April Krutka has returned to HopeWest as medical director of hospice and palliative care for the Grand Junction-based organization.

“HopeWest is very near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited to rejoin the team,” Krutka said. “I look forward to contributing to its legacy, community focus and commitment to service. I especially look forward to being a part of a team that prioritizes patients and their families.”

After completing a hospice and palliative care medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2012, Krutka spent the first part of her career at HopeWest. She developed a hospital-based palliative care consultation service at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital. In 2015, she moved to Utah and served in various leadership roles focused on expanding access to serious illness solutions at local, regional and national levels. In 2019, she was named a fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine.

“We are so excited that Dr. Krutka has returned home to western Colorado and HopeWest,” said Cassie Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of HopeWest. “Dr. Krutka brings such depth of experience in providing quality service to our hospice and palliative care patients and their families. Additionally, Dr. Krutka is a strategist who will work diligently with our health care community to provide accessibility, education and support.

HopeWest operates an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and provides hospice, palliative care and grief support services in a large area of western Colorado.
For additional information, visit www.HopeWestCO.org or call (970) 241-2212.