Steamboat Springs — YVMC improves grade on new report

Yampa Valley Medical Center was one of 14 Colorado hospitals to receive an A in the Fall 2016 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, released last week by the national nonprofit watchdog The Leapfrog Group in collaboration with the Colorado Business Group on Health. According to a news release, the hospital, which received a C grade in the Fall 2015 report, improved to an A grade during the last two rankings. The report, which includes grades for 43 Colorado hospitals, is transparent and free to the public.

The Safety Grades provide a complete picture of avoidable hospital errors, accidents and infections that kill or harm an estimated 250,000 patients annually. Grades are calculated by patient safety experts and peer-reviewed. Seven hospitals increased one or two grades, and two hospitals received a patient safety grade for the first time. No hospitals in Colorado received a D or F.

“Every community deserves to be served by hospitals that prioritize patient safety. The Colorado Business Group on Health’s dedication to increasing hospital safety and transparency has directly impacted the care the residents of Colorado receive,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We thank CBGH for its strong leadership and steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of its community members.”

For more information about the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade or to view the list of state rankings, visit hospitalsafetygrade8.org.

Free diabetes screenings offered on World Diabetes Day

Northwest Colorado Health is recognizing World Diabetes Day by offering free drop in cardiovascular and diabetes screenings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at Northwest Colorado Health, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101. Screenings include blood glucose test, cholesterol panel, blood pressure, body mass index and personalized education to help individuals prevent diabetes and heart disease. Free screenings also are available by appointment. For more information, call 970-879-1632.

Support group for grieving parents Monday

A support group for parents grieving the loss of a child will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the Rollingstone Respite House, 480 Rollingstone Drive. The group is intended to help parents who have lost children of any age find support among other parents experiencing similar loss. For more information, call Dr. Jo Anne Grace at 970-846-8319.

Casey’s Pond holds winter preparedness seminar series

Casey’s Pond Distinctive Senior Living is holding a seminar series to help local residents prepare for winter. All events take place at Casey’s Pond, 2855 Owl Hoot Trail. A Medicare open enrollment discussion and assistance is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. A joint protection, balance and fall precaution seminar is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. A seminar on taking care of ones body for winter activities is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Interested persons can also make an appointment with a Casey’s Pond team member to help establish a winter preparation plan.

For more information, email info@caseyspond.org or call 970-879-8855.