CommonSpirit - Mercy Hospital
About
Mercy Hospital is an 82-bed acute-care hospital in Durango, Colorado. Mercy Hospital was founded in 1882 but has grown to become Southwest Colorado's largest and most technologically advanced medical facility. It is the only hospital in the region to receive from Medicare a five-star rating for overall hospital quality. Mercy Hospital's areas of specialty include orthopedic and spine surgery, cardiology, emergency, and trauma care, cancer care, and more.
About Our Hospital
Legacy of care & healing
Welcome to CommonSpirit - Mercy Hospital, southwest Colorado's largest and most technologically advanced medical facility. Continuing the legacy of care that began in 1882 when the Sisters of Mercy opened Durango's first hospital, Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit, full-service, acute care hospital designated as a Level III trauma center.
As a not-for-profit, Mercy Hospital is committed to improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves and the individuals who receive care at the hospital.
The facility includes state-of-the-art medical technology, including a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner and breast MRI in an environment designed to promote a sense of wellness and healing. Our healing environment includes a healing garden, labyrinth, chapel, artwork, nutritious meals prepped by an executive chef, and a TLC program.
- Square Footage: 212,000
- Attached Medical Office Building (not owned by Mercy): 153,00
- Total Rooms (Capacity): 82
- Board Certified Physicians: 135
- Medical Specialities & Sub-Specialties: 35
- Employees: 935
- FY22 Uncompensated/Charity care: $47.8 million
The first hospital in the Four Corners region was Mercy Hospital of the San Juans, started by the Sisters of Mercy in 1882. Although it had only six beds and was attached to a boarding school, the small hospital opened to great fanfare on September 1. It was located along the Animas River in what was then an open field north of old downtown Durango. In 1884, a new building, often referred to as the "stone hospital" because of its native sandstone construction, was finished, and the hospital's name was changed to Mercy Hospital.
Major additions took place in 1892, 1931, and 1952, and over the following 50 years, the building, located at 375 East Park Avenue, went through various additions and remodels, while older sections of the facility were demolished to make room for the new. By the late 1990s, Mercy Medical Center was operating at capacity but unable to expand because downtown Durango had literally grown up around it. Plans were drawn for a brand new facility to be built in the newly annexed Grandview area of Durango.
In June of 2006, Mercy Hospital opened. The 212,000-square-foot facility is state-of-the-art, with the latest medical technologies, an attached 153,000-square-foot medical office building, an ambulatory surgical center, and plenty of room to expand in the future. The old Mercy Hospital building was demolished in 2006, and the land was donated to the city of Durango. The Durango Public Library now occupies the former hospital site.
A brief history of the Sisters of Mercy Catherine
McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, in September 1778, to a prosperous Catholic family. Her father, James McGauley, died in 1783 when Catherine was just five years old, but his compassion for the poor — especially children and families who lived nearby — was a lifelong example for his eldest daughter. When her mother Elinor died in 1798, Catherine chose to live in the home of relatives, some of whom were non-Catholic and had little tolerance for her pious practices. In 1803 Catherine was invited to live in the home of William and Catherine Callaghan as a companion to Mrs. Callaghan. The Callaghans were childless, and upon Mr. Callaghan's death in 1822, Catherine inherited their fortune of £25,000 (the equivalent of about £1,048,000 or $1.6 million in today's currency), their estate, "furniture and plate." In 1824, Catherine used her inheritance to lease property on Baggot Street, a fashionable neighborhood in Dublin, for the purpose of building a large house for religious, educational, and social services for women and children. Other women, intrigued by the house and the work for which it was intended, were attracted to Catherine and began to join her preparations for the ministry she planned.
On September 24, 1827, the Feast of our Lady of Mercy, the first residents came to live in the house they called "the House of Mercy" in honor of the day, and two years later, the chapel was dedicated. Between late 1829 and 1830, after prayerful deliberation and consultation, Catherine and her associates agreed to found a new religious congregation. Though this was not her original intention, Catherine began the founding of a new religious congregation of women dedicated to service to the poor. Catherine and two of her associates entered the Convent of the Presentation Sisters in Dublin on Sept. 8, 1830, to begin formal preparation for founding the Sisters of Mercy.
Fifteen months later, the trio pronounced vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and to persevere until death in "the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy." Thus, the new community was founded on December 12, 1831. Catherine lived only 10 years as a Sister of Mercy, but in that time, she established nine additional autonomous foundations in Ireland and England and two branch houses near Dublin. When she died in 1841, there were 150 Sisters of Mercy. Shortly thereafter, small groups of sisters left Ireland at the invitation of bishops in Newfoundland, New Zealand, the United States, Argentina, and Australia.
The first Sisters of Mercy arrived in the United States in 1843 at the invitation of the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Their energy in ministering to the sick and economically poor attracted many new members. By 1854, the Sisters of Mercy had come from Ireland to settle in New York and San Francisco. They continued to spread throughout the country, establishing schools and hospitals where they went, including Durango. Mother Mary Baptist Meyers and four other Sisters of Mercy arrived in the fast-growing mining town of Durango on April 29, 1882. They were recruited from St. Louis, Missouri, by Colorado's first bishop. Being a nursing and teaching order, within four months, the sisters were running two schools, a temporary orphanage, and a small hospital attached to one of the schools.
The Sisters' community involvement and membership grew over time with the establishment of the order's first Colorado motherhouse in Durango and their expansion into other Colorado communities. During her 18 years in Colorado, Mother Baptist sent Sisters of Mercy to Ouray, Cripple Creek, Manitou Springs, and Denver. She eventually moved the motherhouse to Denver because funding opportunities were greater for the numerous charities and non-profits operated by the religious order. But Mother Baptist never abandoned Durango; she died on her final trip to the Durango convent. Although the Sisters of Mercy are no longer involved in the hospital's operation, Mercy Hospital honors and continues the Sisters' legacy of care.
The history of nursing at Mercy
Five Sisters of Mercy from St. Louis arrived in Durango in 1882. The first night they arrived, they slept in the loft of a barn behind the Catholic church, but within weeks, they had opened two schools (one on each side of the Animas River because the bridge was unsafe) and a temporary orphanage, established their Motherhouse, and were visiting the area's ill and infirm. On September 1, 1882, these five remarkable women opened two ward rooms attached to a school and christened it Mercy Hospital of the San Juans.
The Sisters began their legacy of care in the two-room hospital, which slowly grew with the needs of the community and evolved along with the science of healthcare. In the first few years, all nursing care was provided by the Sisters, but as the years passed, they relied more and more on locally trained women. In 1910, the Mercy Hospitals in Denver and Durango co-sponsored a school of nursing. In those days, nurses managed every aspect of the hospital. The one thing that has not changed with time is that nurses are still at the patient's bedside every hour of the day.
Nursing at Mercy today
Today, Mercy Hospital nurses proudly continue the Sisters' legacy of care and make a difference in nearly every department of the hospital. Here, you will find them not only in the traditional patient care units, but also in our integrative care department, risk management, quality, case management, various clinics, the education and chart auditing departments, and elsewhere, applying their critical thinking skills to continuously improve our hospital.
We believe in patient care provided predominantly by an RN nursing staff. Because of this care delivery model, and our belief that more nurses at the bedside results in better patient care, Mercy Hospital has attained excellent quality outcomes, short lengths of stay, and outstanding patient satisfaction scores.
Mercy Hospital may be located in a rural area, but it is by no means simple. Our nurses have the opportunity to partner with internationally known members of our medical staff to deliver exceptional orthopedic and spine care, trauma care, intensive/critical care, women's health services, and cardiac care (including interventions), and more, all at the area's only comprehensive regional medical center.
Our philosophy of patient care
In the spirit of shared decision-making, we each embody personal commitment, respect, integrity, accountability, and compassion in all that we do, and with all who we interact. We passionately believe a joyful heart is good medicine.
Our nurses are deeply compassionate professionals who care for their neighbors and friends. Our belief in shared decision making ensures that front-line nurses are actively involved in a variety of committees and task forces, guiding decisions that set the direction for care at the bedside.
We are proud of our nurses here at Mercy Hospital, and proud to work with them.
Personalized care
From a patient's perspective, being in a hospital is often a cause of anxiety. Who will care for me? Do they know what I need? Are there enough people to care for me?
At Mercy Hospital, a team of well educated professionals takes care of patients at the hospital 24 hours a day. Patient care teams are tailored to the patient's needs, depending on the severity and type of illness or injury a patient may have. We treat each patient as an individual, not a condition, and we do everything we can to accommodate their unique needs and make their stay as comfortable as possible. At every opportunity we strive to exceed our patients' expectations.
Integrative Care Services/Touch, Love, and Compassion (TLC) program includes complementary therapies for patients, such as:
- Gentle massage
- Healing touch therapies
- Aromatherapy
- Guided meditations
- Relaxing music through the CARE channel
Leadership & Board
Leadership
Brandon, who grew up in metro Denver and started his 20-year health care career as an EMT at then St. Anthony Central in Lakewood, CO, is on a mission to collaborate with our associates, providers and patients to progressively advance exceptional care in our growing community.
Prior to returning to CommonSpirit, Brandon was the Chief Operating Officer for Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where he provided comprehensive, operational oversight to a 466-bed level I trauma and provisional burn center.
Brandon is an energetic health care leader and is proud to build dynamic relationships rooted in a lifetime of service in health care with an eye toward the future.
Brandon earned his Master of Health Administration from Webster University and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Colorado.
Dr. Ryan joins us from Littleton Adventist Hospital where she served in progressive leadership roles for the last twenty years including Interim CMO during the second COVID-19 surge in 2020. Dr. Ryan is an experienced Lead Hospitalist and board-certified Internist who is well-versed in elements of the hospital care delivery system including utilization management, quality measures, patient experience, patient safety, and hospital performance metrics.
Dr. Ryan earned her medical degree at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine, before completing her internship and residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
On a mission to serve the community of the community with gratitude and compassion through supporting our front-line caregivers, Beth has served in various nursing leadership roles. Most recently, Beth served as the President & CEO of ER Dunn Solutions Inc., providing nationwide interim leadership focused on care excellence, operations and change management since 2017.
Beth began her career as an ER nurse with CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital, progressing to a Clinical Nurse Manager and ultimately to an Admin Director of Emergency Services and an observation unit. During her tenure, Beth helped lead St. Anthony’s transition from campuses in Denver to Lakewood and develop the facility’s first observation unit. Beth directed vision, development and mobilization of short- and long-term strategies, overseeing all policy, protocol, and guideline development and implementation while leading 198 FTEs with 4 direct reports.
Beth earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Regis University in Denver. She holds active licenses and has certifications in Patient Quality & Safety, Core Advanced Trauma Nurse, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support.
Board of Trustees
Richard Miller serves as Chair of Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A resident of Pagosa Springs for more than 25 years, Richard is on a mission to support Mercy Hospital and CommonSpirit Health to create the finest whole health system today.
Prior to serving on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees, Richard was a board member on the Mercy Hospital Foundation Board, a position he had held since 1999. He also volunteered with the Hospice of Mercy. Richard finds the Board of Trustees to be active and engaged. As a community volunteer, he finds these characteristics important and wants to be part of the dynamic.
Richard is retired after two successful careers in commercial structural steel construction and geodesic dome greenhouse design and building. Prior to this, he served 3 ½ tours of combat duty in Vietnam.
Richard would like our community to know that Mercy Hospital is more than a "medical center." The caregivers at Mercy are neighbors you will meet in town every day, sharing their time with you and others. Our caregivers live day-to-day with all the hopes, life issues, and dreams we all share in this human experience.
Dr. Jim Birgenheier’s career may best be defined in a single word: initiative. After completing an anesthesiology residency and fellowship in Seattle at the University of Washington, Dr. Birgenheier came to Durango from Seattle in 1996. He quickly went to work at then simply “Mercy Medical Center” in what is now the town library. Among several system improvements, Dr. Birgenheier ushered in the availability of epidural analgesia for women in labor and patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative inpatients. Dr. Birgenheier participated in a number of hospital committees and the formation of multiple workgroups dedicated to the furtherance of high-quality patient care. Most notably, Dr. Birgenheier was one of two anesthesiologists in the startup of a cardiac surgery program in 2003 at Mercy Hospital.
From 2003-2006, Dr. Birgenheier was a principal member of the heart team at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque, often teaching anesthesiology residents on rotation from the University of New Mexico.
In 2006, Dr. Birgenheier took a staff position at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. Over the next six years, he took on leadership roles: first as the Director of Cardiac Anesthesiology, ultimately becoming the Perioperative Medical Director of this 398-bed hospital. There, he built an Anesthesiology Department of 45 members, gaining accolades for performance as the “Best of Banner” Hospitals.
Dr. Birgenheier returned to a now new-to-him Mercy Hospital in 2015. He has again sought to participate in multiple hospital committees and in 2019, agreed to serve as the President-Elect of the Mercy Hospital Medical Staff. At the onset of 2021, he has transitioned to the role of Mercy Hospital Medical Staff President for a two-year term.
Dr. Birgenheier approaches his interests with a great heart. This includes non-clinical interests as well. He is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and skier; a 4-Man Team Race Across America (RAAM) Finisher, multiple Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (IHBC) entrant, and 2-time Ironman. He is proud to be married to Aimee Birgenheier, NP, Four Corners OB/GYN, and father/step-father to their four teenagers – Allison, Adelaide, Paige, and Wyatt.
Lastly, Dr. Birgenheier hopes to honor his late father, Jim Sr., each day by finding the humor in life. This includes Dr. Birgenheier’s genuine belief that laughter is, after all, the best medicine.
Carma Claw, Ph.D., serves on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A lifelong resident of the Durango area, Carma’s mission in her mother tongue is ‘Koo' doo hózhóogo naa sháa doo leel. Hózhó náhásdlíí'’, which means, from here forward may I exist in balance, in harmony, in positivity, in humility.
Carma joined Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees in July of 2020, driven to serve by her desire to share her industry knowledge and her unique perspective as an area resident and consumer of Mercy Hospital’s medical services. She also recognizes the importance of serving as an ambassador and being a conduit for voices of communities that are served by Mercy Hospital. Additionally, Carma aspires to provide a unique presence, voice, and viewpoint as a citizen of the Diné (Navajo) nation for regional Indigenous and other underrepresented communities who work with Mercy for their medical needs.
In her professional career, Carma is an Assistant Professor of Management at Fort Lewis College. In teaching senior level courses, she aims to share scholarly expertise and works in business strategy, organizational behavior, and business ethics. In additions, she has 20 years of professional experience in the defense industry.
Carma would like the community to know that Mercy Hospital has been a significant wellness provider for this region since 1882 operating with a compassionate touch and holistic care for more than a half million people each year. The state-of-the-art facility is Southwest Colorado's largest and most technologically advanced. Mercy Hospital’s management team works hard to be true to the mission of caring for you – caring for those who are ill and nurturing the health of the people in our communities.
Wanda Ellingson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, serves on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A resident of Durango for more than 30 years, Wanda is on a mission to bring community perspectives and ensure Mercy is nurturing the health of everyone in the community.
Wanda joined Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2020 driven by her desire to continue her commitment to the community by matching her skills, knowledge and values to a community agency, institution or program. Wanda realized that her previous work as a medical social worker, educator, consumer and caregiver of a relative who utilized Mercy Hospital care and services was a good fit. She also worked at Mercy as a medical social worker and valued the passion and dedication of all who worked at the hospital.
Wanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in medical social work, bilingual bicultural mental health and social work education. During her years in Durango, she has worked at Southwest Colorado Mental Health (now Axis Health System) in many clinical and administrative roles and then for 20 years with the University of Denver Master of Social Work Program in Durango educating students from the Four Corners and the surrounding tribal communities.
Wanda would like the community to know how fortunate it is to have a hospital that is consistently recognized for the outstanding care it provides. Providing health care in rural areas is no easy feat and the Four Corners is fortunate to have the hospital, physician group practices and many other services associated with Mercy Hospital in the community.
Valerie Mangrum serves on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A resident of Durango for more than 10 years, Valerie is on a mission to be a loving and peaceful influence in her community and to all she meets.
Valerie joined Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2020 driven to serve by her desire to give more. In her professional career, for 10 years she has served as the Executive Director of the Durango Pregnancy Center and is a certified life coach.
Valerie would like the community to know that Mercy Hospital is a place that cares about its people and its patients. It is a place of people doing their very best and she is confident in the work and mission of Mercy Hospital.
Sister Margaret McBride, RSM, serves on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A Religious Sister of Mercy, Sister Margaret is on a mission to provide compassionate care for all individuals she encounters. Being a Sister of Mercy, she is often asked to aid patients who need care but may not have insurance or the means to pay for services. Alleviating that suffering or anxiety is very important to her.
Sister Margaret joined Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2020 and is grateful to be one of the religious sponsors of the Sisters of Mercy and is honored to serve on the board
She is a registered nurse and has had the opportunity to work in the full-continuum of care including acute care, skilled care, and home care. She currently serves as the Vice President for Mission Integration for the Arizona Service Area of Dignity Health. Sister Margaret resides in Phoenix, Ariz.
Sister Margaret would like the community to know that Mercy provides a high standard of quality care. She has been impressed with her fellow board members’ commitment and how they represent the voice of the community when providing direction to the hospital.
Katy Pepinsky serves on Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees. A resident of Durango for 15 years, Katy is on a mission to live each day with intention, curiosity, and love. She is most fulfilled when she is in connection and in service to her community.
Katy joined Mercy Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2020. In alignment with the mission and values of Mercy Hospital, serving on the board allows her to work toward building a health care system that meets the needs of all members of the community.
She serves as the Executive Director at La Plata Youth Services (LPYS), a community-based, nonprofit organization that for more than 25 years has provided support and advocacy to youth facing challenges in school, home, or court in La Plata County.
Katy would like the community to know that Mercy Hospital is rooted in the professionalism and care of its people. As a new board member, she has been so impressed seeing the talent and commitment of the people working at Mercy Hospital, including their ongoing dedication to supporting the health and well-being of the people in the community.
Volunteer
Mercy Hospital is committed to bringing the very best care and the highest level of compassion to our community. We have many community members who volunteer at Mercy Hospital to help embody our commitment of care and compassion to our patients and family members every day. Whether you are helping in the gift shop, welcoming people at our front desk, working to support a department's staff, or quietly holding a hand in the ER waiting room, you are always good medicine.
If you have questions or want more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator: 970-247-4311
Are there age requirements to volunteer at Mercy Hospital?
Yes. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Some volunteer opportunities may be limited due to additional age requirements.
I do not have a Social Security Number. Can I still apply to volunteer?
No. A valid Social Security Number is required because no other form of identification can be substituted for our verification process.
I have court-ordered community service. Can I volunteer at Mercy Hospital?
No. We cannot accept court-ordered service volunteers.
Where do I send my completed application?
You may complete and submit your application online. All applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Authorization to Volunteer.
What will happen if I do not agree to complete the screening process?
According to laws and healthcare regulations, all prospective volunteers are required to complete our screening process, which includes a thorough background check and health screening. Those who do not complete the screenings will not be able to volunteer at Mercy Hospital. This process, though rigorous, helps to ensure the health and well-being of our volunteers, staff, and the patients and families we serve. As a result, it is a benefit to you as well as to Mercy Hospital.
What should my immunization record show?
We require proof of immunization against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox (varicella). If you do not have records of these immunizations, you may ask your physician to draw a blood titer to determine which vaccinations you have received. If you have not had the above immunizations, you will need to receive these before volunteering; the costs of obtaining those immunizations will be your responsibility to incur, so you may want to check with your insurance provider or physician's office.
Where can I get a physical or have blood titers drawn to prove immunity?
Your family physician should be able to assist; however, if you do not have a physician or do not live close to your physician's office, you may call the volunteer office to arrange a blood draw at Mercy Hospital. All costs of obtaining a physical or immunizations are your responsibility, so you may want to check with your insurance provider or physician's office.
Why do I need a Tuberculosis (TB) test, and what is it?
The TB test is used to determine if you have developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This response can occur if someone currently has TB, has been exposed to it in the past, or has received the BCG vaccine against TB (this vaccine is not given in the U.S.). At Mercy Hospital, we do a TB Quantiferon. This is a blood test that takes the place of doing multiple TB skin tests.
Services
Mercy Hospital is Southwest Colorado's largest and most technologically advanced medical facility. Our areas of specialty include breast diagnostics, cancer care, emergency medicine, a level III trauma unit and radiology. As a non-profit hospital that is part of the CommonSpirit Health network, Mercy Hospital is committed to improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves in the Four Corners region.
Bringing world-class orthopedic care home
From bone health programs that minimize the risk of fractures to sports medicine and joint replacement surgery, our orthopedic surgeons are making sure that no one in the Four Corners area has to leave home to get advanced treatments and excellent results.
Visitor Information
You can count on us to be there for you. We understand that times of illness and injury affect not only our patients, but also their loved ones. The information below will help you before, during, and after you come to our hospital. Our goal is to provide the level of patient experience that enhances your peace of mind and earns your full confidence.
Visitor information
Please read CommonSpirit Health's current COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Contact the hospital directly for additional individual visitor policies that may apply.
All visitors of patients at our hospital enjoy equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences and subject to the facility’s clinical restrictions. Visitor policy may be subject to change. Please adhere to any adjustments to permitted visitors, as posted in our facility.
- Visitors under the age of 14 must be escorted by a responsible adult.
- At 9 pm, seven days a week, the main lobby entrance will be locked. After 9 pm, enter the hospital through the emergency department walk-in entrance.
- Visitors remaining after 9 pm are asked to go to the security desk in the emergency department to get a special visitor’s badge.
- There may be times when visitors are asked to leave to better meet the needs of our patients.
Patients and visitors may park in the parking lot in front of the main entrance and adjacent lots around the hospital. Free parking is available 24 hours a day.
For your convenience, electronic car charging stations are located in the parking lots outside of the Garden Terrace Café.
Café/Cafeteria
Garden Terrace Café
Location: on Mercy’s garden level
Weekday hours: Breakfast: 6:30 am - 9:30 am, Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm
Weekend hours: Closed
Merciful Mug Coffee Shop
includes hot and grab-and-go items
Location: on level 1 across from reception
Weekday hours: 7 am - 9 pm
Weekend hours: 7 am - 8 pm
Our gift shop is conveniently located in the main lobby. Visitors can find a variety of gifts and convenience items for their family members or loved ones in the hospital. Call 970-764-1745 to get the most updated hours.
Letters and packages are delivered to patients Monday - Friday. If you have letters to be mailed, you may give them to your nurse. Flowers addressed to you will be delivered to your room unless you are in the intensive care unit. Only Mylar® balloons are permitted in the hospital. Latex balloons can cause allergic responses and interfere with hospital safety systems.
ATMs are located on the first floor by Mercy’s main entrance.
Patient Resources
![](/themes/centura_theme/images/centura/theme/patient-resources.jpg)
Programs and Community
![Mercy Hospital Foundation](/sites/default/files/locale/foundation/greymatters21%20%28002%29.jpg)
Our Foundation
It takes all of us to create a partnership of healing.
The Mercy Hospital Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to soliciting, receiving and capably managing donations that support Mercy Hospital. The monies are managed and distributed by the Foundation Board of Directors.
Helping patients and families, neighbors and friends through donations to the foundation leaves a legacy for the future. Philanthropic support helps sustain our ability to serve, promotes healthy lives, and perpetuates excellence that is afforded only by private charitable giving.
Programs
Community health and wellness is a priority to us, that’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of community programs, classes and events designed to keep you well
Community Engagement Request
Updated 11/1/23
As we fully integrate with CommonSpirit Health, we are pausing community engagement commitments until June 1, 2024. However, you are welcome to submit an application using the guidelines below. We will notify you directly if your organization is selected for funding. We appreciate your patience and look forward to working with you in the future.
How to submit an engagement request
CommonSpirit hospitals receive many requests each year asking us to engage in community events and programs. Supporting the communities in this way is a reflection of our mission to improve the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Before submitting a request, please consider the following:
- Sponsorships and events should align with our mission and values; community health improvement or prevention; and one of the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment priorities.
- Please make your request at least 60 days prior to your event or sponsorship deadline.
- Completion of this form does not guarantee a donation or sponsorship.
- We are only able to support non-profit organizations.
- Completed requests will be considered by an internal committee. We will contact you regarding the status of your request when we reopen community engagement giving June 1, 2024.
Gray Matters Helmet Program
Preventing traumatic brain injuries in our community
Mercy Hospital is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through injury prevention. The goal of Mercy Hospital's Gray Matters helmet program is to increase helmet usage in the community - especially among children and young adults who participate in sports that have a risk of traumatic brain injury.
The program has three primary strategies:
- To educate the community about traumatic brain injuries
- To encourage people to wear helmets that are properly fitted and appropriate for a given sport
- To distribute free sports helmets to those who can't get them for financial or other reasons
Mercy Hospital Foundation is raising funds that will support this important program. For more information about how you can make a difference by contributing to this program, please contact Mercy Hospital Foundation at 970-764-2800.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes damage to living brain tissue. TBI can be caused by a jolt, blow, or penetrating injury. Injuries can range from mild to severe.
Signs and Symptoms of TBI
The signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be subtle. Symptoms of a TBI may not appear until days or weeks following the injury. Common signs and symptoms of TBI:
- Headaches or neck pain that do not go away
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
- Slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
- Getting lost or easily confused
- Feeling tired all the time, having no energy or motivation
- Mood changes (feeling sad or angry for no reason)
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping)
- Light-headedness, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Urge to vomit (nausea)
- Increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, or distractions
- Blurred vision or eyes that tire easily
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Ringing in the ears
Every year, we see traumatic brain injuries that could have been prevented or lessened if a properly fitted helmet had been worn by the injured.
Tanzania Mission
Since 2004, Mercy Hospital Foundation and Mercy Hospital have supported mission work in Mbulu, Tanzania through a variety of giving initiatives. These initiatives have included providing scholarships for girls, small business loans for women, support of the Dareda Hospital through volunteers and equipment, and support of the Dareda Nursing School.
The continued support of the mission work in Mbulu is made possible by community donations to the Mercy Hospital Foundation. Even a small donation can have a huge impact on the people of Mbulu and the surrounding communities.
For more information, visit the Mercy Hospital Foundation.
Mercy Employee Child Care Center
Welcome. Thank you for your interest in Mercy Hospital's Employee Child Care Center. Our center is primarily for employees of Mercy Hospital; however, when space is available, we allow community families into the facility. We would love for you to visit and tour our center. Please contact us to schedule a tour, as they are by appointment only. See Contact Us for more information.
At Mercy Employee Child Care Center, we are passionate about Early Childhood Education. Our skilled teaching team works to create meaningful relationships with the children in their care, and plan learning opportunities in all early developmental areas: social/emotional, cognitive, language, and physical. We want every child to feel welcome, loved, and ready to learn while they are here.
To best serve the needs of Mercy Hospital employees and the community, we are open year-round.
- Monday - Friday: 5:45 am - 6:30 pm
We accept families under the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.
Our Program
Eligibility
The intention of Mercy Employee Child Care Center is to serve the needs of Mercy Hospital employees on a space-available basis. However, it is important for our center to remain as full as possible. Therefore, when space becomes available, it is given on a tiered-system of enrollment:
- Tier 1: Parents who work for Mercy Hospital
- Tier 2: Approved affiliates of Mercy Hospital
- Tier 3: Community members
*Please Note: It is our belief that it is in the best interest of the child and family that once a child has started in our center, the child will remain in our care until they voluntarily leave.
We do have three exceptions:
- If a family starts at our center as a Mercy Hospital employee (tier 1) and then terminates employment at Mercy Hospital.
- If a new program is established, such as the summer camp.
*In both situations above, Mercy Employee Child Care Center will evaluate the center waitlist to see if the need of Mercy Hospital employees (tier 1) and approved affiliates (tier 2) is too great, and the family may be asked to leave. - As with all Mercy Employee Child Care Center families, if differences arise and all other options have been exhausted in finding a solution, the center may recommend parents find a different location for their child to better meet the needs of the family.
Forms & Resources
Mercy Employee Child Care requires all parents complete the General Health Appraisal Form with a qualified health care provider at each well child visit as recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics. This form must be completed within 30 days of enrollment. Download the form.
Wait List
If you are interested in your child attending our center, complete the pre-registration form indicate your needs to us. You may also contact us to schedule a tour. The director will assess whether the center can meet your needs, and if not currently possible, your child will be placed on the wait list. As space is available, the wait list will be assessed, and children will be placed in our care based upon the tiered system of enrollment (listed above).
Classroom
Infant Room
10 children; a staff ratio of one teacher to four children is maintained as often as possible.
Wobbler (Young Toddler) Room
10 children; the staff ratio is one teacher per five children.
Toddler Room
14 children; the staff ratio is one teacher per seven children.
Preschool Room
20 children; the staff ratio is one teacher per ten children. Our preschool program follows the "Incredible Years Dinosaur School Curriculum." This curriculum assists the teachers in increasing children's self-control skills, social skills and reduces challenging behaviors in the classroom. It encourages teaching skills to the children like: empathy or perspective taking, friendship, anger management, school-rules, interpersonal problem-solving, emotional literacy and how to be successful at school
Employee Child Care Center Payment & Donations
Payment from Mercy Hospital employees is preferred through payroll deduction on a bi-weekly basis through the hospital payroll system.
Payments may also be made:
- Online
- By check at Mercy Employee Child Care Center
- By cash, credit or debit at the cashier's office
You are responsible for paying for your childcare every week, bi-weekly, or monthly. Please discuss any questions regarding billing or payment with the director. See Contact Us for more information.
Donations
Mercy Hospital is a non-profit hospital committed to improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves in the Four Corners region. Mercy Employee Child Care Center offers a service to your health providers and support staff in order to better serve our community.
To donate to Mercy Employee Child Care Center, contact the Mercy Hospital Foundation.
Phone: 970-764-2802
Mercy Hospital Foundation qualifies for Enterprise Zone State Tax Credit of 25 percent for cash donations of $250 or more. Donations may also be eligible for federal charitable tax deductions. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information.
Contact us
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the center:
Mailing Address
1010 Three Springs Blvd.
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970-764-1375
Fax: 970-764-1389
Physical Address: 1225 Three Springs Blvd.