Collaborating to Improve Rural Healthcare
For over 35 years, Western Healthcare Alliance has been the hub for member collaboration, program development, and education to help keep healthcare local and sustainable in members’ communities.
Who We Are
Western Healthcare Alliance (WHA) continues to expand with over 30 hospital and large healthcare organization members, plus our new Program Access Membership levels for the Business Community and Independent Clinics. These new memberships offer a community-wide approach to helping our rural communities save money on goods and services through our programs.
Collaboration is the heart of WHA! Our Peer Networks are a core service and the level of collaboration and sharing members demonstrated during their meetings is inspirational. Members often collaborate on joint programs to bring new services to their communities.
Ensuring Independence & Freedom
WHA allows members to have the independence and freedom to call the shots, while making it easier for them to make decisions with confidence.
“Membership in WHA has been invaluable to our rural healthcare organization. They provide essential resources like group purchasing, revenue cycle solutions, and leadership development, helping us operate efficiently while maintaining high-quality care. Their peer networking opportunities have connected us with colleagues facing similar challenges, fostering collaboration and innovation. WHA is more than a resource—it’s a vital partner that strengthens our resilience and supports our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to our community.”
Jennifer Riley
CEO, Memorial Regional Health
“WHA has been invaluable for professional growth of our staff. Their team works tirelessly to support rural healthcare.”
Rhonda Webb
WHA Board Chair, CEO & CMO, Pagosa Springs Medical Center
“I have worked with WHA for almost ten years through various organizations in SW Colorado. Over this time, WHA has consistently been a convenor and source of collaboration among health care providers in Western Colorado and beyond. In practice, I’ve experienced this through moderating Peer Network groups, the Peer-to-Peer Connection and Wisdom In Practice mentoring experiences. In each of these programs, WHA facilitates members helping other members with current challenges and professional growth to strengthen our healthcare delivery systems in rural communities.”
Joe Theine
CEO, Southwest Health System
“It would be an understatement to say I am a huge fan and advocate for WHA and the many services they provide to help rural hospitals and communities remain viable and thrive. I am a strong supporter of WHA’s mission and believe in its impact, which I hope will encourage you to consider its valuable work. I have been honored to be part of this organization, to watch its growth, and to take advantage of the programs and services they offer. I was so impressed with WHA that when I left Colorado for Michigan, I brought them along, first joining with one hospital and now with three rural critical access hospitals known as Aspire Rural Health System. As you look along the national continuum of organizations working to fill the gap for rural hospitals, you will not find another as progressive and ‘together’ as WHA. I am pleased to recommend WHA to any rural hospital in any state.”
Andrew J. Daniels, MHA, FACHE, JD
Co-CEO, Aspire Rural Health System
“I cannot say enough about how valuable WHA is to me, our organization, and our patients! Through their peer networks, WHA brings together leaders specific to their area of expertise. These peer networks not only facilitate collaboration, but they promote sharing of best practices, development of cooperative initiatives, and create a venue for collegial support. All of this truly drives improvements across our organizations. Ultimately this reaches our communities and patients because we are better together!”
Amy Lavigne
Vice President, Quality, Vail Health
“The WHA CNO Peer Network has been one of the most valuable professional communities I have been part of. In rural healthcare, it is easy to feel isolated – each of us balancing workforce shortages, regulatory expectations, quality pressures, and the realities of limited resources. Through WHA, we have built a trusted space where CNOs can openly share challenges, solutions, tools, and encouragement. This collaboration has allowed us to accelerate improvements in our own organizations by learning from one another rather than reinventing the wheel. It has created a sense of collective momentum and shared purpose that I believe is rare and incredibly meaningful in rural health.”
Nicole S. Huff, MBA, MSN, RN, CEN, FACHE
Chief Nursing Officer, Gunnison Valley Health
“As a director in a critical access hospital, we’re used to finding creative solutions with limited resources. Since partnering with WHA, my access to resources has grown tremendously. Through the Rehab Peer Network group, I’ve discovered that the challenges I face are often shared by my peers—and having the support of such a highly competent group makes me stronger in my role. I can ask a question and often receive an answer the same day!
On a larger scale, with the supportive voice of WHA, my hospital was able to successfully challenge a policy change by a large insurance company. That kind of advocacy is invaluable. WHA also offers excellent leadership courses at convenient times, which I’ve used to develop myself professionally and empower my team leads. Partnering with WHA has truly elevated our ability to serve our community.”
Jubil Young, PT, DPT
Director of Rehabilitation Services, Middle Park Health
“WHA has been an incredibly valuable resource for me both professionally and personally. Through the WHA Radiology Peer Network, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in Radiology who truly understand the unique challenges we face. Having a trusted group of peers to share ideas, problem-solve, and support one another has made a significant difference in my work.
Beyond the professional benefits, WHA has helped me build meaningful connections and friendships. The sense of community and shared purpose is something I deeply appreciate, and I’m grateful to be a part of such a supportive network.”
Michelle Angelo
Director of Radiology, Family Health West Hospital
“WHA’s Peer Network has become one of my most valuable leadership resources. The opportunity to engage with peers who understand the realities of rural healthcare enables honest conversations, idea-sharing, and problem-solving. WHA offers a trusted environment where strategic conversations enhance my decision-making and broadens my leadership perspective. In a role that can often feel isolating, this network provides both support and connection with others navigating the same challenges.”
Melissa Cole
Laboratory/Pathology Manager, Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center