Much of the attention Denver Health Medical Center receives is for the miracles performed by the trauma specialists who save lives, one catastrophe after another, day in and day out.
However, not every injured person who arrives on the medical center’s doorstep needs to have a broken bone set, a cut stitched or a burn tended to. Some illnesses are mental, and that’s where the skilled healers from the Department of Behavioral Health Services come in.
Dr. Robert House, the department’s director, and Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter, an advocate for improved access to mental-health care, were the speakers when Denver Health’s Level 1 Society hosted an after-work “friend-raiser” last Thursday at the governor’s mansion.
Their remarks were well-received by a crowd of 150 that included Downtown Denver Partnership president Tami Door; Peter Quinn; Marc Spritzer; Leo Tokar; Pete and Wylly Staab; Dr. Richard Dart; Jean Galloway; Cori Plotkin; and Candice Jones, staff coordinator for the Denver Health Gala taking place Saturday at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
Jenny Scholes, Monica Liley Skok and Jamie VanLeeuwen organized the reception that was also attended by Marti Awad, chair of the Level 1 Society board; Yvette Pita Frampton, a co-chair of the gala; Steffie Allen; Zee Ferrufino; Eric Duran; Jeff Steepleton; Janice Whittleton; Terry and Dr. Elaine Scholes; and Paula Herzmark, the foundation’s executive director.
More good stuff.
Plans for the inaugural Starfish and Dreams benefiting ARC Thrift Stores of Colorado and its programs serving the developmentally disabled will be announced at a reception that begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Glendale’s Infinity Park Events Center. Cleo Parker Robinson, Hope Hernandez-Salazar and Kirk Montgomery are the hosts. . . . Marilyn Lande will be honored at the April 19 Jewish Women in the Arts brunch, a program, show and sale put on by the Mizel Museum Artist Alliance and L.E.A. chapter of Hadassah. Register for event at Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue in Greenwood Village by calling 303-394-9993, ext. 104. . . . Ballet Nouveau Colorado launches a series of themed fundraisers when Dr. Gregory Buford opens his Denver home April 25 for Gatsby Nouveau. Bradley Joseph, Holly Kylberg and Diane Nagler are the co-chairs and tickets can be purchased by visiting .
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, .
