Hospital District News
The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) will end on July 1, 2025. A list of resources is included below to help you. Please contact your place of care to ask about other discounted care options available to you. Our team is available to answer questions you have about Southeast Colorado Hospital District’s Discounted Care or other financial assistance options available at our facility. You can reach us at 719-523-2161, melstob@sechosp.org.
Here is what else you need to know:
Your co-pay card may not be valid after CICP ends. Talk to your place of care for information.
Your co-pay card may not be valid after CICP ends. Talk to your place of care for information.For CICP clinic patients - check with your clinic about financial assistance options.
Clinics may continue to give co-pay cards for their own programs, but some clinics will not take these cards after July 1, 2025.
For CICP hospital patients - if you qualified for CICP through a hospital, you automatically qualify for Hospital Discounted Care.
Hospitals must give patients who apply for Hospital Discounted Care a letter that lets them know if they qualify. Patients can use these letters at other hospitals to get Hospital Discounted Care. The Hospital Discount Care Coordinator will help you fill out an application for Hospital Discounted Care. Contact Marcia Elstob for help.
Health Coverage Information and Resources:
Hospital Discounted Care website for patients
Health First Colorado Medicaid website
CHP+ Child Health Plan Plus for children
Cover All Coloradans for services for all pregnant individuals and minor children regardless of immigration status
List of Medicaid Programs for patients of all ages
Emergency Medicaid Services for health benefits for children and pregnant people who do not have the citizenship or immigration status needed for Health First Colorado coverage
Connect for Health Colorado reduced-cost health insurance options
OmniSalud low cost health insurance options for undocumented people
Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) information on community health centers
Comunicación de finalización de CICP
El Programa de Asistencia al Indigente de Colorado (CICP) finalizará el 1 de julio de 2025. A continuación, se incluye una lista de recursos para ayudarle. Por favor, contáctese con su lugar de asistencia para preguntar sobre otras opciones de asistencia con descuento disponibles para usted. Nuestro equipo está disponible para responder cualquier pregunta que usted tenga sobre Southeast Colorado Hospital District Atención Hospitalaria con Descuento u otras opciones de asistencia financiera disponibles en nuestra instalación. Puede comunicarse con nosotros a 719-523-2161 melstob@sechosp.org.
Esto es lo que más usted necesita saber:
Es posible que su tarjeta de copago no sea válida una vez finalizado el CICP. Hable con su centro de asistencia para información.
Para pacientes de la clínica CICP: consulte con su clínica sobre las opciones de asistencia financiera
Las clínicas pueden seguir entregando tarjetas de copago para sus propios programas, pero algunas clínicas no aceptarán estas tarjetas después del 1 de julio de 2025
Para pacientes del hospital CICP si calificó para CICP a través de un hospital, automáticamente califica para recibir atención hospitalaria con descuento
Los hospitales deben entregar a los pacientes que solicitan atención hospitalaria con descuento una carta que les indique si cumplen los requisitos. Los pacientes pueden usar estas cartas en otros hospitales para obtenerla. El equipo financiero del hospital les ayudará a completar la solicitud. Para obtener ayuda, contacten a Marcia Elstob
Información y recursos sobre cobertura de salud:
Hospital Discounted Care sitio web para pacientes
Health First Colorado sitio web de Medicaid
CHP+ Child Health Plan Plus para niños
Cover All Coloradans da servicios para todas las personas embarazadas y los niños menores de edad independientemente de su situación de inmigración
Lista de programas Medicaid para pacientes de todas las edades
Servicios de emergencia Medicaid para prestaciones sanitarias para niños y embarazadas que no tengan ciudadanía * el estatus migratorio necesario para la cobertura de Health First Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado opciones de seguro médico de costo reducido
OmniSalud opciones de seguro médico de bajo costo para indocumentados
Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) información sobre los centros de salud comunitarios
What is Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults?
helps older adults who are experiencing a mental health challenge develop the coping and communication skills they need to live a healthier and happier life. Our clinical team includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the mental health care of the older adults in the Baca County communities. We help ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Our group therapy sessions are held up to three times a week at Southeast Colorado Hospital. Participants may have the option to attend these sessions virtually, using a computer, tablet or smartphone connected to the internet. We also set aside time for individual psychotherapy and check each on-site participant's vitals.
Services offered by Southeast Colorado Hospital’s/Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults include:
confidential, comprehensive assessment
individual therapy
group therapy
family therapy
medication education and management
after-care planning
Even though this is a group setting, each person is addressed individually based on their unique needs. We continue to engage and support our participants after they complete the program.
Who Can Benefit from Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults?
Our program is designed to help people typically 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and intense grief.
If you or someone you know has experienced any of the following, this hospital-based outpatient program might be right for you.
Anxiety
Changes in appetite
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Lost a spouse or close family member
Loss of energy
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Recently experienced a traumatic event
Anyone can make a referral to the program. This includes self, family members, physicians, or other healthcare professionals.
For more information about Southeast Colorado Hospital’s/Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults program, call Lisa Riddick at (719) 523-2105. Our program is located at the Springfield Hospital Annex Building on Tenth Street.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults Outcomes:
Over 90% of our program participants report a significant improvement in symptoms.
The majority of participants who complete our outpatient program score well below the threshold for depression and anxiety on standardized measurement scales.
Our team monitors your progress throughout the program, including your physical health. Many participants experience improvements in their physical health by reducing stress and symptoms of mental health challenges.
Our Approach
Empowerment Through Connection
Loneliness and isolation can take a toll on mental health. Our program promotes a sense of belonging and community. We offer group sessions, peer support, and activities that foster social bonds, helping older adults feel more connected to others and to life itself.
Mindful Wellness
We emphasize the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and stress management. Through mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, we help older adults reduce anxiety, depression, and age-related stressors.
Personalized Support
Every individual's journey to mental well-being is unique. Our experienced team develops personalized care plans for each program participant. These plans address their specific needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the right support at the right time.
Why Choose Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults?
Experienced Team: Our compassionate and highly skilled team specializes in geriatric mental health and is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.
Proven Results: We have a track record of helping older adults achieve better mental health, leading to increased happiness and overall well-being.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: We prioritize creating a safe and inclusive space for seniors of all backgrounds and experiences.
Community: Be part of a community that values your journey and supports your mental health every step of the way.
Join Us Today
Take the first step toward better mental health and emotional well-being. Southeast Colorado Hospital District's “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults guides you on a path to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health program for older adults and how you can get involved.
Remember, it's never too late to prioritize your mental health and find the support you deserve. At Southeast Colorado Hospital, we're here to help you thrive in your golden years.
General Overview: Southeast Colorado Hospital’s provides outpatient services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes often associated with aging. Services include group and individual therapy, medication management, and after-care planning.
Services Overview:
Services offered by Southeast Colorado Hospital’s/Southeast Colorado Hospital District “Senior Life Solutions” Behavioral Health Program for Older Adults include a confidential, comprehensive assessment, group, and individual therapy, family therapy, medication education and management, and after-care planning, where we continue to engage and support our participants. Even though this is a group setting, each person is addressed individually based on their unique needs. We communicate with each patient’s primary care provider to develop collaborative care plans.
Referral Overview:
Anyone can make a referral to our program, including self-referrals, primary care physicians, specialists, family members, friends, community groups, and nursing or residential facilities.
Our program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the patients we serve.
If you would like more information or want to discuss support for yourself or a loved one, please call Lisa Riddick at 719-523-2105 or Sami Parks at 719-523-2189.
Mental Health Awareness Tips: Let’s talk about mental health
How much effort do you focus on your mental health? Do you talk about it with your family and friends as easily as you do about your latest annual physical? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so maybe it’s time?
Mental health is more than psychological.
Your mental health includes your emotional, social and psychological well-being. Together, they affect how you think, feel, and act, says SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. How you — and everyone — handle stress, relate to others, and make choices, are all affected by your mental health.
Ripple effect of mental health issues.
While your mental health is as important on its own, you may not realize how else mental health issues can impact your life, such as:
People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population.
A third of U.S. adults with mental illness also had a substance abuse disorder in 2021.
High school students with significant depression symptoms are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers.
Healthy well-being begins early.
You may be surprised to learn that half of all mental health disorders show before a person turns 14 years old and three-fourths begin before age 24, says SAMHSA. Signs to watch for in adults and adolescents may include:
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Not performing daily tasks or handling daily problems
Not wanting to hang out with friends or family
Fighting a lot with family and friends; not controlling emotions
Having low or no energy, or feeling hopeless
Feeling confused, forgetful, edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Wanting to harm yourself or others
Smoking or drinking excessively
If you feel or see one or more of these signs, you may want to discuss with your primary care doctor or contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for resources near you. You can contact them directly by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting "HelpLine" to 62640 or emailing them at helpline@nami.org.
Self-care tips for Improving your mental well-being
When struggling with your mental health, in addition to seeking outside help, here are some actions to take:
Stick to a treatment plan; don’t change it without a doctor’s guidance, and keep your primary care physician updated.
Control stress with activities such as meditation or yoga; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.
Reach out to family and friends for support and help.
Get closer to nature as it can have a calming effect. Take a walk.
Plan things to look forward to doing or people to be seeing.
Pull quote: If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please chat, call or text 988.
Don’t Let Seasonal Sneezing Drown Out Your Fun
For everything there is a season, including allergies! They may be impossible to stop, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the impact to those who suffer.
You are not alone
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 25% of adults — and nearly 20% of children — have a seasonal allergy that is often triggered by pollen.
Nutrition
If “diet is a bank account and good food choices are good investments, ”it’s a good time to start investing in yourself and your family!
Make every bite count
A healthy eating routine can help boost your health now and in the future, plus showing your children healthy food choices can set them up with good habits all their lives. And a healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing chronic health problems like cardiovascular disease.
Check in with your doctor
While there are generally accepted healthy nutrition choices, your doctor can help you target your and your family’s overall needs, especially if there are underlying health conditions such as diabetes, food allergies, or if you have specific weight goals. Generally, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. Also, limit added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. If you’re buying packaged food, read the nutrition facts and ingredient list, and look for the Heart-Check Mark to find foods that have been certified by the American Heart Association as heart-healthy.
When it’s too much of a good thing
Good calories can add up, and you may be surprised to learn how much is a serving size.
In an average 2,000 calories per day adult diet, the American Heart Association offers the recommendations below. Remember that your calorie needs may be different, depending on your age, activity level and whether you are trying to lose, gain or maintain your weight, and other dietary needs that your doctor may discuss with you.
Vegetables
Fresh, frozen, canned or dried — Two and a half (2 1/2) servings per day, including dark green, red/orange, starchy and other; examples of one vegetable serving:
2 cups raw leafy salad greens
1 cup cut-up vegetables
Fruits
Fresh, frozen, canned or dried — 2 servings of fruit per day; examples of one fruit serving:
One medium whole fruit
1 cup cut-up fruit
Grains
Six servings per day, preferably whole grains; examples of one serving of grains:
One slice bread or one small tortilla
1 cup ready-to-eat cereal flakes
1 ounce (⅛ cup) uncooked pasta or rice (½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal)
Dairy
Three servings per day, preferably low-fat and fat-free; examples of one dairy serving:
1 cup milk or yogurt
1 ounce cheese (size of one domino)
Proteins
Choose from legumes and nuts; fish and seafood; and if you eat meat, lean cuts and skinless poultry; avoid processed meats that equal five and a half-ounces (5 ½-ounces) per day. Below are examples of one-ounce servings to combine:
1/4 cup cooked beans, peas or lentils, or tofu
1/2 ounce nuts or seeds or 1 tablespoon peanut butter
One whole egg or two egg whites
Note: Cooked seafood, meat or poultry — three ounces looks like a deck of cards
Get the most out of your food budget
Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Prepare menus and grocery lists ahead to help keep you from making impulse food choices, which often aren’t healthy.
Use technology. There’s an app for that. Look for a grocery list or meal-planning app with a grocery list feature.
Cook on the weekends. If your weekdays are busy, prep ahead or cook over the weekend and store the meals in the fridge or freezer.
Prep snacks. Cut up fruits and vegetables and keep them handy in individual portions in the fridge.
Buy fresh produce in season. You’ll pay more in the fall and winter when some are shipped from warmer climates. Big idea: When treating yourself and your family, choose out-of-season fresh foods rather than processed foods.
Proper nutrition for you and your family delivers a return on investment for years to come.
Please, call Southeast Colorado Rural Health Clinic today at (719) 523 6628 for help in finding a physician.
Celebrating Our Amazing Activity Professional Team!
Today, we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude
and admiration for the incredible work our Activity Professional staff does every day. Your creativity, passion, and unwavering dedication enrich the lives of those we serve and bring joy, purpose, and meaning to their days. You are the heart and soul of our community, creating a vibrant and caring environment where residents thrive.
Thank you for your tireless efforts to plan meaningful activities, build connections, and ensure every individual feels valued and empowered. Your impact goes beyond the activities you lead—it's the smiles, the laughter, and the memories you help create that truly make a difference.
As we celebrate National Activity Professionals Day, we honor YOU and the vital role you play in making the lives of our residents and their families richer and fuller. You are appreciated more than words can express!
#NationalActivityProfessionalsDay #ThankYou #ActivityProfessionals #Gratitude #Caregivers #MakingADifference #CommunityCare
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone, sometimes referred to as Narcan (brand name) is a medication that is used in situations where someone has taken too much of an opioid pain medication (codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, heroin). The general public can administer the medication, via a nasal spray, to reverse the affects of the opioids rapidly. The most serious opioid affect is that of respiratory failure-the slowing down of breathing sometimes to the point of stopping altogether.
Signs of opioid overdose:
• Unconscious or poor/slow responses
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Pupils are pinpoint
• Vomiting or gurgling
• Pale, cold, or blue skin
• Inability to speak clearly
Who should have naloxone?
Anyone who is prescribed opioids such as those listed above. *Any family member of someone who is prescribed opioids. *Someone who uses opioid medication not obtained by prescription. *Anyone with potential exposure to opioid substances.
More about naloxone:
It is safe to use with children who have consumed opioid substances.
If a person has not consumed opioids, there should be no side effects at all.
Southeast Colorado Medical Clinic has partnered with the Colorado Naloxone Project as a harm reduction agency to provide free naloxone to patients, family members and community members who may find themselves in a situation to save someone who has overdosed. If you or a loved one are prescribed opioids for pain, please ask your provider about a naloxone rescue kit.
Southeast Colorado Hospital District and Long Term Care Center
If you or someone you know are in need of long term care or just a happy, nice, secure safe place to live and age, we are here to serve you at Southeast Colorado Hospital District and Long Term Care Center, Cottage, and 10th Street Inn. Our residences are available for a short thirty day stay or as long-term homes. We strive to create environments where our residents / neighbors feel connected to their community, experience individualized programs, feel cared about, experience quality life engagement activities, develop relationships, and experience quality care in a secure safe home that they can truly call their own. We currently have rooms available in the secured memory care unit if your loved one has dementia, and you are in need of a place for them to receive safe and secure 24/7 care from a caring team. We are here for you! Contact Sheri Reed, Director of Nursing, (719) 523-2116, or Glenice Wade, Assistant Director of Nursing (719) 523-2141, to discuss any questions you may have or to set up a Southeast Colorado Hospital District Long Term Care Center Tour. We also have openings available in Long Term Care now.
SOUTHEAST COLORADO HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Southeast Colorado Hospital District mission is to focus on the well-being of the people we serve. Southeast Colorado Hospital District recognizes that each one of us comes from a different background(s). Our goal is to ensure that each member in our service area receives quality care by eliminating health inequities and improving health outcomes. Together, we can achieve and sustain the health of the population of our service area.
La misión del Distrito Hospital de Sureste Colorado es enfocarse en el bienestar de las personas que servimos. El Distrito Hospital de Sudeste de Colorado reconoce que cada uno de nosotros proviene de un entorno diferente. Nuestro objetivo es garantizar que cada miembro de nuestra área de servicio reciba atención de calidad mediante la eliminación de las desigualdades en la salud y la mejora de los resultados de salud. Juntos, podemos lograr y mantener la salud de la población de nuestra área de servicio.
Change Healthcare Cyberattack
Thank you for your patience! Thousands of hospitals, including ours, have been affected by the Feb. 21, 2024, Change Healthcare Cyberattack. As the crisis continues, we continue to work with our partner organizations to have the smallest impact on Southeast Colorado Hospital District.
What Happened
On Feb. 21, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, was the victim of a significant cyberattack on the U.S. healthcare system. Change Healthcare is the predominant source of more than 100 critical functions that keep health care systems operating. Among them, Change Healthcare manages the clinical criteria used to authorize a substantial portion of patient care and coverage, processes billions of claims, supports clinical information exchange, and processes drug prescriptions.
Impact to Hospitals, Health Systems, Communities and Patients
This unprecedented attack has already imposed significant consequences on patients, hospitals, health systems and other providers.
● Some patients have struggled to obtain prescriptions or have faced delays in scheduling care or receiving and paying bills.
● Hospitals, health systems and other providers are experiencing extraordinary reductions in cash flow, threatening their ability to make payroll and to acquire the medical supplies needed to provide care.
● Providers may be unable to verify patients’ health insurance coverage, process claims and receive payment from many payers, exchange clinical records with other providers, provide cost estimates and bill patients, and, in some instances, access the clinical guidelines to support prior authorization.
What We’re Doing
● We are working with our vendors to secure reliable workarounds to help claims processing and payment to take the place of manual claims entry which is very time consuming and costly.
● We have asked for support, including greater transparency about the nature and scope of the attack.
● We have asked for an anticipated timeline for resolution, and temporary access to advanced payments to help us weather the period while normal claims processing functions are down.
● We are reaching out to our legislators for federal support as this disruption persists and for help in mitigating solutions.
Please know, the wellbeing of our patients and communities is most important, and we are working on your behalf. Thank you for your patience during this critical time.