New imaging to fun runs: Benson Hospital addressing key health needs of the community

Investing in the community and expanding access to care continue to be priorities for Benson Hospital, said CEO Julia Strange. From opening its new imaging center to sponsoring the inaugural Run for Your Life Zombie Run to raise money for local parks, the hospital and its staff are focused on making Benson healthier.

In March, Benson Hospital opened a full-service imaging center to serve Benson and the greater San Pedro Valley. Services include general X-ray, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and bone densitometry (DXA). “The imaging center opening was the largest construction project for the hospital in 15 years,” Strange said. “The state-of-the-art center means people can get these diagnostic services close to home.”

The new technology and placement near the Emergency Department has improved the experience of emergency patients who need imaging services, Strange said. “Previously, our CT was outside of the main hospital. By bringing it inside and creating connectivity to the Emergency Department, we have improved patient experience and improved outcomes.”

The critical-access hospital also opened a new primary care clinic in Vail in early 2022, bringing much needed primary care services to that growing community. This is the third rural health clinic operated by Benson Hospital.

And, while the focus on inpatient and outpatient health care is the top priority, the Benson team is focused on community health as well. The Run for Your Life Zombie Run was a partnership between the City of Benson and the hospital to create a fun physical activity for local residents and raise dollars to improve the local parks. The hospital also participates in other community events including the annual Fourth of July Celebration and Butterfield Days.

In Mescal-J6, the hospital hosts a monthly event called Bagels and Blood Pressure in collaboration with the Mescal-J6 Fire District and sponsors the 5K Run Walk and Roll and 10K Challenge Run. More broadly in Cochise County, Benson Hospital sponsored Perimeter Cycling’s inaugural Tour de Zona, a threeday bike tour of Cochise County.

Benson Hospital also works with the Southern Arizona Diaper Bank, the Benson Food Pantry, Produce on Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) and other community partners to address key health needs in the region.

LifeNet 8 welcomed back to Willcox

Northern Cochise Community Hospital and the people of Willcox welcomed Air Methods LifeNet 8 back to NCCH in October.

Having a helicopter stationed at the hospital allows the Willcox community to have rapid access to life-saving care when it is needed most.

“Being welcomed back into the Willcox community and its surrounding areas has been such a privilege for us here at LifeNet 8. Our goal is to be the best partner in air medical for all,” said Roxanne Flores, LifeNet’s business development representative. With seconds making all the difference, the highly trained air medical team is capable of life-saving interventions at the scene and in flight. LifeNet’s philosophy is to provide excellent patient care throughout each phase of the patient experience.

“LifeNet has been our main air ambulance provider throughout the years, and we are glad they are continuing to serve our community by co-locating at NCCH,” said CEO Mo Sheldon. “With continuing our partnership, we are meeting the needs of our patients, helping to ensure the best recovery possible.”

LifeNet 8 is equipped with an EC130 air ambulance helicopter. The helicopter is staffed with industry-leading trauma clinicians and pilots with years of experience in the field. At the base, skilled aviation mechanics ensure the aircraft is always safe and mission-ready.

Senior Life Solutions at NCCH

Senior Life Solutions, one of Northern Cochise Community Hospital’s newest departments, is an intensive outpatient therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing depression, anxiety or both, related to life changes often associated with aging. Anyone can make a referral to the program.

Those who may benefit include anyone experiencing the following:

• Acting as a caregiver

• Chronic health condition

• Decreased energy

• Difficulty sleeping, eating or both

• Feeling lonely or isolated

• Feelings of uncertainty and worry

• Life transitions

• Loss of a loved one

• Loss of interest

• Recent health diagnosis

NCCH’s Senior Life Solutions is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults. The program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the patients we serve.