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Craig health briefs for Dec. 5, 2015: TMH names interim CEO to start Thursday

Craig Daily Press Staff Report

The Memorial Hospital in Craig has announced that Interim Chief Executive Officer John Nickens has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by current CEO John Rossfeld, whose final day will be Dec. 11.

TMH Board of Trustees and management company Quorum Health Resources appointed Nickens, who will arrive in Craig Dec. 10 and will serve as interim until a permanent CEO is selected, according to a press release. Nickens will overlap with Rossfeld by a day or two to begin learning the job.

Nickens brings over 25 years of experience as a hospital and the medical industry CEO, and has demonstrated leadership in a variety of settings including single and multi-facility organizations, academic, investor-owned, not-for-profit and government-owned hospital organizations.



Recent experience includes service as a hospital CEO in the United Arab Emirates, India and the Philippines, as well as acting CEO for Noble Healthcare International, a private hospital acquisition and lease/management company.

VNA will host Celebration of Light

Individuals and families who have lost loved ones are invited to the Celebration of Light, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association in Craig, 745 Russell Street.



Each person will decorate an ornament in memory of their loved one and place it on a community tree. A small candlelight service with follow. Ornaments, supplies and refreshments will be provided. You are welcome to take your ornament home after the holidays.

For more information, call Sandy Beran, 970-871-7682.

VNA offers low cost FluMist for children

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association has low cost FluMist available for children who do not have insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals six months and older receive a flu vaccination every year.

To make an appointment for flu or other routine immunizations, call 970-824-8233. If you are insured, please bring your insurance card.

Online giving and Christmas Auction at Yampa Valley Pregnancy and Family Center

Yampa Valley Pregnancy & Family Center can now receive online giving on its website. Visit yvpfcenter.org and click on “Financial Giving Options,” then “Make a Donation.” You also can have part of your purchase price donated to the Pregnancy & Family Center via Amazon Smile or City Market by following the links on its website.

The Center is also offering items for auction on its website through Dec. 22. It hopes to raise extra funds by offering extra items donated for the Chili Supper last month as Christmas gift options. Enter bids through the website.

“There is so much happening at the Pregnancy & Family Center right now it’s hard to keep up with all the great changes,” said Executive Director Vicki Van Couvering. “A big thank you to Yampa Valley Gives for offering online giving for us. Check our website often to see what’s new!”

Bariatric support group meets semi-monthly

Renewed Lifestyles, a bariatric support group, meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month at The Journey at First Baptist Church in the basement.

Help is available for insurance enrollment

Individuals who need health insurance or need to renew their plans must do so by Jan. 31, 2016. Be aware of the following important information:

 There are new plans and prices every year. Financial help is available to lower monthly costs.

 Free in-person assistance is available to help you find the right plan.

 If you’re already enrolled, you need to renew your plan to retain coverage. Be sure to review your options.

 There are tax fines for not having health insurance.

 You must enroll or renew your plan by:

  • December 15, 2015 for coverage beginning January 1, 2016
  • January 15, 2016 for coverage beginning February 1, 2016
  • January 31, 2016 for coverage beginning March 1, 2016

For assistance in enrolling in health insurance, contact a Health Coverage Guide at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association at 970-871-7324.

Drop-in open enrollment assistance also is available 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and Jan. 14, 2016 at YampaCare Family Medicine, 595 Russell St.

Medicare drug plan enrollment ends Monday

Open enrollment for Medicare drug plans, or Part D, ends Monday. Medicare enrollees are encouraged to meet with a certified Medicare counselor to review their plan and ensure their prescription needs are being met.

Medicare clients have the opportunity to review and switch drug plans each year during the open enrollment period. If you feel you’re paying too much or your prescriptions aren’t covered by your current plan, there may be better options available.

To make an appointment to review your plan, contact Betsy Packer at 970-819-6401.


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