Then and Now

 Investing in the health of the community

Many community-spirited individuals, starting with Frederick E. Willet, MD, have helped shape the history of health care in Steamboat Springs into what it is today. The commitment for staying ahead of the health care curve, and for having the latest equipment, technology, and methods continues to be a hallmark of YVMC thanks in part to generations of unwavering generosity and vigorous determination of boards, administration and a litany of volunteers.

Thank you!

2023 – Thanks to kind and generous donors, we exceeded our $1M fundraising goal for the new CT Scanner in 2023! Gifts to this campaign will make a difference to the more than 6,000 patients who require a CT scan each year. 

2022 – The biggest investment from our Greatest Need Fund in 2022 was the creation of a virtual tour of the birth center at YVMC. Many expectant parents take an in-person tour; however, when winter weather or a pandemic doesn’t allow for that, this virtual option allows patients, as well as their families, to see where their little one will enter the world. It also provides a convenient way for patients outside the Yampa Valley to experience a tour. YVMCF was also able to use donor funds to support growing families through the creation of the Lactation Fund, and the purchasing of new glider recliners in the birth center. 

Made possible through a donation from The Mark McManus Foundation, 37 patients received four-month memberships to Old Town Hot Springs to study if access to a health and wellness center has a positive impact on pain and recovery. More PT, Less Rx encourages a multi-modality treatment approach and provides the opportunity to use a varied exercise regime. Data gathered from these current patients will be used to explore the impact of multi-modality treatments and physical therapy in relation to pain management, with a long-term goal of expanding the program to support even more patients.

Staff and providers at UCHealth Jan Bishop Cancer Center, UCHealth Gloria Gossard Breast Care Center and UCHealth SportsMed Clinic have worked together to form a comprehensive program for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. Specifically, lymphedema prevention was identified as an area in which additional attention could be given with regard to medical and rehabilitation interventions. Thanks to a generous donation by a community member, the SOZO technology platform was purchased. SOZO plays a vital role in achieving the goal of prevention of secondary complications within this patient population and is expected to increase the number of patients that complete their post-op care.

2021 – The opening of the final four private patient rooms on Thursday, May 6, 2021 signaled the completion of more than $10 million in renovations and expansion to YVMC’s emergency department.

Wood floors now lay where purple, white and turquoise tiles once did. Separation curtains have been replaced with doors and walls to provide patients with privacy. Line of sight to all patient rooms is available from the care team station instead of having to maneuver to see each room.

What hasn’t changed?

The same people and care that locals of and visitors to Steamboat Springs have come to know from the physicians, staff and support departments at YVMC.

2017 – YVMC welcomed the addition of the new Jan Bishop Cancer Center. A beautiful state of the art cancer facility serving patients and the families in the Yampa Valley and beyond. Because of continued support and generous donations, The Foundation raised over $3.7 million towards the building of the Jan Bishop Cancer Center. We are grateful to Joe Bishop and his family for helping make our dream of an excellent cancer care center in our community a reality.

The Yampa Valley Medical Center and UCHealth partnership became effective September 1, 2017 offering increased resources for patients, medical providers and staff. This partnership included commitments from UCHealth related to technology, behavioral health and substance abuse resources; infrastructure and service line improvements and expansions.

2016 – In November, The Gloria Gossard Breast Health Center relocated its facility to the Outpatient Pavilion. The center has the latest state of the art equipment including digital mammography, high resolution ultrasound and breast MRI.

2015 – Phase 1 of renovation began on the YVMC campus with the Outpatient Pavilion and relocation of YampaCare for Women. The new facility opened in February 1, 2016 with the expansion of exam rooms and state of the art technology. The Diamonds & Denim 2015 Gala raised exceeded expectations of raising $250,000 towards the new cancer center. It was announced at the gala the naming of the cancer center in memory of Jan Bishop in recognition of a gift from Joe Bishop.

2014 – The newest addition to services was the Gloria Gossard Breast Health Center. Through a generous donation this state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive breast health care. We also celebrated 100 years of health care in the Yampa Valley with the first Doc Willett’s presents Diamonds & Denim Gala, raising funds for a new cancer center.

2013 – YVMC bid a heartfelt farewell to the Doak Walker Care Center, which relocated to the new Casey’s Pond senior living campus, where it has been renamed the Doak Walker House. We maintain an inter-generational connection with regular visits from GrandKids children.

2010 –A $13 million expansion, completed in February 2010, doubled the size of our Family Birth Place, created a new Digital Mammography Suite and Minor Procedure Area, and added much-needed space to Surgical Services and other departments.

2009 – YVMC celebrated several milestones — 30 years of providing long-term care, 20 years for SportsMed rehab and therapy services, and “Cheers to 10 Years” for YVMC’s presence at the Central Park Drive location. During our first decade on this campus, we have added or enhanced numerous services such as YampaWorks Occupational Health, Joint Replacement Program, Pulmonary Rehab and cardiology diagnostics.

2001 – The Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation was established and is a non-profit organization that supports the programs and services of YVMC. The mission of the Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation is to support the healthcare services of Yampa Valley Medical Center for the communities it serves.

2000 – The new campus buildings at YVMC, including a medical office building, the Doak Walker Care Center and GrandKids, were completed in 2000.

1998-1999 –Groundbreaking for Yampa Valley Medical Center was held in February 1998, and the hospital opened on November 21, 1999. Other campus buildings, including a medical office building, the Doak Walker Care Center and GrandKids, were completed in 2000.

1992 – The need for a larger hospital was obvious. Planning and fundraising began for a new medical center and campus on a centrally located 46-acre site near the Steamboat Ski Area. A generous community donated more than $6 million.

1981 –GrandKids Child Care Center opened in November 1981, bringing generations closer together and providing a needed community service. It was the first child care center to be located inside a skilled nursing facility in the state of Colorado, and its intergenerational program still serves as a national role model.

1970’s– The 1960s saw the opening of the Steamboat Ski Area and a corresponding need to increase hospital services. A remodeling added outpatient treatment space in the early 1970s. The sign above the new entrance read: “Ski Injuries Only.”

The region’s first orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Ronald G. Lewis, joined the medical staff in 1972. This decade brought rapid changes, construction of a major addition and enhanced emergency medical services. The hospital was renamed Routt Memorial to clarify its private, non-tax-supported status. In 1979, the c

1946 – The Steamboat Springs Hospital Association elected a Board of Directors that selected a site on Park Avenue for the new hospital. Dr. Willett donated his hospital building to the cause, and it was purchased by the school district. The building served as the high school and junior high band room as well as the Seventh Street Playhouse before being torn down in 2005.

After several years of design, construction and fundraising, Routt County Memorial Hospital was dedicated on August 13, 1950. Our Hospital Auxiliary was formed during that decade to help the hospital through some financially difficult years.

The Community asked the hospital to take over the adjacent nursing home, which was renamed Routt Memorial Extended Care Center.

1921 – Dr. Willett opened a new hospital in a converted apartment building on 7th and Aspen streets. Twenty-five years later, Dr. Willett and the community saw the need for a new structure and a non-profit community organization to run it.