Estes Park Health has officially become part of UCHealth, marking a significant change for health care in the Estes Valley. As of December 1, 2025, the facility is now known as UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC), following its integration into the Colorado-based nonprofit health system.
Elizabeth B. Concordia, president and CEO of UCHealth, stated, “We are excited to welcome Estes Park Health and its talented providers and staff to the UCHealth family. We have a long history of collaboration in Estes Park, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to excellent patient care close to home.”
The name change was requested by the Park Hospital District Board of Directors to better reflect the range of services offered throughout the valley. All former Estes Park Health staff are now employed by UCHealth, which aims to ensure patients continue receiving care from familiar providers.
Vern Carda, president of Estes Valley Medical Center, commented on the transition: “This year marks 50 years of health care in the Estes Valley. I can’t think of a better way to embark on the next 50 years than by joining UCHealth. This not only gives us financial stability and additional access to resources and subject matter experts, but also assistance in recruiting and retaining staff and providers, and importantly, continued access to health care for our patients. I’m grateful to the entire Estes Park community for their patience during this process and for entrusting our staff and providers with their health.”
The move follows a 2023 vote where over 80% of local residents authorized negotiations with a Colorado-based nonprofit health system.
A new board has been established to oversee EVMC operations. Its responsibilities include overseeing medical staff credentialing, patient quality and safety, as well as recommending budgets to UCHealth’s main board.
Board members include Stephen Alper (vice chairman), Janet Zeschin (secretary), Grace Taylor (UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital/Medical Center of the Rockies), Kevin Unger (president/CEO northern Colorado Region), David Batey (former board chairman), Sue Cooper (retired pharmacist/chair of Estes Park Health Foundation), and Christina Kraft (Bank of Colorado market president).
UCHealth already provides several community programs in Estes Park aimed at improving public health. These include initiatives like Aspen Club for long-term wellness support and Healthy Hearts and Minds program that delivers CPR training and heart-health education at local schools.
Kevin Unger added: “I’ve been fortunate to know the Estes Park community and many of its residents for decades. It brings me great joy that through this partnership, UCHealth will continue caring for this special part of Colorado for years to come. We can’t wait to support not only the patients, but the clinical, operational and administrative teams who make excellent health care possible every day.”
The transition is expected to improve continuity in care delivery while expanding access across northern Colorado communities.
