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AVRMC Announces Staff Reduction to Support Long-Term Stability


Description: AVRMC Announces Workforce Reduction to Strengthen Long-Term Stability... La Junta Hospital Says Patient Care Will Remain Unaffected Amid Strategic Changes...

Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Announces Workforce Reduction as Part of Long-Term Stability Plan

LA JUNTA, CO - (June 25, 2025) - Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC) has announced changes to strengthen and better position the hospital in response to changes in healthcare, including recent regulatory and reimbursement changes.

A Reduction in Force (RIF) as part of a broader strategic effort will guide the long-term financial stability of the organization, allowing AVRMC to continue providing high- quality healthcare to the community.

We do not anticipate that this change in staffing will have any impact on patient care. We greatly appreciate our community for trusting us with their care for over 120 years and we are dedicated to ensuring that we will be here to care for you for years to come.

This difficult decision comes after extensive analysis of the medical center's position and ability to navigate cost increases, inflationary pressures, and declining reimbursement rates.

Like many rural hospitals across the nation and the State of Colorado, AVRMC is navigating similar, significant challenges.

This decision was not made lightly. "We explored every available option before determining that a reduction in workforce was necessary. Our goal is to preserve access to care for our community and protect the long-term health of the hospital," said Dale Leighty, AVRMC Board Chairman.

While specific details about affected roles are confidential, AVRMC leaders are focused on supporting all employees impacted by this change. AVRMC also remains committed to supporting the team members who continue to serve.

"We remain deeply grateful for the dedication and compassion of our employees-both those who are departing and those who continue with us," said Dale Leighty, Board Chairman. "This community deserves dependable, quality care, and that remains at the heart of everything we do."

AVRMC is committed to transparency with the community and will continue to share updates as appropriate. Despite these challenges, the hospital's leadership remains focused on strengthening its future and ensuring that residents of the Arkansas Valley region have access to trusted, local healthcare for years to come.

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City of La Junta Responds to AVRMC Staff Reductions, Pledges Support for Healthcare Access