Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. invites qualified artists to submit proposals for a permanent outdoor art installation. The goal of this project is to create a welcoming, uplifting, and healing environment that reflects the clinic’s mission of health, wellness and community care. We seek a work of art that enhances the natural setting, contributes to a sense of calm and inspiration, offers a sense of healing, and aligns with our values of excellence, integrity, and reliability.

The art installation will be located in the courtyard of our newest facility, Valley-Wide Health & Wellness Campus, 702 Fourth St. Alamosa, CO 81101. This opportunity is open to all artists and artist teams in Colorado. Experience with public art and durable outdoor materials is preferred. Candidates must be 18 years of age and older.

For more information, please contact Krista Martinez, Director of Marketing & Communications at martinezk@valley-widehealth.org, 719-587-1010, or visit https://valley-widehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Courtyard-Art-Installation-RFP-Valley-Wide-Health-Wellness-Campus.pdf

The landmark renovation project will transform the historic building into a state-of-the-art, integrated healthcare facility. The new campus is designed to provide a seamless patient experience by housing a comprehensive range of services under one roof. When complete, the facility will offer primary medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, and a full suite of behavioral health resources.

“This campus represents a major step forward in our commitment to providing whole-person care for the San Luis Valley,” said a Valley-Wide CEO Jania Arnoldi. “By bringing these critical services together in one central, accessible location, we can better coordinate care and improve health outcomes for our entire community.”

The tours will offer residents a behind-the-scenes view of the construction progress, allowing them to see how the historic architecture is being preserved while being modernized to accommodate a 21st-century healthcare environment.

In conjunction with the project’s development, Valley-Wide has also announced the availability of naming opportunities for various sections of the new campus. This initiative provides a unique chance for local businesses, community organizations, and families to leave a lasting legacy and publicly demonstrate their support for the health and well-being of the San Luis Valley. Opportunities range from exam rooms to entire department wings.

“This is a community project, built for the community,” Arnoldi added. “The naming opportunities allow us to partner with the public to create a space that truly reflects the spirit and generosity of the Valley.”

Community members interested in touring the facility or learning more about the available naming opportunities are encouraged to contact Valley-Wide’s development office to schedule a visit.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Brooke Trujillo, Finance Project Analyst at 719-587-1041 or visit https://valley-widehealth.org/valley-wide-health-wellness-campus/.

We hope this letter finds you well!

We’re writing to let you know about a recent change that possibly impacts you. If you have Health First Colorado (Medicaid), your Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) may have changed.

But don’t worry — you can still get all your care at Valley-Wide Health Systems, including medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Nothing is changing about your care with us.

You can:
– Keep your same doctor or provider
– Still get care at any Valley-Wide location
– Call us to make an appointment or request one on our website

We’re here to help you stay healthy and feel your best. If you have questions or need help, just give us a call!

Call us at 1-833-350-1113

Or visit: https://schedule.intelichart.com/24720890 to request an appointment.

Thank you for choosing Valley-Wide. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Kristina Daniel
Chief Operating Officer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Estimado/a paciente:

¡Esperamos que este mensaje le encuentre bien!

Le escribimos para informarle sobre un cambio reciente que posiblemente le afecte. Si usted tiene Health First Colorado (Medicaid), su Entidad Regional Responsable (RAE) puede haber cambiado.

Pero no se preocupe — usted aún puede recibir toda su atención médica, dental y de salud conductual en Valley-Wide Health Systems. Nada cambiará con su atención aquí.

Usted puede:
-Mantener su mismo médico o proveedor
-Seguir recibiendo atención en cualquier clínica de Valley-Wide
-Llamarnos para hacer una cita o pedir una en nuestro sitio web

Estamos aquí para ayudarle a mantenerse sano/a y sentirse bien. Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda, ¡llámenos!

Llame al 1-833-350-1113

O visite: https://schedule.intelichart.com/24720890 para pedir una cita.

Gracias por elegir a Valley-Wide. ¡Esperamos verle pronto!

Atentamente,
Kristina Daniel
Directora de Operaciones

The Mobile Learning Lab will offer career exploration, experiential learning and concurrent enrollment to rural learners. The purpose of transforming the mobile unit into a Mobile Learning Lab is to support any San Luis Valley (SLV) high school student that is interested in Certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant training as well as career exploration.

“We are excited to partner with The Attainment Network in supporting their mission to address the healthcare workforce needs in the San Luis Valley, while expanding hope and opportunity for learners,” said Jania Arnoldi, President and CEO at Valley-Wide Health Systems. “We are confident that our donation of the mobile unit will provide an opportunity to students who might be interested in the healthcare field as well as providing an opportunity for them to give back to our community later down the road.”

The Attainment Network San Luis Valley Career-Connected Pathways Partnership has been a longstanding advocate for transforming education to workforce systems for learners in healthcare pathways, with the ultimate goal of increasing economic opportunity and health equity for SLV residents.

“The Heart & Eagle Mobile Unit donated by Valley-Wide Health will transform school-to-work opportunities in the Valley,” said Ashley Maestas, Pathways Director at The Attainment Network. “By working hand-in-hand with all 14 school districts in the region, higher education institutions, community organizations, and healthcare employers, we’re committed to equipping learners with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in high-value healthcare careers. This mobile unit brings that vision to life — providing learners with access to meaningful career opportunities while addressing the Valley’s urgent healthcare workforce needs.”

The Attainment Network will continue to work with local partners like Colorado Workforce Development Council who donated $16,000 to support the Mobile Lab. It is a commitment of the Attainment Network to ensure the unit is used to its full potential, bringing high-impact learning opportunities to SLV students. The Mobile Learning Lab is housed in the Moffat School District, with a schedule ready to engage students with hands-on learning skills to support their professional growth.

This partnership will enhance the accessibility, continuity, and quality of healthcare services for all patients. As part of Valley-Wide’s network, Rock Creek Family Medicine will continue to offer the same level of care patients have come to expect, while also gaining the benefit of expanded resources that Valley-Wide has to offer, including a variety of special programs. By integrating Rock Creek’s established services with Valley-Wide’s robust infrastructure, this collaboration will continue to positively impact patient care and expand outreach within the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rock Creek Family Medicine into our family of providers,” said President and CEO of Valley-Wide Health Systems, Jania Arnoldi. “With this partnership, we will continue with our mission of making healthcare accessible to all populations.”

“We’re excited to join Valley-Wide Health Systems’ health care team to further enhance the personalized care we provide to our patients,” emphasized Dr. Martin W. Sowards, D.O., Owner and Provider of Rock Creek Family Medicine.

What This Means for Patients
Both Dr. Martin W. Sowards, DO and Diana Medina, PA will be joining Valley-Wide’s team so patients can continue to see their trusted healthcare providers and benefit from the expanded services through Valley-Wide, including dental and behavioral health services. Patients will continue being seen at the same location 77 Adcock Drive, Alamosa, CO. The Administration of Rock Creek Family Medicine will change over to Valley-Wide including insurance claims submission, billing and any post-visit items. Patients will have access to a Patient Portal, Intelichart, where they can request appointments, communicate with their provider, and access their health record.

For more information about this exciting transition, please contact:

Kristina Daniel, Chief Operating Officer
719-587-1055
danielk@valley-widehealth.org

Dear Valley-Wide Patient,

As a valued patient of Valley-Wide Health Systems and Skye Smock PA, we would like to inform you that Skye will be leaving Valley-Wide Health Systems. Her last day will be December 6, 2024.

Valley-Wide will continue to be available to provide care and services to you and your family. Transition to another provider after Skye’s departure will be simple, as all Valley-Wide providers have access to your records through our Electronic Health Records system. To ensure continuity of care, we encourage you to call to schedule future appointments at Alamosa Family Medical Center or any of Valley-Wide’s medical clinics at 1(833)-350-1113.

At Valley-Wide, we value the privilege to serve so many wonderful patients and we appreciate the opportunity to continue to be your Medical Home. Please call us if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.

Dear Valley-Wide Patient,

As a valued patient of Valley-Wide Health Systems and Molly McLean PA-C, we would like to inform you that Molly will be leaving Valley-Wide Health Systems. Her last day will be December 6, 2024.

Valley-Wide will continue to be available to provide care and services to you and your family. Transition to another provider after Molly’s departure will be simple, as all Valley-Wide providers have access to your records through our Electronic Health Records system. To ensure continuity of care, we encourage you to call to schedule future appointments at Sierra Blanca Medical Center, Moffat Family Clinic or any of Valley-Wide’s medical clinics at 1(833)-350-1113.

At Valley-Wide, we value the privilege to serve so many wonderful patients and we appreciate the opportunity to continue to be your Medical Home. Please call us if you have any questions.

Respectfully,

Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc.

In order to improve our Lower Arkansas Valley operations, Valley-Wide has made quite a few changes according to Dr. Joseph Carrica, Vice President and Chief of Healthcare Innovation & Strategy.

“In healthcare, changes often come in waves like this. We are putting in a lot of work behind the scenes to find ways we can support our staff, so they can focus on good patient care,” Carrica explained. “It has been encouraging to see our staff coming together and doing whatever it takes to deliver quality care to our patients, knowing we, and other health care provider organizations across Colorado and the nation, are facing staffing shortages.”

Dr. Jania Arnoldi, President and Chief Executive Officer at Valley-Wide shares “all the changes that we are making are to better serve our patients and our community. Large organizational changes like transferring our Obstetrical services to the local hospital and selling Fullers Engine Repair, will help Valley-Wide focus our services in the areas that we are confident that we provide the highest quality services; medical, dental, physical therapy, and behavioral health services”

More detailed operational changes happening include promoting former Clinic Manager, Reyes Hernandez to Human Relations Manager in La Junta, adding to the already robust local HR team to redouble recruitment and retention of staff; creating a new Patient Experience department to address communication and the clinic environment; and increasing local leadership through our Regional Operations Director, Stephine Mendez, who works to ensure all clinics have the resources needed to operate efficiently.

In an effort to address the workforce shortage concern, Valley-Wide offers a wide array of incentives to our staff, including participating in the Colorado Health Service Corps, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, and our own Valley-Wide sponsored scholarship program

“We want to be very intentional in these changes, and make sure that first and foremost our staff feel supported. We understand the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’, and I think the changes we have made so far support that strategy,” Carrica said.

Carrica further explained that Valley-Wide will be looking closely at community partnerships, as well as long-standing contracts to ensure we are not adding to employee burnout, and still contributing to the mission of the organization.

“We have plenty of agreements that outdate our current employees,” Carrica said. “While we are looking to change and restructure, we are also making sure we are not overreaching. We have seen a lot of new resources in our area, and have seen others leave; this is an opportunity for us to look at service offerings, community needs, and our own mission of serving the medically underserved.”

More information about the changes happening in the Lower Arkansas Valley will be detailed on the Valley-Wide Health Systems Facebook page in the coming weeks through a series of videos.

Questions can also be sent to Jennifer Pollmiller, Director of Public Affairs and Outreach at PollmillerJ@Valley-WideHealth.org or by calling 719-383-5500, Extension 4723.

To schedule an appointment at Valley-Wide, call 1-833-350-1113 or online through the new patient portal by visiting Valley-WideHealth.org and clicking on the “Schedule an Appointment” button.

The support of the providers that will move to new opportunities at AVRMC shows their professional growth and the positive impact they have had on the lives of countless individuals within the community. While their departure may bring a tinge of nostalgia, it also signifies the strength and success of Valley-Wide in nurturing talent and fostering professional development.

“We are proud of the contributions our departing providers have made during their tenure with us,” said President and CEO of Valley-Wide Health Systems, Jania Arnoldi. “Their dedication, compassion, and expertise of OB and hospital care have been instrumental in advancing our mission of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to all members of our community.”

Despite these transitions, Valley-Wide continues its commitment to delivering exceptional Primary Care to patients. The Community Health Center continues to attract top-tier talent, ensuring seamless continuity of care and upholding the highest standard of medical excellence.

“Our focus has always been the wellbeing of our patients, and that remains unchanged,” emphasized Chief Medical Officer, Emelin Martinez. “As we bid farewell to some beloved colleagues, we welcome new providers who share our passion for community health and are eager to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”

The collaboration between the two organizations to transfer these providers, serves as a catalyst for growth and renewal within Valley-Wide and an opportunity for AVRMC to expand hospital coverage and ensure patients are taken care of when they need hospital services. This presents an opportunity to build upon existing strengths, forge new partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

As Valley-Wide embarks on this new chapter, it does so with gratitude for the past, optimism for the future, and an unwavering commitment to being a beacon of health and wellness in the community.

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About Valley-Wide Health Systems: Valley-Wide Health Systems (Valley-Wide) is committed to providing, high-quality, safe, effective and integrated health care services in a respectful and inclusive manner for all with special consideration for medically underserved populations.

Established in 1976, Valley-Wide is a private non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation governed by a volunteer community board. Valley-Wide has services sites located throughout rural counties in Southern Colorado. Services include Medical, Dental, and Behavioral Health along with multiple special programs. Valley-Wide serves all ages through a family-practice focused approach. Emphasis is placed on assisting the patient and achieving their health outcomes in the most appropriate way.

Fueled by a passion to provide quality health care for all people, Valley-Wide has become a national leader in the health care field and a model for comprehensive, community-based health care.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. This month marks the 24^th annual observance that emphasizes the importance of having an oral cancer screening done during your normally scheduled dental exams and self-screening at home between dental visits.

Oral cancer is also known as oropharyngeal cancer. It is cancer of the back of the oral cavity and upper throat. This year an estimated 54,600 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. HPV- related oropharyngeal cancer has risen over the past two decades, while oral cancer linked to tobacco and alcohol use has declined over the same period. If detected and treated early, treatment-related health problems are reduced, and survival rates may increase. Regular oral cancer examinations performed by your oral health professional remain the best method for detecting oral cancer in its early stages. At Valley-Wide, we are doing more oral cancer trainings with our dentist and hygienists to ensure that we are providing patients with the highest care possible. We had two trainings happen so far. One in August 2022 and one in February 2023 with the Alliance for HPV Free Colorado. They presented to the dentists and hygienists about increasing HPV awareness and prevention of Oropharyngeal cancer in the dental clinics.

What symptoms should I be looking for? Signs and symptoms for HPV caused cancer and oral cancer caused by tobacco usage and/or alcohol usage are slightly different. See the table below for what to look for.

The most important thing to remember is to call your dentist if you have any immediate concerns.

If you have never had an oral cancer examination, there is no better time than to schedule one during Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Call 1-833-350-1113 to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Valley-Wide today! It is also a good time to do a self-screening at home. Visit checkyourmouth.org for a short video on how to perform a self-screening.