St. Luke's Health System

06/03/2026

Last week, Magic Valley Community Engagement Director Kyli Gough was recognized by South Central Public Health District with a 2026 Health Hero Award in the Adult Professional category.

Every year, South Central Public Health District asks local residents to nominate neighbors that go above and beyond to improve the health of people in the community as Health Heroes.

Gough played a key role in establishing the Center for Community Health and strengthening collaborative, data-driven approaches to community wellness. She also oversees the community health grant program, helping direct millions of dollars toward local organizations addressing mental health, access to care, food security and preventive health initiatives across the region.

Congratulations to Kyli on this much-deserved award!

TogetherWe, a collaborative, community-driven nonprofit, formerly the Mental Well-being Initiative led by St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, also received a Health Hero award. The organization focuses on improving mental wellbeing across Blaine County.

Health Hero honorable mentions included:
• Sabrina Roblin, St. Luke’s Wood River chaplain
• Monique Middlekauff, St. Luke’s Magic Valley cardiopulmonary rehab manager
• Angela Brady, St. Luke’s Wood River associate CNO

06/02/2026

The City of Boise and Idaho Clinicians for Climate and Health officially recognized May 18-22 as Heat Safety Week, highlighting the growing importance of community awareness around extreme heat and its impacts on human health.

Led by St. Luke’s physician Dr. Ethan Sims, Idaho Clinicians for Climate and Health work to reduce the health impacts of climate change through practical, non-partisan community engagement. Heat Safety Week is a strong example of this mission in action.

06/01/2026

In 2025, Audrea Wirta was honored with the Excellence in Leadership award as part of St. Luke’s Caring Heart Awards program. This award recognizes leaders who demonstrate our values and behaviors and engage and empower their teams.

Wirta is a senior director in HR operations in Boise. Audrea launched and expanded the HR Service Center and well-being programs that support employees across the health system and implemented the Critical Incident Stress Management team to provide psychological first aid and post-event support following critical incidents and crisis events.

Audrea leads the HR operations department, which includes the HR Service Center, Human Resources Information Services, Workers' Compensation, Employee Health and Employee Well-Being.

"Audrea consistently embodies St. Luke’s ICARE values, demonstrating integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence in everything she does. She is not only a great leader but also a trusted thought partner, bringing a deep sense of care and dedication to her work. Audrea's thoughtful approach allows her to make well-informed decisions while building strong connections with leaders and employees alike," a colleague said.

"Her positivity and commitment to collaboration fosters a culture of mutual respect and open communication, making it easier to navigate challenges and solve problems. Audrea leads with curiosity and her unwavering support is appreciated and valued by her colleagues."

05/30/2026

May recognized both National Nurses Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. It's the perfect time to bring you the story of Vibecke Thompson, a St. Luke's nurse educator who has found a passion in helping others learn the concept of trauma-informed care.

"You can see a need and say, ‘Someone should do something about this.’ Well, Vibecke is someone and she did something.”

When aptitude and opportunity meet, special things can happen.

05/30/2026

During EMS Week, St. Luke’s leaders celebrated and thanked Air St. Luke's crews and Magic Valley Paramedics all week long with breakfasts, a tasty taco lunch and even washing all the ambulance vehicles.

A huge thank-you to all our EMS crews and for everything you do!

05/29/2026

Magic Valley RN, Michelle Critchfield, was presented with a DAISY award for her help turning a challenging situation into a successful outcome.

Last fall, a patient from St. Luke’s Clinic - Ear, Nose and Throat: Twin Falls expressed fears about undergoing surgery for an ear issue and wanted a family member present in the operating room. This unfortunately was not an option, but Critchfield kindly agreed to be present during the patient’s surgery to provide support and care.

Additionally, Critchfield took on the task to help reschedule the patient’s surgery with another provider to an earlier date when the patient called with concerns on having to wait another month for the procedure.

On the day of surgery, Critchfield showed up to the OR at patient arrival time, per the patient’s request. She remained in the room through the entire surgery, even when it was delayed, until the patient awoke from anesthesia.

“The entire ENT team was very patient and supporting of the patient through this first step in his care journey. I truly believe the support, patience, kindness and direct multiple interactions with this patient were integral in offering potential life-saving interventions with the surgical care needed,” the nomination said.

“A special thank-you to the OR team for accommodating requests and supporting this patient.”

05/28/2026

We’re hiring an Assistant Nurse Manager for the Women’s & NICU unit at St. Luke's Health System in Nampa!

This unique LDRP + Level II NICU unit is built around family-centered care, teamwork, and clinical excellence. If you’re an experienced RN with leadership experience in L&D or LDRP and ready to grow into a management role, this is an incredible opportunity to make an impact while supporting both patients and staff.

✨ Night shift differential
✨ Sign-on bonus & relocation assistance for eligible new hires
✨ Continuing education opportunities
✨ Work alongside a highly skilled and supportive team

If you’re passionate about women’s and neonatal care and looking for your next leadership opportunity, we’d love to connect. Apply today! https://bit.ly/49yWMgL

05/28/2026

Heidi Wasden, a Magic Valley RN on the ultrasound team, received a DAISY award after being nominated by a grateful patient who appreciated her patience and kindness during a kidney biopsy.

“I am a patient who does a lot of research and asks a lot of questions — traits that can (possibly) be a nurse's greatest challenge — but Heidi met me with nothing but patience and genuine kindness.”

Wasden took the time to carefully explain every lab result and what each meant, helping ease the patient’s anxiety and uncertainty.

“Her gentle and thorough explanation made me feel like it was truly going to be OK. Heidi consistently went above and beyond in the following ways:

A master communicator: She translated complex jargon into layman’s terms, ensuring I felt empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Patient and present: Despite the fast-paced environment, she never once acted annoyed, rushed or in a hurry. She made a frightening procedure feel like a breeze.

Compassionate support: She treated my partner with tremendous respect, recognizing his worry and taking great care of him while he supported me.

“Heidi is a rare find. I have truly never encountered a medical professional so perfectly suited for their calling. She is a credit to her profession, and St. Luke’s Twin Falls is incredibly lucky to have such a rockstar on the team.”

05/27/2026

Stroke is an emergency.

If you experience — or if you witness someone else experiencing — any signs or symptoms of stroke, call 911 immediately. Do NOT drive yourself. Quick treatment and arrival at the nearest hospital can help lower risk of disability or death.

Talk with your health care provider about how you can reduce your stroke risk.

05/27/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated Nurses Week. Across the system, nurses at various St. Luke’s sites enjoyed celebrations and gatherings to thank them for the extraordinary care they provide. We wanted to share more photos and sincerely thank all nurses for everything you do!