Editor’s note: This story has been edited to clarify who has helped Grand County residents stay in their home through Grand County Home Care services.

Grand County Rural Health Network recently announced the recipients of its 2023 Award for Excellence in Health Service. The network chooses recipients or organizations that have contributed significantly to the community’s health and are dedicated to positively impacting the lives of local individuals.

The recipients of the award are Leigha Kline, owner of Thin Air Fitness, and Ann Baer and Tracey Vasquez of Grand County Public Health and Home Care services. They will be honored at a ceremony on Sept. 6 during Rural Health Network’s annual fundraiser event, Gratitude for Grand – Give a High Five for Health.

Locals will share their gratitude to individuals or organizations that are dedicated to the community’s health by giving “High Fives for Health” from Sept. 7-13. For more information visit gcRuralHealth.org.

About the recipients

Kline has over a decade of experience training a wide range of clients as a personal trainer, fitness coach and gym owner. She has a degree in science elementary education, and shortly after college she found herself working with high school students with developmental disabilities.

 “Exercise had always been her outlet for both physical and mental wellness, and through many different opportunities over the years she has now successfully brought her educational skills to the gym,” a press release from Rural Health Network stated.

She took over ownership of Thin Air Fitness in Tabernash in June 2022, and has worked hard and creating new class offerings and rebuilding the gym community that was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The press release went on to say that Kline recognizes the physical and emotional importance that exercise has for this mountain community.

“She strives to always make it possible for anyone to become part of her gym, no matter their situation,” the press release stated.

Baer and Vasquez provide non-medical care for seniors in the community through Grand County’s Public Home Care services. Through compassion and empathy they give back to the community by providing homemaking services, personal care assistance and respite for caregivers.

Baer began working as a personal care provides with Grand County Home Care in 2010 and quickly became a supervisor.

“Ann loves being of service to the people in her community and giving back and can’t imagine another job as fulfilling as hers,” the press release stated.

Vasquez was seeking a position that she was passionate about after she moved back to Colorado in 2015, and was seeking a good community to raise her son. She joined Grand County Home Care as a senior nutrition cook and a part-time home care provider. During the pandemic she became a full-time care provider to accommodate the growing needs of Grand County’s senior residents.

“Tracey enjoys assisting the residents of Grand County and looks forward to becoming a ‘long-time’ resident here,” the press release said of Vasquez.

Because of Baer and Vasquez, many residents have been able to stay in their own home for the duration of their lives. The services go beyond helping clients with regular daily tasks.

The press release went on to say, “They see these people weekly, talk with them, listen to their stories, and provide the social connection that is necessary for life to maintain meaning.”

Through leadership, compassion and commitment to health, the award recipients have illustrated their immense dedication to the community’s health and well-being, showcasing that “health is more than healthcare.”

About Grand County Rural Health Network

Grand County Rural Health Network offers access, resources and support so the community members can live their healthiest lives. The network is a nonprofit serving Grand and Jackson counties. For more information call 970-725-3477 or visit gcRuralHealth.org. The network’s health resource guide can be found at HealthyGrandCounty.org.