Aspen Valley Health

Aspen Valley Health (Hospital) is one of two hospital systems within the Roaring Fork Valley, a rural resort area of Colorado. For more than a century as an independent health system, AVH has grown alongside the community we serve. The name AVH is a commitment to providing and advancing whole-person healthcare. AVH has partnered with Community Health Services as a screening partner since 1997! At AVH, their mammography technologists, Deb Demeulenaere and Kelly Fain, make sure every screening is handled with the utmost attention and care, ensuring a positive experience. AVH offers top-of-the-line 3D tomography machines, and all mammograms are read by specialized breast radiologists with highly trained, keen eyes to spot abnormalities, which means exceedingly accurate readings for the patient. When you enter our Women’s Imaging Center, you’ll instantly feel comforted in the spa-like sanctuary we’ve created, separate from the hum of the rest of the hospital.

“Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. In our target region, mammography rates are significantly below the national average, with barriers including lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and limited awareness. Early detection is critical – when breast cancer is found at a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 99%. Without intervention, many women will continue to face late diagnoses, more aggressive treatments, and poorer outcomes. The service(s) Community Health and Aspen Valley Health provide together is crucial to the health and well-being of females in our community, particularly for those less fortunate, without financial means and/or traditional health insurance coverage. Together we:

• Provide free or low-cost mammograms to women aged 40+ and high-risk younger women
• Offer education on breast health, self-exams, and the importance of regular screening
• Offer a patient navigation system to guide individuals from screening through diagnosis and treatment if needed.

This in turn provides:

• Improved Survival Rates: Early detection allows for less invasive treatment and significantly increases survival chances.
• Reduces Overall Treatment Costs: Treating early-stage breast cancer is far less expensive than advanced-stage care, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.
• Positive Community Health Impact: Increased awareness and screening uptake foster a culture of preventive care, benefiting future generations.

Investing in early breast cancer screening saves lives, reduces healthcare costs, and empowers women to take charge of their health. The work Community Health and Aspen Valley Health provide is tantamount to ensuring these services are secured for future generations to come.” —Stacy Paczos, BSBA, RHIT, Aspen Valley Health, Revenue Integrity Director, Patient Financial Services