River Cities Business Journal: Health

Special to the River Cities Business Journal

FORT MOHAVE - Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has recognized employees at two area hospitals for their efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Napolitano cited Valley View Medical Center in Fort Mohave and Colorado River Medical Center in Needles during ceremonies declaring September as Arizona Preparedness Month.

Valley View and Colorado River were among 400 Arizona hospitals, health systems and health professionals, including various members of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA), honored by Napolitano.

“I commend you for your selfless efforts, hard work and dedication in helping meet the needs of over 2,800 individuals who came to Arizona in the wake of one of our most devastating natural disasters,” Napolitano said. “Your involvement exemplifies compassion and leadership. Through your volunteer efforts, you have set a high standard for service to your community.”

At the time Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S., Valley View Medical Center was in the final stages of construction and certification. Most employees were working for sister hospital Colorado River Medical Center in Needles, 13 miles away, which has served portions of Western Arizona for more than 50 years.

With a new hospital opening just weeks away, medical and professional staff members from both facilities were unable to leave for any on-site assistance along the Gulf Coast.

However, employees at every level raised money for relief and medical efforts.

The funds were distributed as part of a larger contribution through both hospitals' parent company, LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.

Valley View and another sister hospital, Havasu Regional Medical Center in Lake Havasu (also owned by LifePoint), are far western Mohave County's only members of the AzHHA.