UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center has again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects Yampa Valley Medical Center’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. The accreditation comes following a rigorous, unannounced onsite survey in October, at which time Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

The accreditation applies to the hospital, UCHealth Gloria Gossard Breast Care Center, UCHealth Jan Bishop Cancer Center, UCHealth SportsMed Pediatric Therapy Clinic in Steamboat Springs and UCHealth SportsMed Clinics in Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek and Hayden, respectively. 

YVMC has been accredited by The Joint Commission since 1979.

Help available for insurance enrollment for Routt County residents

There is still time to get health insurance. The deadline to enroll in or renew a health insurance plan in Colorado is Jan. 12. Individuals and families may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for premiums. Free, in-person assistance is available. Call Northwest Colorado Health at 970-871-7330 or UC Health at Yampa Valley Medical Center at 970-879-1322. For more information and resources, visit northwestcoloradohealth.org/healthinsurance.

Northwest Colorado Health program helps pregnant women quit tobacco

Northwest Colorado Health’s Baby and Me Tobacco Free program helps expectant moms quit tobacco with prenatal smoking cessation sessions and incentives. Smoking during pregnancy increases risk of miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects and infant death. Program participants who quit smoking, remain smoke free and attend monthly smoking cessation sessions during pregnancy and for a year after their baby is born receive vouchers for free diapers. For more information, call Hope Cook at 970-871-7622.

Take precautions to avoid foodborne illness

Each year, one in six Americans becomes ill as a result of consuming foods or beverages contaminated with disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Northwest Colorado Health recommends the following precautions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

• Always wash hands with soap and water before preparing food.

• Cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to measure internal temperature of meat.

• Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry and before they touch another food.

• Refrigerate leftovers that won’t be eaten within four hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.

• Wash produce in running tap water. Remove outermost leaves of a lettuce or cabbage. Bacteria can grow well on the cut surface of a fruit or vegetable. Take care not to contaminate produce while slicing on a cutting board, and don’t leave cut produce out for many hours.

• Keep food away from flies and insects.

Common symptoms of foodborne illness include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and chills. Avoid preparing food for others if you have these symptoms.

Pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe infections and should not consume undercooked animal products. Contact a healthcare provider if foodborne illness is suspected. For more information, visit cdc.gov/foodsafety/facts.