This spring, Vail Health is set to open the Precourt Healing Center, a new facility that aims to enhance behavioral health services for Eagle County and nearby areas.
Despite facing financial hurdles, Vail Health is continuing its commitment to excellent patient care and community support. CEO Will Cook highlighted the organization’s core principles: affordability, accessibility, population health, and sustainability—essential elements for their community’s well-being.
Last year, Vail Health achieved an impressive employee engagement index of 89, with a participation rate of 90%. Cook praised the dedication of both providers and staff, emphasizing the importance of mutual support in their mission to care for patients and each other.
Housing for employees is also a focus, with the recent completion of Fox Hollow, which provides 90 housing units in Edwards. “This unique partnership is a step toward solving our housing challenges,” Cook noted.
The Precourt Healing Center, featuring 28 inpatient beds, will provide essential behavioral health treatment locally. Plans are in place to welcome the first patients in May, allowing residents to receive care close to home.
Vail Health continued to earn accolades across various departments in 2024, acknowledging its commitment to patient care and innovation. However, Cook mentioned the ongoing financial strain affecting many Colorado hospitals, particularly in rural areas. Operating costs have surged by 40% since before the pandemic, presenting significant challenges for healthcare providers.
Vail Health has built reserves over the years, allowing it to invest in new initiatives without jeopardizing its future. Cook is confident that with the right focus, they can improve their financial stability and community support.
Orthopedic care is a cornerstone of Vail Health’s offerings. The organization is recognized as a medical destination, drawing attention for its research and advancements, particularly in hip arthroscopy. The Steadman Philippon Research Institute is notable for its extensive grants and innovative studies, demonstrating a commitment to finding new treatments.
Behavioral health remains a pressing issue, with Cook describing it as the “true medical crisis of the century.” The creation of Eagle Valley Behavioral Health in 2019 has been a significant step toward addressing these challenges. The Wiegers Mental Health Clinic, opened in 2023, now averages over 4,000 visits each month, highlighting the growing need for such services.
As Vail Health evolves, collaboration with community partners will be vital in addressing broader health concerns, including mental health support in schools. By integrating these services under Vail Health, they hope to ensure sustainability and quality care.
Cook and his team are actively exploring solutions to tackle the increasing number of uninsured patients. As Medicaid enrollment extensions end, many individuals are losing coverage. Vail Health is committed to helping those who qualify for Medicaid re-enroll and is exploring options to care for those who do not qualify anymore.
Vail Health’s leadership plans to discuss strategies for offering specialty services locally at an upcoming retreat. They aim to maintain a high standard of care while ensuring that their services remain sustainable and accessible for everyone.
