Published on September 22, 2021

Parkview Recognized for Improving Nutrition

Parkview is one of fourteen Colorado hospitals recognized for their involvement with the Colorado Healthy Hospital Compact, an agreement by hospitals to promote breastfeeding and offer healthier food and beverage options in cafeterias, vending machines and patient menus.  This work helps to develop a culture of wellness and contributes to the state’s goal of making Colorado the healthiest state.   

Colorado Healthy Hospital Compact is made up of four programs: Healthy Food, healthy Beverages, marketing, and Breastfeeding practices.  Each program is made up of a set of standards.  As hospitals implement the standards, they earn points, eventually achieving a level of recognition.  Hospitals choose which programs to implement and which standards to achieve.  The health department completes an annual review and recognizes each hospital depending on standards achieved. 

Parkview became a Compact Partner in 2021.  In less than a year achieved hospital-wide breastfeeding policies to support mothers to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible and workplace lactation accommodation for staff, patients and visitors.  Additionally, 45% of beverages offered and served met Healthy Beverage standards.

“In the midst of global pandemic, I commend our Nutritional Services and Employee Health departments for increasing the health of our patients and our community.  I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and I look forward to our momentum of this initiative and watching it grow,” stated Leslie Barnes, President and CEO of Parkview.    

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the capacity of all hospital staff including food service, but despite staffing shortages and supply chain delays, exceptional food service at Parkview continued.

About Parkview Medical Center

Founded in 1923, Parkview Health System in Pueblo, Colorado, offers general acute healthcare and health specialty services. As a private, non-profit organization, Parkview is licensed for 350 beds and provides a full range of healthcare services including a verified Level III Trauma Center along with exceptional comprehensive cardiac and orthopedic care. Parkview Health System is the leader in all service lines in our service area. As a vital healthcare source, Parkview’s service area includes Pueblo County and 14 surrounding counties, which together represent 370,000 total lives.

Parkview Health System is the largest non-government, nonprofit, private sector employer in Pueblo County with approximately 3,000 employees and provides a skilled medical staff of over 370 physicians. The impact of our workforce triggers a strong impact on the community as Parkview’s annual payroll contributes $232 million to the economy.