse Assistant enrolled in the Nursing Program at the University of Northern Colorado; Meredith Brown, a 2006 graduate of Montrose High School, a 2010 graduate of the University of Colorado, and a first year medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine; Cyndy Vrabec, a 1973 graduate of Montrose High School, an LPN and RN, who is currently enrolled at Walden University’s Masters in Nursing Program; and Jumaboy Marakhimov, a Montrose resident and a third year student at Colorado Mesa University who has been accepted to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
OURAY FAMILY MEDICINE EXPANDS TO MONTROSE
David Olson, MD, and Shirley Olson, FNP, of Ouray Family Medicine, are adding a second family practice office in Montrose beginning February 1.
The Olsons’ three-year-old practice expanded to serve patients at the Basin Clinic in Naturita two years ago and has now added the practice of Dr. Robert Van Gemert, who is retiring. The Montrose practice will be called Pavilion Family Medicine, and is located on East Pavilion Place, just off Niagara. Susan Rahn, FNP, who has worked there with Dr. Van Gemert for many years, will be staying on, as will all of Dr. Van Gemert’s staff. “It is important to Dr. Van Gemert and Susan Rahn, and to us, that their patients continue to receive uninterrupted medical care in a familiar setting,” said David Olson.
Basin Clinic’s Jenks Receives CAQ in Emergency Medicine
Ken Jenks, PA-C, Physician’s Assistant at the Basin Clinic received his Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Emergency Medicine. Jenks has served as the primary caregiver at the Basin Clinic for over 12 years.
PAs are certified and licensed healthcare professional who practice medicine as part of a team under the direction of a physician. This new CAQ program helps recognize PAs for their specialty experience, skills and knowledge.
“By obtaining this additional certification, Ken Jenks, PA-C has further demonstrated his commitment to providing immediate, potentially lifesaving care to the citizens of the west end of Montrose County,” said David Dreitlein, M.D., Emergency Department Medical Director at Montrose Memorial Hospital.
“The remoteness of this region means that Basin Clinic frequently needs to provide initial, stabilizing care until the patient can be transported to the hospital for more specialized emergency care,” he added. “We have been very impressed with Ken’s desire to always learn and improve the care he provides.”
HICKENLOOPER PROCLAIMS RADON ACTION MONTH
DENVER – Gov. John Hickenlooper has signed a proclamation declaring January as Colorado Radon Action Month, a perfect time for Coloradans to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas responsible for hundreds of Colorado cancer deaths each year. The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas enters homes through cracks in the floor or spaces around utility pipes and accumulates unless properly vented. Long-term radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.
“January is an ideal month to test your home for radon, because short-term tests require closed windows and doors,” said Chrystine Kelley, radon program manager in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division. “Testing is easy, and it’s the only way to know for certain if your health is at risk, and if you need to install a mitigation system to prevent harm to you and your loved ones.”
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides coupons for reduced-cost radon test kits at www.coloradoradon.info. The website also lists contractors certified by the National Environmental Health Association who install systems to remove or mitigate radon. Colorado residents also can call the state’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-846-3986 or check with their local health department, county extension office or public health nurse for radon information.
Post a Comment
