Denver Health honored by AMA. October 07, 2026. Denver Health has earned silver-level recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine organization. The prestigious recognition from the country's leading physician association honors health systems, hospitals and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform healthcare work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams. "Being recognized by the AMA's Joy in Medicine program is an honor and reflects many years of work," said Read Pierce, MD, chief medical officer at Denver Health. "We believe that creating a professionally fulfilling work environment for those who provide care is essential to delivering the high-quality, compassionate care our community deserves. When our physicians, advanced practice providers and care team members feel supported, valued and able to engage in improving the experience of clinical care for our workforce, they have lower rates of burnout and are more likely to stay in long-term careers at our safety-net institution. This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to creating a culture where our people can find purpose in their work, thrive professionally and continue to show up fully for the patients and communities who count on us." Burnout rates continue to decline, yet U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers, according to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Systemic drivers such as administrative burden, staffing shortages and stigma around mental health continue to plague the physician experience and contribute to the day-to-day stressors. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals. "Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone," said AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH. "Studies show that when physicians are supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality and a better overall experience. Organizations recognized by the Joy in Medicine program are leading the way by investing in workplaces that support physicians and help them deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities." "Here at Denver Health that means investing in the resources, systems and culture that allow our physicians and advanced practice providers to thrive - from listening to our medical staff through our annual experience survey, to engaging RESTORE, our 24/7 wellness and peer support program and to making provider well-being a strategic measure of our organization's success," said Jessica Wallace, PA and well-being officer for care teams at Denver Health. "We are also working to remove the barriers that too often detract from patient care, including reducing documentation burden through tools such as Nabla. This recognition from the AMA is meaningful because it reflects not just what we have accomplished so far, but our ongoing commitment to creating a healthier, safer and more supportive environment for the people who care for Denver." Since 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health program has recognized more than 250 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. This year, 92 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support. Organizations that earned 2026-27 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2025-26 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 194 recognized organizations.

DHA and Brikwell purchase land from Denver Health for affordable housing. The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and Brikwell have completed the purchase of 3.6 acres of land from Denver Health at 5000 Tower Road for Green Valley Vistas, a new affordable housing community that will provide 156 income-restricted homes for Denver families. This acquisition is a key milestone in this new development, enabling housing for households earning 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income. Green Valley Vistas is being developed through a partnership between DHA and Brikwell to address the growing need for affordable housing in northeast Denver. "This land acquisition brings Green Valley Vistas one step closer to reality for Denver families," said Joshua Crawley, DHA's interim chief executive officer. "We appreciate Denver Health's partnership and support in helping expand affordable housing opportunities in our community. We are also excited to partner with Brikwell on this important project, which will provide quality homes and create opportunities for families to thrive." The Denver Department of Housing Stability contributed $4.75 million to support the development, underscoring the city's commitment to expanding affordable housing options for Denver families. "As Green Valley Ranch grows, so must our involvement in keeping the neighborhood affordable," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "Families at Green Valley Vistas will pay less in rent, spend more time at the park and on the playground, and have an easier time finding great programming for their children to enjoy. That's the kind of investment we're proud to make in Denver." Green Valley Vistas, at 5000 Tower Road, will offer 49 three-and four-bedroom homes to help address Denver's shortage of family-sized affordable housing. The development will feature two residential buildings: a four-story building with shared amenities and a three-story building with a 5,700-square-foot Early Childhood Education Center. The community will provide about 175 parking spaces and a 3,500-square-foot park and playground for residents. "We are proud to partner with DHA on a development that will provide high-quality affordable housing for working families," said Tyler Elick, dhief development officer/partner at Brikwell. "Green Valley Vistas represents our commitment to building communities where residents have access to stable housing, educational opportunities, and neighborhood amenities." Green Valley Vistas will serve families seeking affordable housing in a neighborhood with access to schools, jobs, transportation, and community resources. Construction is expected to begin after financing and permitting are complete. Brikwell is a values-driven organization committed to building and preserving purposeful housing with a community impact. Founded in 2022, Brikwell has a portfolio of 1,355 units nationwide, with over 900 affordable housing units in development in its home state of Colorado. Goodman Commercial Real Estate Announces Sale of 6535 York Street in Denver Goodman Commercial Real Estate has announced the successful sale Realberry, a Colorado-based real estate investor and developer in commercial, multifamily, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use assets, today announced Avenue South

Denver Health receives Greenhealth Champion Award for sustainability efforts. Jun 11, 2026 Denver Health received the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation's leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in healthcare, on June 11. The award recognizes Denver Health's ongoing commitment to strengthening its environmental performance and integrating sustainability into its operations, culture, and patient-care environment. Practice Greenhealth highlighted Denver Health's achievements amid a challenging national landscape for healthcare systems. The organization cited the health system's progress in reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and advancing environmentally responsible practices that support community health. "Denver Health values environmental stewardship, and this award reflects our commitment to promoting health in all spaces," said Beth Gillespie, MD, hospitalist at Denver Health and chair of Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado (PSR). "A healthy environment is essential for healthy people to thrive, and we are proud to continue this work on behalf of our patients and our community." Denver Health has pursued greater sustainability over several years. In 2024, it reached a milestone by switching from centrally piped nitrous oxide supplied by large tanks that remain open continuously to smaller portable tanks located in operating rooms that can be shut off when not in use. The change was motivated by two main factors: nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas and an ozone-depleting substance. Hospitals nationwide lose significant amounts of it through leaks.