Wheat Ridge Optimists Honor Intermountain Lutheran Medical Center Emergency Department

The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club recently presented Intermountain Lutheran Medical Center with a Community Service Award to recognize it for service to the community.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, caregivers in the Lutheran Emergency Department have gone above and beyond due to the extreme demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the growth of our Level II Trauma program. The Optimists said the ED teams have persevered in the face of staffing shortages and increasing numbers of patients, while working to decrease wait times and treat each person with compassion. "Caregivers have performed heroically and under extreme pressure, and they continue to provide outstanding care to the sickest of patients in our community, saving lives and helping families."

“At Lutheran, we have a service mentality, and we consider it both a challenge and an honor to serve this community,” said Grant Wicklund, Lutheran’s president. “Our caregivers are selfless and brave and they continue to do amazing work, 24/7 taking care of the community.”

Dr. Scott Miner, ED medical director, added: “There is a family culture at Lutheran, and it is a blessing to be able to practice there.”

Future events will also honor a police agency and a fire/EMS department in the coming weeks as part of the club’s support for first responders. The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club participates in numerous service projects in the community each year, with a special focus on children’s programs.