Southwest Health System is hosting a week of events for National Hospital Week, including a 5K and community picnic to feature its annual report for a third year in a row.
Hospital Week recognizes Cortez-based medical staff, physicians, employees and other supporters. The 5K this Saturday starts and finishes at the hospital, at 1311 N Mildred Road. The run kicks off celebrations for the week of May 10 to 16 and the planned events. Check-in begins 30 minutes before, with the dog-friendly race starting at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is not required. Racers are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for donations to Renew in Cortez.
The community picnic is scheduled for from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14. Jaycee Hart, a spokesperson, said an overview of the system’s 2025 yearly report will be given to the public, which is a chance to showcase local medical staff and ways they support and engage the community.
CEO Joe Theine recently warned of financial pressure from expected federal funding changes related to House Resolution 1 enacted in July.
Southwest Health System’s financial picture has grown stronger than previous years, with expanded care, improved staff and employment retention plus growth in critical services such as chemotherapy. However, before Montezuma County commissioners, Theine provided a March update to the board that included future uncertainty around the resolution’s impacts to funding.
He told commissioners the changes could cut nearly $10 million annually by 2033 from the hospital’s bottom line. Theine said hospital leaders and board members are now examining whether additional services could be expanded in areas where revenue exceeds costs.
He said he expects to provide further updates later this year and in the years ahead.
Hart said the presentation at the picnic will focus primarily on 2025. The report is expected to cover finances, physician recruitment success, patient volumes, as well as some specific ways the health system has expanded care, such as in cardiology services.
Free hot dogs and corn dogs will be served at the community picnic in the SHS courtyard.
This week, nurses are also being celebrated, while National Emergency Medical Services Week takes place May 17 to 23.
awatson@the-journal.com
