Intermountain American Fork Hospital

08/15/2025

The toughest battles are often the ones we fight alone. That's why sharing your story can be the bravest thing you ever do.

This conversation needs your voice. https://connect.intermountainhealth.org/teen-mental-health-nv]

08/13/2025

We are excited to be the Official Health Provider of SUU Athletics!

|

Intermountain Health and Southern Utah University Athletics have come together to help provide student-athletes with top notch care and orthopedic services.

08/13/2025

As we gear up for back-to-school season, it's normal for kids to feel anxious about changes, so talk with them about their feelings and set routines to help with the transition. Remember, one in five children face mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges - help is available if you need it! 💚📚

08/08/2025

The first step is what you say. By sharing your story, you can help illuminate a path to wellness. Hear the full story and share yours.

https://connect.intermountainhealth.org/teen-mental-health-nv

08/07/2025

We’re taught to stay quiet. To smile through it. To apologize for the things we can’t control. But here’s the truth: You’re not alone in this. Your feelings are real. And there’s strength in speaking up. Because healing doesn’t happen in silence. It happens together.

08/06/2025

✅ New backpack
✅ Pencils
✅ Crayons
✅ Well-child check up

This is a great time of year to make sure your child is ready for a new school year—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Schedule your yearly well-child visit with your pediatrician today.

08/05/2025

You don’t have to keep it all inside. Talking about what you're feeling doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. And it can be the first step toward feeling better.

08/04/2025

We’re pleased to announce new leadership for Intermountain Children’s Health! Mandy Richards, DNP, RN, has been appointed as the President of Children’s Health and Dustin Lipson as Children’s Market President in the Canyons Region.

Mandy will take on this new assignment in addition to her current role as Intermountain’s chief nursing executive. With this additional responsibility, she'll focus on elevating pediatric services and integrating pediatric care across Intermountain.

Dustin will remain president of Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake Campus and will now be responsible for the operational oversight of the Taylorsville Campus and Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi, plus subspecialty ambulatory pediatric care within the Canyons Region.

08/01/2025

We protect ourselves by going quiet. But over time, the things we don’t say get heavier. You don’t have to share everything. But you deserve to share something. Start where you are. Feel what’s real. Say it when you’re ready.

07/31/2025

Utah recorded the deadliest year for motorcycle fatalities last year with 53 deaths and 346 serious motorcycle related injuries, since the Utah Department of Public Safety has been keeping track.

With summer heating up, Intermountain Health trauma experts are reminding Utahns about the importance of staying safe when hitting Utah’s roads – whether it be riding on the highway – or driving up the street to the next adventure in the great outdoors.

“Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and any place,” said Anthony Bacon, MD, general surgeon at Intermountain Medical Center. “However, there are things we can all do to prevent life-threatening injuries and keep you from becoming a statistic.”

1. Wear a Helmet
“People involved in accidents wearing helmets are far more likely to survive and get back on that motorcycle, bike, scooter, or ATV. Those who don’t wear a helmet end up with a longer recovery time or don’t recover at all,” said Dr. Bacon.

Motorcycle helmets are also estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle drivers and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.

2. Wear Other Safety Gear
“Don’t forget there is more to protective gear than just a helmet,” said Dr. Bacon “Goggles, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, sturdy full-length pants, a long-sleeved shirt and the right footwear are great at taking a little punishment if you take a crash.”

3. Slow Down – Ride Distraction Free
Nearly half of all fatal crashes occur in crashes over 50 mph. Even when there are no cars around, it’s vital to ride safe, especially since over 40% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve no other motor vehicles.

4. When Driving - Look for Motorcycles
Fatal car and motorcycle crashes typically nearly double during the summer months in Utah.

31% of drivers who hit a motorcycle were turning left. Motorcycles are smaller and difficult to see, especially in your blind spot. Motorcycles may appear farther away than they actually are and it may be difficult to judge their speed. Experts suggest giving riders lots of space, even more space than a regular vehicle.

5. Sign Up for a Safety Class

07/30/2025

When you open up about mental health, you inspire conversations and build connections that truly help others heal.

Let's talk about it. https://connect.intermountainhealth.org/teen-mental-health-nv

07/29/2025

Washing: 30 minutes
Drying: 60 minutes
Putting laundry away: 7-10 business days

If you’ve got a big family you KNOW the laundry struggle. Making sure every item gets to the right person’s room after being washed can feel like mission impossible.

Now imagine that same struggle in a large hospital system.

Because our teams relied on donated onesies and swaddles—each unique in size, color, and style. After laundering, returning the same items to the right hospital or floor was tricky—and sometimes, items ended up in the wrong place, leaving some units short.

But our NICU nurses and supply chain team had an idea!
• A standardized line of colorful, NICU-friendly onesies (hello, monitor-friendly snaps!)
• Soft, stretchy swaddles that work for all our tiniest patients
• And a unified system that means no more sorting headaches—and no more shortages.

Now, when the items return from Intermountain’s centralized Laundry Services, it doesn’t matter whose “room” these items end up in. All NICUs will use the same items while offering enough variety and function to keep, babies, parents, and nurses happy.

Same great care. Less laundry chaos.

PS Our NICU teams are still accepting donations for new clothes for NICU patients! They like to send babies home in new outfits. If you'd like to donate, click HERE: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/locations/primary-childrens-salt-lake-city/give

07/09/2025

🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Sam McKinney from our Culinary Services team has been awarded the prestigious Intermountain L.O.V.E. Award! 🏆

Sam is the sous chef at American Fork Hospital, and he truly embodies the values of empathy, compassion, and respect. His dedication to creating a positive atmosphere in the kitchen and fostering teamwork is truly commendable.

Sam's nomination highlights his exceptional qualities: "Sam cares about the caregivers he serves both in the kitchen and out of the kitchen. He always makes sure we have a good delicious meal to eat, and when he serves us he does it with a smile. Sam knows most of us by name and makes everyone feel like a friend when we receive a meal from him. He definitely brings Intermountain values to life as he cares and serves us with empathy, compassion and respect. I can tell the kitchen works very well with Sam and the teamwork and belonging atmosphere he creates. I think Sam is a good candidate for the L.O.V.E. Award because everyone is in need of a good meal and everyone no matter what position they hold helps American Fork Hospital run as efficiently as it does. If you haven't yet go down and have lunch and meet our Sam."

Join us in celebrating Sam's achievement and thanking him for his incredible contributions to our hospital community. We are proud to have Sam as part of our team! 💙

07/04/2025

This Independence Day, we honor the courage, resilience, and unity that define our nation. At American Fork Hospital, we’re proud to serve a community that reflects these same values every day.

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate, we encourage everyone to stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the festivities responsibly. Wishing you a joyful and healthy Independence Day from all of us at American Fork Hospital!

06/19/2025

Today, we pause to recognize Juneteenth—a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and achievement.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth reminds us of the power of justice delayed—and the importance of continuing to build a future rooted in equity, inclusion, and belonging.

At American Fork Hospital, we are proud to stand with our colleagues across Intermountain Health in honoring this day. We invite our caregivers, patients, and community to reflect, learn, and celebrate together. Whether through acts of service, education, or simply taking a moment to honor the past, let’s continue to foster a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day, American Fork Hospital honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We pause in gratitude for their sacrifice and the freedoms we enjoy because of their courage.

May we remember, reflect, and recommit to serving our community with the same dedication they showed our nation.

05/22/2025

🌳 We dug in—and made a difference!

Today, our team at American Fork Hospital rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty (in the best way) during our tree planting event!

From caregivers to leadership—we came together to plant trees that will grow for generations. These trees don’t just beautify our campus—they cool our surroundings, support local wildlife, and create a more peaceful space for patients and caregivers alike.

Special thanks to Keith Pennington and our facilities team for making it all happen, and to everyone who joined in to help us grow something meaningful.

Let’s keep nurturing our environment and each other. 🌱

05/19/2025

This week, we proudly celebrate EMS Week at American Fork Hospital!

From the moment a call comes in to the critical seconds of care in the field, our EMS professionals are the first link in the chain of survival. Their courage, skill, and compassion make a life-saving difference every day—and we are deeply grateful.

This year’s EMS Week theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” perfectly reflects the heart of our EMS teams. Whether responding to emergencies in our neighborhoods or supporting our hospital teams during drills and real-world crises, they show up with unwavering commitment and care.

To all the EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement, and first responders who serve our community—thank you. You are heroes in every sense of the word.

💙 Drop a comment below to share your appreciation or a story about how EMS made a difference in your life.

05/12/2025

As we wrap up Nurses Week, we took some time to chat with Jill Teuscher, RN MSN, our outstanding Chief Nursing Officer, about her career and what nursing means to her. Jill has been at American Fork Hospital since Fall 2023 and is a great example to our nurse leaders and caregivers. We are fortunate to have Jill at American Fork Hospital. Enjoy the conversation!

Why did you decide to go into nursing?

When I was little, my cat had kittens, and it was the coolest experience to watch. Watching that process sparked an interest in me of how amazing our bodies are and how everything works. I kind of became obsessed with the science part of it, and how our bodies work in the disease process and normal functions and loved it. After working in healthcare, I've found it really fulfilling to care for people and that's what keeps me in this line of work. I'm passionate about the supportive and caring experience that we offer along with providing top quality care and patient outcomes.

How long have you been in nursing?

I have been working in nursing since 1998, with 26 years of that being with Intermountain Health.

What does your role as Chief Nursing Officer entail?

My role is to ensure a safe, high-quality experience in our hospital. There are many facets to that, but it boils down to providing an exceptional experience for our community members. I get to work with other caregivers who are also equally committed to the same mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What has been a memorable nursing experience during your career?

Recently, I was rounding on our mom-baby unit and noticed a grandma standing outside the nursery, gazing lovingly at her new grandchild. I took the opportunity to engage in a conversation with her about her experience transitioning into daily life as a grandma. She shared how this new role brought immense joy and a sense of fulfillment, as she was now able to support her daughter in ways she had always hoped for.

She spoke about the excitement and challenges of being a new grandma, from the sleepless nights to the heartwarming moments of holding her grandchild. It was evident that her presence was a pillar of strength for her daughter, providing not only practical help but also emotional support during this significant life transition.

This interaction was truly heartwarming, as it highlighted the importance of family support during such a pivotal time. The grandma's ability to be there for her daughter and grandchild created a nurturing environment, fostering a sense of unity and love within their new little family. It was a beautiful reminder of the profound impact that family connections have on our lives, especially during moments of change and growth.

What would you tell someone who is trying to decide whether they want to go into nursing?

It's been a great career for me, and I have loved it even more than I thought I would. This is meaningful for your life to be caring for others. The other great part with nursing is you can do something different every few years. You can work in Med-Surg, intensive care, surgical services, education, quality, Life Flight, or with the community. There are so many opportunities. You can take your nursing career in so many different directions.

Where do you see nursing going in the coming years?

We have more opportunities because of technology. Advances in technology can make it easier for nurses to spend time with their patients. We can document more efficiently, which gives us more time to be with our patients and care for their needs. With that added time at the bedside and the help of technology, nurses can help people better understand the complexities of their disease process and help them transition safely back home and back to a healthy life. It will become increasingly important for nurses to understand and leverage technology as it can help us do the right thing and be more connected to that individual and their journey. It will make us better at what we do.

05/08/2025

American Fork Hospital has received verification as a Level III Trauma Center by the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, recognizing the hospital’s dedication to providing quality trauma and emergency care for injured patients.

Certified trauma centers undergo vigorous reviews and meet the essential criteria to ensure trauma care capability, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma.

The Level III verification means that American Fork Hospital provides prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care, and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations – including 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians, and rapid support by general surgeons and anesthesiologists.

“This verification only reiterates the fact that American Fork Hospital is committed to do what is necessary to provide care to patients in our community,” said Jason Wilson, president of Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital. “I’m so proud of our trauma team and their dedication to the health and well-being of patients in our community.”

American Fork Hospital, which previously was designated a Level IV Trauma Center, cares for more than 700 trauma patients annually, with a significant number of those traumas being bicycle accidents, falls, car accidents, and motorcycle crashes.

“The American Fork Hospital trauma team is grateful for the strong relationships with our local emergency medical services across the community,” said Kourtney Dinehart, RN, trauma program director for Intermountain Health American Fork Hospital. “It’s that teamwork that helps us meet and exceed these national standards and provide quality care to our patients.”

There are five separate categories in the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma program. Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of verification. Hospitals also must undergo an on-site review by a team of experienced site reviewers.

With the certification, American Fork Hospital is now fully certified and designated as a Level III trauma center for the next three years.

05/07/2025

🚨 NICU Evacuation Drill Success! 🚨

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent NICU evacuation drill at American Fork Hospital! Our dedicated team relocated 14 simulated patients down stairwells using specialized NICU evacuation equipment, completing the entire process in just 40 minutes. This drill showcased our strong commitment to patient safety, even in the most adverse conditions.

Multiple departments came together to make this drill a success, including NICU, ICU, medical-surgical, house supervisors, emergency management, incident command, and respiratory therapy. The fantastic creative problem-solving from everyone involved was truly inspiring.

A special shoutout to our NICU emergency prep team—Lisa Smith, Kristin Kelsch, and Alyssa Guereca—who, alongside Emergency Management Coordinator, Jake Catmull, did an outstanding job planning and executing this drill. Their efforts have helped us create excellent plans for continued improvement.

It was fun and important work, and we are proud of the dedication and teamwork displayed by all. Thank you to our caregiver who participated!

05/06/2025

As part of National Nurses Week, we are thrilled to highlight one of our superstar nurse managers, Angela Birrell. 🎉 We are fortunate to have her talent and leadership at American Fork Hospital. We hope you enjoy her story as one of our "NICU Moms".

At the American Fork Hospital NICU, a sign reads: “NICU Moms make the best NICU Caregivers.” Few embody this more than Angela Birrell, NICU Manager, who’s had three of her four children stay in the NICU.

Angela’s healthcare journey began early—lifeguarding at 15, then earning certifications as a CNA and medical assistant, eventually graduating from Weber State with a nursing degree. Her first job was in inpatient rehab at McKay Dee Hospital, but after moving to Utah Valley, she joined Utah Valley Hospital’s Mom-Baby and NICU units and quickly fell in love with NICU care.

When Angela was pregnant with her first child, Elizabeth, doctors discovered the baby had stopped growing in the womb. At 36 weeks, Elizabeth was delivered weighing 4 lbs. 13 oz. Angela, being a NICU nurse, knew the challenges ahead. Elizabeth needed support eating and maintaining body temperature. Because NICU standards were different at the time, Elizabeth was discharged after just two days. Angela monitored feedings around the clock at home. “If I hadn’t been a NICU nurse, I’m certain we would’ve ended up back in the hospital,” she recalled.

Her second daughter, Emily, had a similarly complex start. Born at 37 weeks with polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), Emily needed immediate breathing support and spent a week in the NICU. Further evaluation revealed congenital issues including laryngomalacia and a laryngeal cleft, which required surgery at Primary Children’s. “It reaffirmed to me how critical it is that we center care around the whole family,” Angela said.

Her third child, Andrew, was born at 38 weeks and, to Angela’s surprise, didn’t need NICU care. “He was my first vigorous eater,” she laughed. “I got to have my baby with me—I felt like a ‘normal’ mom for the first time.”

Angela gave birth to her fourth baby, Matthew, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Born at 37 weeks with breathing difficulties and a dangerously low white blood cell count, Matthew was placed on CPAP and strict isolation. After two days in the hospital and weeks of monitoring at home, his condition stabilized.

These personal experiences shaped Angela’s approach to care. “Even as a nurse, I needed support as a mom. I make sure our team sees the mom role first—not just the nurse in her,” Angela said. “Discharge can feel like your heart is being ripped out. We hold so much trust from families in our hands.”

Angela knows firsthand that NICU journeys are full of ups and downs. “You have to take it one day at a time and celebrate the small wins,” she said. “That’s how I survived it, and it’s what I carry into every interaction with families today.”

05/05/2025

🎉🌟 Happy National Nurses Week! 🌟🎉

At American Fork Hospital, we are incredibly proud to celebrate National Nurses Week and honor our amazing nurse caregivers who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and their families.

From providing exceptional care and comfort to offering a listening ear and a warm smile, our nurses are the heart and soul of our hospital. They work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our community, and their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.

Join us in celebrating and thanking our wonderful nurses for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Your compassion and care make American Fork Hospital a place of healing and hope.

Let's show our appreciation for these healthcare heroes! 💙👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

04/30/2025

We are thrilled to announce that one of our dedicated Clinical Engineering caregivers, Reyes Romero, was recently presented with the Intermountain L.O.V.E. Award for Clinical Support Shared Services ❤. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment to Living Our Values Everyday shown by Reyes each day.

Here’s what the nomination said: "A little while back, our clinical engineers at another facility were in desperate need of some help with the repair and maintenance of their OR tables. The caregivers there that had been trained were no longer around. Reyes was trained and offered to help out. He spent several days working at the other site to help them out. He was still able to take care of his workload at his home facility as well. He is always willing to help his other caregivers when needed, no questions asked. He is a great asset to our team!"

Join us in celebrating this wonderful recognition! 👏 Congratulations, Reyes! 👏

If you would like to nominate a caregiver or provider for an Intermountain L.O.V.E. Award, please visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/about/recognize-caregiver.