When 91‑year‑old Emmett LaBree walked back into Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital—this time carrying flowers—he came with one purpose: to thank the team who helped him heal. After a robotic‑assisted procedure to repair two hernias, Emmett recovered quickly and comfortably, right in Miles City, Montana. His experience reflects what advanced surgical technology can mean for rural communities: less travel, faster healing, and care that feels personal. With robotic-assisted surgery now available at Holy Rosary, patients across Eastern Montana have access to the same leading-edge surgical options found in larger medical centers, delivered by caregivers who know them and are committed to their well‑being. As Emmett shared, “You need something like this in a little town.”
A beloved Butte, Montana candy shop went quiet last summer, but what happened behind those closed doors became a powerful reminder of how healing happens when expertise and compassion come together. Ron Gallardo’s sudden heart emergency could have changed everything for his family and the community that has loved Shepard’s Candy for generations. Instead, coordinated care, quick action, and the steady support of the Intermountain Health St. James Hospital heart care and rehab teams helped him find his way back to strength, confidence, and the work that brings him joy. Ron's journey reflects something we see every day: when people feel supported, informed, and met exactly where they are, recovery becomes possible in ways that feel both practical and deeply human.
When a power outage disrupted vaccine storage at Orem Community Hospital, Employee Health coordinator Alyson Brown, RN, and pharmacy director Andrew Good, PharmD, teamed up to dig deeper, ask the right questions, and ultimately save thousands of dollars in vital vaccines. Their collaboration didn’t just prevent waste: it strengthened processes, improved communication, and reinforced how speaking up and supporting one another protects the communities we serve.
Surrounded by community leaders and former and current Intermountain Health presidents, Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital unveiled new permanent displays in late February that bring the region's medical history to life. The exhibits showcase historic medical instruments, physician keepsakes, and preserved artifacts from those who helped shape healthcare in Washington County. The new displays are located on the hospital's main floor and include historical artifacts that trace the evolution of care in the region over the past 100 years. Natalie Ashby, president at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital helped unveil the displays with three previous presidents: Mitch Cloward, Terri Kane, and Steve Wilson. “As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to fully appreciate how difficult it was for those first pioneer families to make a settlement in this desert community. That would have been 1860, back before air conditioning and ice cubes,” said Steve Wilson. “I appreciate progress. It doesn’t happen easily; it doesn’t happen simply.”
For the past eight years, Intermountain Health has partnered with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, providing physical therapy, athletic training services, and physician support to many of the able-bodied teams. This successful partnership recently expanded to include Intermountain providing physical therapy for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Para Alpine and Para Snowboard teams. A select group of five Intermountain physical therapists is traveling with these elite athletes throughout their competition season, providing specialized injury assessment, rehabilitation, emergency response, and on‑snow expertise. Their work goes far beyond traditional PT, supporting athletes through the physical and mental demands of competing on the world stage. “This fits beautifully with our mission as a healthcare organization, particularly given our focus on equity and inclusion,” said Ted Hugunin, Intermountain's Director of Sports Medicine and Performance. “Our mission is to serve our patients and those in our community, and this is a wonderful way to fulfill that commitment. And it is very inspiring just to be with these athletes and to see the challenges and obstacles elite para athletes must overcome. It’s an honor and a privilege to help them on their journey, to be allowed into that protected space and to share that experience.”
Intermountain Health volunteers reflect the heart of our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible. This is especially true for two longtime volunteers at Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, who recently inspired their spouses to join them in wearing the purple volunteer vest. Arlene and Russ Heap, along with Kae and David Lloyd, each bring their own stories of gratitude, healing, and purpose to the hospital’s volunteer team.
After successfully implementing ePneumonia in the Canyons and Desert Regions with leadership from Dr. Nathan Dean, Dr. Andrew D'Alessandro and Dr. Bill Hilty, emergency department physicians at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, are leading an innovative pilot to expand its use in the Peaks Region. Their pilot to expand ePneumonia across the Peaks Region is demonstrating how AI‑enabled decision support can strengthen antibiotic stewardship, enhance workflow, and improve outcomes for patients at risk for pneumonia. This is how we advance care: smart tools, guided by expert judgment, that improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
When Ron Drake learned he was in total heart failure, he and his family feared the worst. The diagnosis was overwhelming, and the path forward felt uncertain. But Ron’s care team at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah didn’t give up. Instead, they offered him hope through a research clinical trial that ultimately became the key to his recovery. As part of the trial, Ron had surgery to replace his tricuspid valve. The procedure went well, and Ron made a remarkable turnaround — he was singing to his wife in the recovery room and was discharged from the hospital by noon the very next day. Today, Ron feels strong and healthy. He spends time with his grandchildren, enjoys an active lifestyle, sings in a choir, and approaches each day with a renewed appreciation for life. At Intermountain Health, research is more than a component of care — it’s how we create new possibilities for patients today while shaping the treatments of tomorrow. Every clinical trial expands our understanding of disease and helps us discover better, more effective options for people facing serious conditions. Ron’s experience is just one example of how research can open doors that didn’t exist before.
Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver recently celebrated the opening of its newest cancer center, a major expansion that strengthens access to coordinated, comprehensive oncology care for patients throughout Colorado. The space brings all major oncology services into one central location and offers expanded treatment capacity, updated clinical technology, and a layout tailored to patient needs. As the design came together, Sarah Pike, oncology service line director at Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital, said the team focused heavily on how patients move through their care. “This center was designed with our patients’ voices at the heart of every decision. Every design choice, from the layout of the infusion bays to the flow between clinics, was made to reduce stress and improve comfort,” she said. “Cancer care is complex, but the experience shouldn’t feel overwhelming.”
We’re proud to partner with Yellowstone County and the Worden and Shepherd Fire Districts to bring dependable, 24/7 emergency medical services to the communities of eastern Yellowstone County. Beginning July 1, Intermountain Health will staff and operate a new ground ambulance service based out of the Huntley Fire Station, helping reduce response times and ensuring timely, lifesaving care when every second matters. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to putting residents first and supporting rural communities with the resources they deserve. Together, we’re building a stronger, more reliable emergency response system for our neighbors. Learn more about how this partnership is expanding access to critical care across the region.
