Ever since 1907, the Portneuf Medical Center has been serving Eastern Idaho and it has grown to become a level 2 trauma center. Currently, owned by Portneuf Health Trust and LHP Hospital Group. Portneuf Health Trust is a nonprofit organization owned by Ardent Health Trust. The 501c3 says its sole purpose is to improve the health and wellness of communities like Pocatello and Chubbuck, along with southeastern Idaho.
“We just have a bunch of health initiatives for the community, and we try and give back as much as we can to the community because that was a part of the original agreement for Portland Health Trust when it was created,” said Michaela Prochazka, the director of wellness programs.
To help with that mission, PHT created Healthy City USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose was to make Pocatello and the surrounding areas healthier. Prochazka says they wanted to grab the bull by the horns and get started on it. So, they created the Portneuf Peak Club, or Peaks, now in its fifth summer, and Petite Peaks, which they created last year.
“But it's basically just to encourage people to get outside,” Prochazka said. “Be active, visit some of the trails that surround Pocatello and Chubbuck.”
PHT is continuing its project for this summer. If you want to find out more about the nonprofit or join Healthy City USA, please visit the Portneuf Health Trust website.