Sanpete Valley Hospital Receives National Recognition for Mental Health Programs

The recognition was established by the National Rural Health Resource Center and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to recognize critical access hospitals throughout the country that demonstrate innovation in value-based healthcare models.

“Sanpete Valley Hospital is one of only five critical access hospitals in the United States to receive this impressive recognition,” said Greg Rosenvall, Utah Hospital Association Rural Hospital Improvement Director who presented the award. “No other hospital in the state of Utah received this certificate.”

Sanpete Valley Hospital’s mental health outreach started when Intermountain Healthcare saw the need to begin a mental health program in a rural setting, and selected Sanpete County. Central Office’s VP of Community Benefit, MiKelle Moore, and Director of Community Benefit, Delia Rochon worked closely with Dr. Kim Bateman, retired Intermountain physician, as well as with many other key members of the community to create the Sanpete Community Behavioral Health Network. 

Now thriving, this network includes the county’s two school districts, mental health providers, non-profit and government agencies, community volunteers, and Sanpete Valley Hospital employees: Dr. Brooks Thompson, Behavioral Health Services Medical Director; Kris Lundeberg, LCSW; Marian Johansen, Mental Health Outreach Coordinator/PAS Manager; Linda Phillips, Behavioral Health Patient Liaison; and Fara Boothe, PAS Registrar. 

Serving over 130 mental health patients in 2014, the Community Behavioral Health Network and Sanpete Valley Hospital have worked to make multiple mental health services available through the hospital, including Telehealth Services for psychiatric care; adult and child/adolescent mental health services; grief support services; resource group for parents; Mental Health First Aid classes; and periodic screenings. Many of the services are provided at low or no cost to patients who qualify.

“This national recognition is a result of a collective effort by many to strengthen the mental health programs in our community and to make them more widely available for those who need them,” said Sanpete Valley Hospital CEO/administrator Aaron Wood. “Sanpete Valley Hospital is proud to be a part of this effort because we know that providing quality healthcare to a community goes far beyond physical health – caring for mental health is just as important.”