"Will I still be able to go skiing?" It's a question six-time Paralympic skier Michael Milton first asked after he got bone cancer when he was nine years old and had to have his left leg amputated, and asked it again last month, after an accident at Winter Park Ski Resort, while training for his seventh Paralympic Games. The Australian athlete hit a slick spot on the snow and fell…
Children and young adults up to 21 years old with complex medical needs are eligible for nurse level care coordination at their medical home throughout the Denver Health System. We provide a specialized and coordinated approach to managing the medical, behavioral and social needs of children with multiple chronic medical conditions. Care is both family-centered and evidence-based and our team…
Denver Health has become the first hospital in the Rocky Mountain region to receive Emergency General Surgery (EGS) verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The verification, awarded following a rigorous two-day, on-site review, confirms that Denver Health is one of 13 hospitals in the U.S. to meet the highest national standards for treating patients with urgent and life-…
As states across the country consider psychedelic policy reform, new peer-reviewed research conducted by Denver Health’s Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) provides the most current evidence-based insights on how decriminalization has affected the use of psilocybin. Appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the study is the first to show that recent…
Quality Health Care for Life’s Journey Call to Make an Appointment 720-549-2428 Orthopedics Denver's only certified Orthopedic Center of Excellence treating a full range of injuries, from common to complex. Care for children and adults of all ages. School-based Health Centers Health centers located inside Denver Public School (DPS) locations across Denver. Medical, mental health, dental and…
Psychedelic use is rising rapidly across the U.S. for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. As states move to adopt new policies, public health systems are being asked to make decisions without reliable, real-world data on the benefits and risks of these substances. To address that gap, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) has been awarded a grant from the National Institute on…
Consulte con un proveedor de atención pediátrica de urgencia en un momento y lugar que sea conveniente para usted con el servicio de Atención Pediátrica de Urgencia Virtual de Denver Health. Durante la visita virtual de su hijo, verá a un proveedor, se evaluará su condición y se le proporcionará un plan de tratamiento, todo a través de video. Los pacientes actuales de Denver Health también…
Denver Health is proud to announce that four members of the 2025 cohort of international physician learners in the Colorado Works for International Physicians (COWIP) Clinical Readiness Program have matched into residency programs in Colorado. Naw Wai Htoo, MD, from Myanmar, matched in family medicine at HealthPoint in Kent, Washington. Muhanned Soud, MD, from Iraq, matched in family medicine at…
At Denver Health, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way on your breastfeeding journey. While breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding experience, it can also come with questions and challenges – especially in the early days. With the right preparation, guidance, and encouragement, you can build confidence and create a strong foundation for success. The following tips are…
Denver Health’s Community Addiction Rehabilitation and Evaluation Services (CARES) will be able to host an intern this summer, educating the next generation of substance use care professional, thanks to the generous grant from the NDASA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. The summer internship supported by the grant aligns closely with the NDASA…
The surgical nutrition team provides advanced treatment for complex gastrointestinal (GI) conditions including intestinal failure from short bowel syndrome, enterocutaneous fistula, gastroparesis, and functional intestinal motility disorders. Our services include comprehensive nutritional assessment, dietary counseling, enteral access and enteral formula management, parenteral access, and…
Climate Resilience: Protecting Health in a Changing Climate Climate change is increasing health risks and disrupting healthcare delivery through extreme heat, poor air quality, and severe weather, with the greatest impacts on vulnerable communities. Denver Health is strengthening climate resilience by investing in emergency preparedness, infrastructure, sustainable operations and community…
Denver Health is the first hospital in Denver and one of only two in Colorado to offer Contrast-enhanced mammography screening, or CEM. CEM is a new type of imaging exam that offers benefits beyond just improved imaging. It uses the same basic equipment as a standard mammogram but adds an iodine-based contrast agent injected into a vein. Cancerous tissue tends to recruit new blood vessels, and…
As vaccine hesitancy rises and confusion persists around pediatric vaccine schedules, a new national study offers clear evidence supporting the importance of hepatitis B vaccination at birth. Lead author and Denver Health pediatrician Josh Williams, MD, published findings in Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open that show vaccination at birth is strongly associated with…
Denver Health has named Aaron Eberhardt, MD, an emergency medicine physician with nearly two decades of leadership experience, as associate chair of emergency medical services (EMS) and medical director of the Denver Health Paramedic Division, following a competitive national search conducted by Denver Health and the Denver Department of Public Safety. “Dr. Eberhardt brings a rare combination of…
Denver Health has been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The designation recognizes Denver Health's Breast Care Center as meeting rigorous national standards for quality, multidisciplinary care, and patient outcomes. In September 2025, Denver Health underwent an in-person…
Colorado is at the forefront of a national movement to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act, making Colorado the second state in the nation to decriminalize the personal use of psilocybin and other natural psychedelics for adults 21 and older. The law also created a framework for…
Denver Health has selected Eric Lavonas, MD, MS, as executive director of Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS), recognizing his decades of leadership in medical toxicology, emergency medicine, research and education. Lavonas has more than 30 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, educator and organizational leader. At Denver Health he has served as interim director of…
Denver Health has been recognized with the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Dick Davidson NOVA Award, which honors outstanding collaboration by hospitals and health systems working to build healthier communities. The recognition highlights Denver Health’s Housing Outreach, Partnerships and Engagement (HOPE) program, a hospital-based partnership model that improves health outcomes for…
What is the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)? Welcome to the CDU Bienvenido a la CDU .dh-cdu-highlight-box { float: right; width: 350px; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; padding: 20px; background-color: #EBF4FB; border: 1px solid #C5D9E8; border-top: 4px solid #006BAC; border-radius: 6px; font-family: 'Nunito Sans', sans-serif; box-sizing: border-…
Southeast Denver has a new medical center built to help you with healthy aging and lifelong wellness! Open now to existing primary care patients (July 6 to new patients), the new Denver Health Southeast Medical Center brings care you can trust for the best years of your life’s journey. Serving adult patients of all ages, this new clinic features adult primary care and specialty care services,…
Denver Health Denver's Home for Injury Care 🌐 Ver en Español From the pitch to the peaks, Denver loves to play hard. But bumps, sprains, and injuries are part of the game too. Denver Health has five urgent care locations, virtual care options, and Denver's only 24-hour pediatric urgent care. And when it's more serious — the city's only Orthopedic Center of Excellence. At…
Research Opportunities Partner With Denver Health OfficeOfResearch@dhha.org Leader in Clinical Trials Experienced research staff and diverse patient population. Get Started in Only 8 Weeks Fast onboarding and to get your trial underway. :root{ --accent: #0b6fb2; --bg: #ffffff; --muted:#5b6268; --gap: 1rem; } .sr-only{ position:absolute !important; width:…
.dh-vid-wrap { float: right; margin: 10px 0 10px 10px; width: 560px; max-width: 100%; } .dh-vid-wrap iframe { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; } @media (max-width: 600px) { .dh-vid-wrap { float: none; width: 100%; margin: 10px 0; } } Collaborating with Denver Health offers a unique opportunity to engage a diverse…
Denver Health has been recognized on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026, a national distinction honoring hospitals that deliver exceptional care from pregnancy through birth and postpartum. High‑quality maternity care is essential to the long‑term health of newborns and the women who give birth. To identify the nation’s leading hospitals, Newsweek and Statista evaluated…
Denver Health has been recognized with the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in healthcare. The award honors the health system’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its environmental performance and embedding sustainability across its operations, culture and patient-care environment. Practice…
America’s Essential Hospitals recognized Denver Health for its Obstetrics (OB) Perinatal Addiction Recovery (OB PEAR) Program, which integrates substance use disorder screening, treatment and care coordination into routine prenatal and postpartum care to reduce maternal morbidity. The association presented Denver Health with the 2026 Gage Award for quality improvement at a June 11 luncheon at…
Ten months after a bullet tore through Ben Varga's neck at Washington Park, he stood before a crowd at Denver Health on his 24th birthday, celebrating life and calling for an end to gun violence. "I'm incredibly lucky to be here today, standing, walking, talking and seemingly unaffected from the incidents that happened on that day," Varga said at a Dec. 10, 2025 candlelight…
It will forever be a Christmas Colin Metz will never forget. In 2024, he was skiing with his dad at Winter Park Resort, a family holiday tradition, but this time something happened that changed his life. "I was going up, and there's this little cliff that I always jump off of and I've been very comfortable with," Metz said. "I hit the jump and from what my dad said, I…
The Lown Institute has ranked Denver Health No. 1 in the nation for value of care. In Colorado, Denver Health is No. 1 for community benefit and racial inclusivity and in the top five for health equity, inclusivity, avoiding overuse and cost efficiency. Denver Health earned A’s across all eight metrics in the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, which evaluates hospitals…
Jon Frohlich has hiked hundreds of mountains in Colorado, including all 58 of the 14ers, over more than 20 years. But his finish at the 2026 Colfax Half Marathon on May 16, which came six months after he nearly died of a heart attack, was the most emotionally rewarding trek of his life. Frohlich, 48, had been healthy his entire life and had no family history of heart problems before he headed up…
Pediatric Care Locations in Denver, Colorado Pediatric Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center 777 Bannock St., 1st Floor, Pavilion A Denver, CO 80204 24 hours a day Phone: 303-602-3300 More Info Primary Care Center 660 N. Bannock St., Pavilion L, 7th Floor Denver, CO 80204 More Info Wellington Webb Center for Primary Care 301 6th Avenue Denver, CO 80204 Appointments: 303-436-4949 Pharmacy…
"I trust Denver Health with my life. Literally." For Garritte Hitchens, saying those powerful words are an affirmation of all she has been through and how far she's come, thanks to her lifelong health care partner, Denver Health. Hitchens was born at Denver Health, and if not for exceptional trauma care over a few touch-and-go days, she would have died there, too. A crash on Jan. 4…
What is a Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)? A gastrostomy tube (G-tube) is a feeding tube that is surgically inserted into a baby's stomach to provide nutrition, fluids and medications. It is often recommended for infants who cannot safely or effectively get enough nourishment by mouth because of feeding or swallowing challenges. While the G-tube ensures your baby receives the nutrition they need…
Charlotte Olsen suddenly couldn’t speak. She couldn’t text. She could hear what her colleagues were saying, but for nearly an hour, she lost the ability to communicate at all. For someone who had spent her career preparing for emergencies, she was wholly unprepared for the possibility of a stroke at just 40 years old. It was a chilly, snowy day in November 2024, and Olsen, who was working in…
Denver Health is proud to announce that it has received certification from DNV as a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. "This certification reflects Denver Health's unwavering commitment to providing timely, evidence-based stroke care when every second matters," said Dave Jeon, MD, Stroke Center…
Summer in Colorado means hiking, mountain biking, fishing and spending long days outside. Colorado's climate, especially in places like Winter Park, can feel cooler than other parts of the country, but warm temperatures, direct sunlight and strenuous activity can still put you at risk for heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when your body can't cool itself…
Whether you're visiting Winter Park for hiking, skiing or just enjoying the fresh mountain air, your body needs time to adjust to Colorado's high elevation. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, no matter your age or fitness level. Knowing the symptoms, how to prevent it and when to seek medical care can help you enjoy your trip safely. What Is Altitude Sickness? Altitude sickness, also…
The Colorado Women's Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2027, and we're proud to share Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne is being recognized among an extraordinary group of women whose leadership, innovation, service and determination have made a lasting impact on Colorado and beyond. Representing diverse professions, backgrounds and generations, this year's inductees have…
I think we’ve all experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. Those persistent feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, or the sense that we’re just not cut out for the role we’ve been given. Toss in sleep deprivation and the absence of a clear rule book, and it’s no surprise that the new parent period can amplify postpartum emotions even more. Reality of new-parent confidence It…
Denver Health is proud to celebrate the physicians recognized as 5280 Magazine's Top Doctors for 2026. This honor reflects the exceptional care, expertise and dedication our doctors bring to the Denver community every day. Our patients benefit from care teams who share the same commitment to excellence, and we are grateful to our employed and affiliated doctors for their unwavering hard…
Paddleboarding has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs, and it is easy to see why. Calm water, mountain views and sunny days make it a favorite summer activity across the state. But conditions at altitude can change faster than paddlers expect, so a little precaution goes a long way. What makes paddleboarding at altitude riskier? Mountain weather can shift…
Colorado’s biking trails draw riders from all over the world every summer, from beginners on their first flow trail to experienced riders hitting jumps and technical terrain. Mountain biking is a great way to spend a summer day in the mountains, especially in Winter Park, but the risks of mountain biking can go far beyond heat stroke, altitude sickness and dehydration. Knowing how to prepare and…
Colorado’s rivers and lakes make it a popular destination for fishing all summer long. Whether you are casting from shore or a boat, a few simple precautions can help keep your day on the water accident free. Risks of fishing in the mountains Mountain waters can be colder and less predictable than they look, and weather can change quickly at elevation. Beyond the water itself, fishing also comes…
Colorado’s mountains offer some of the best hiking in the country, with sweeping views, wildlife and fresh air around every bend. But hiking at high elevation comes with risks that go beyond a sore pair of legs. Knowing how to prepare and what to watch for can help you enjoy the trail safely. What makes mountain hiking different? Colorado trails often cross uneven, rocky ground, and the weather…
The cold and wind on the summit of Mount Everest were bitter and biting. Rich Draves, at 29,031 feet, got only a few photographs before beginning his long descent. His emotion in that moment was more practical than triumphant. "Relief is what it felt like," Draves said, knowing he wouldn't have to train anymore for Everest. But standing on top of the world on May 25 was…
As Denver Health's trauma medical director rounded on her pediatric trauma patients on a recent weekday, she noticed a disturbing pattern by the end. Every child admitted for trauma – whose wounds included broken bones piercing through the skin, traumatic brain injuries, blunt abdominal injuries and others that required care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – was there because of an e-…
With back-to-school vaccines needed and U.S. measles cases at a 35-year high, Denver Health reminds families to keep vaccines on schedule as families and students prepare to head back to school. Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities from serious illness and help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. “The best time to protect a child…
Every March 13, Tyler Oatts heads into the woods. He might hike through Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, search for elk sheds or simply spend the day outside. He’s made it a point to do something he loves on the day he nearly lost everything. It is the day Oatts nearly died and the day Denver Health trauma surgeon Ernest E. Moore, MD, gave him the rest of his life. Oatts, 34, was 18 when he was…
More than 10,000 times over the past two decades, a Denver Health sexual assault nurse examiner has walked into a room to meet someone on the worst day of their life. Registered nurse Michelle Metz has been at Denver Health for all 20 of those years and has walked into a lot of those rooms. Her responsibility in that moment extends beyond collecting evidence, documenting injuries and providing…
Colorado’s summer has a way of pulling people outside. Hiking boots come out of the closet. Bikes hit the trails. Dogs get extra walks. Unfortunately, ticks are eager to join the party, and this summer shows no signs of letting up. The state is home to about 30 species of ticks, including such friendly sounding names as Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick. “They're not looking for…
As Denver Health’s trauma medical director rounded on her pediatric trauma patients on a recent weekday, she noticed a disturbing pattern by the end. Every child admitted for trauma – whose wounds included broken bones piercing through the skin, traumatic brain injuries, blunt abdominal injuries and others that required care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – was there because of an e-scooter…
“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” – Louis Pasteur, French scientist and a founder of modern microbiology (1876) Michelle Metz's job doesn't usually come with a fan club. In Brazil this spring, it did. The program manager of Denver Health's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, or SANE, unit spent the end of…
Colorado sunshine is no joke. Whether you’re hiking, biking or at an outdoor World Cup watch party, your skin is getting more sun and potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays than you might think. “Everyone should use sunscreen, especially living in Colorado,” said Denver Health board certified dermatologist Mayra Maymone, MD, who is excited about a recent move by the U.S. Food and Drug…
For pregnant patients with a substance use disorder, the path to getting help can feel like a maze, one navigated under extreme stress and without much guidance along the way. There’s one clinic for prenatal care, another for substance use treatment and another for behavioral health. Add transportation, stigma and fear, and too many patients never get the help they need. Denver Health’s…
Dave Johnson walked into Denver Health’s new Southeast Medical Center on opening day and had a visit with his primary care physician. It was only afterward, as he was about to leave, that he noticed something missing. “The whole time I’ve been here at the clinic, there’s been no anxiety,” Johnson said. “And I just realized that. That’s really awesome.” The clinic felt bright and fresh, he said,…
Most people do not think about their blood pressure or cholesterol until a doctor brings it up. But new national guidelines make the case that patients should pay attention sooner in life. Updated guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology are urging patients and providers to pay attention sooner to two of the biggest drivers of heart disease: high blood…
Long before a patient with Ebola would ever arrive in Colorado, Denver Health is preparing for one, continuing the research and training that’s expected from the trusted leader in the region for readiness and care for high-risk infectious diseases. Denver Health is home to the Regional Emerging Special Pathogens Treatment Center, or RESPTC, and the High-risk Infection Team, known as the HITeam.…
Denver Health is committed to providing safe, respectful care for every patient. Before a sensitive exam or procedure, your care team will let you know and give you a chance to ask questions. You can also choose to have a medical chaperone, a trained staff member who may be present for all or part of the visit. This is your choice, and your care team will support whatever you decide. Frequently…
Denver Health Emergency Medicine has launched a new program that gives doctors a powerful new way to see inside the heart during a cardiac arrest. The tool is called resuscitative transesophageal echocardiography, or rTEE for short. Regular heart ultrasounds work from outside the body, but rTEE is different. It uses a small probe placed in the esophagus to capture clear, continuous images of the…
Spending time outdoors in Colorado means sharing the trails and grass with insects and ticks. Most bites and stings are harmless, but some can lead to serious illness or allergic reactions. Knowing how to avoid stings, and when to seek care, can help you enjoy the outdoors safely. Ticks are commonly found in grassy wooded areas across Colorado. A tick bite itself is usually painless, so checking…
