Health Care

Initiative will address mental health, suicide

by David Boyle News Director A broad coalition of local government, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations has launched a comprehensive initiative in San Juan County to address escalating mental health issues and suicide rates. The effort aims to move past cultural...

San Juan Hospital New Years Baby 2026

Coast John Imlay is the 2026 New Years Baby at San Juan Hospital in Monticello. Imlay, the son of Preston and Savana Imlay, made his appearance on January 10 at 1:28 a.m. under the direction of Dr. Kelly Jeppesen. He weighs in at 7 pounds 5 ounces and is just under 20 inches. Coast is the first...

Blue Mountain Hospital New Year Baby 2026

Kayvian Billie is the New Year Baby for 2026 at Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding. The son of Cheyenne and Bryton Billy, little Kayvian made his arrival on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 9:11 p.m. He weighs in at 8 pounds, seven ounces and is 20.5 inches long. As the New Year Baby for 22026, Kayvian...

Blanding resident Trevor Olsen was recently honored for his work in advancing rural telehealth services. Olsen is an Associate Director for the University of Utah and also serves as Mayor of Blanding. Courtesy photo

Olsen honored for work with rural telehealth

Trevor Olsen was recently presented the 2026 Deborah LaMarche Telehealth Excellence Award. Olsen, Associate Director at the University of Utah, was honored by the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU), in partnership with the Utah Telehealth Network, in recognition of his outstanding leadership...

Sulane Knight, Chief Nursing Officer at Blue Mountain Hospital, is the 2025 Rural Nurse of the Year awarded by the Rural Health Association of Utah

Local health care workers honored by Rural Health Association of Utah

On Wednesday, November 12, the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) hosted the 2025 Annual RHAU Conference. The event brought together leaders, practitioners, educators, and advocates dedicated to strengthening healthcare in rural communities. As part of its commitment to celebrating excellence...

The Ryedale Largo Dance Group performs at the UNHS/BMH merger celebration.

Utah Navajo Health System and Blue Mountain Hospital merge

by David Boyle News Director Employees, leaders and community members gathered on November 4 for a celebration of the merger of Blue Mountain Hospital (BMH) with Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS). The event featured lunch for employees and the community as well as a performance by the Ryedale Largo...

Construction contines as $40 million new San Juan Health Hospital rises in Monticello

by David Boyle News Director Construction is underway in Monticello for the new San Juan Health hospital. The $40 million project includes upgrades and new amenities for patients with a completion date at the end of 2026. San Juan Health Chief Executive Officer Clayton Holt speaking with the Red...

Children from Bluff Elementary School recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem in Navajo at the Utah Navajo Health System 25th Anniversary Celebration in Blanding on June 6. Courtesy photo

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. celebrates 25 Years: A closer look at UNHS then and now

by Sally Jack Contibruting Writer This year marks the 25-year anniversary of Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. To celebrate “25 Years Strong,” UNHS hosted anniversary celebrations at Navajo Mountain, Monument Valley, and Blanding, with a final celebration to take place at their headquarters in...

Three local residents were honored by the Utah Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, including UNHS official Otis Oldman (right). Courtesy photos

Local emergency responders honored

Several local residents were honored recently when the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a leadership summit with the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Otis Oldman, from Utah Navajo Health System, presented information about using Google Plus codes to help find residences and...

San Juan School District piloting new EMT class

by Marah Long Contributing writer For the first time ever, San Juan School District is piloting a new course that allows students to become certified as Basic Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The class is taught in San Juan High School and broadcast to other schools around the county so anyone...