USDA Rural Development Loan & Grant Program

The USDA Rural Development Loan & Grant Program funds organizations interested in building a new facility who serve a rural community with a population under 20,000 and a below average income. Health is a priority scoring criteria for these funds. For details, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.

The Future of Colorado Healthcare

This study describes the economic consequences of maintaining the current system of health coverage and delivery of healthcare services. It then analyzes the costs and benefits of increasing health insurance coverage and reforming the healthcare delivery system. The report’s pairing of unique data and economic analysis is intended to help policy and business leaders make well-informed decisions about the future of Colorado’s health policy. Access the complete report on The Colorado Health Foundation's website.

Project “Have a HAART” Seeking Participants

Are you an HIV-positive adult living in a rural area? Are you currently prescribed medications for HIV/AIDS? If so, you may be eligible for a new study offered through the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Participation would involve two brief surveys over 5 weeks and two medication diaries. If you participate fully, you will earn $80.

If you are interested in participating, please call 888-262-0017 or email Proj.Haart@gmail.com.

CRHCGP Funding Opportunity

Letter of Intent Deadline: February 19, 2010
Application Deadline: March 11, 2010

The Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Program, managed by CRHC, funds projects that support Colorado’s rural health infrastructure and strengthen the capacity of rural entities to provide primary care services now and in the future. Organizations outside Colorado’s urbanized areas that provide outpatient primary care services, including medical, oral, and mental health services, are eligible to apply for up to $50,000. For details, visit www.coruralhealth.org/programs/crhcgp.

Centura Health Integrates Trauma Care System

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, trauma is the leading cause of death for Coloradans ages one to 44. Studies indicate that 30 to 40 percent of all trauma deaths occur within one hour of injury, and that 30 to 40 percent of these deaths are preventable if timely, appropriate care is received.

In response to the critical need for quality trauma care, Centura Health, Colorado’s largest hospital and health care network, has become the first integrated health care network nationally to establish a comprehensive trauma system across its regional facilities. Touted as Colorado’s leader in trauma care, the Centura Health Trauma System provides seamless inter-facility transfers throughout the Rocky Mountain region with 19 Centura Health facilities—including 14 trauma centers, the state’s largest EMS support system, and essential partnerships—to expedite access to life-saving treatment that offers support for trauma patients in more communities throughout Colorado than any other health care organization.

For more information about the Centura Health network of care, visit http://www.centura.org/.

Kit Carson Health District Launches New Brand

In an effort to highlight its identity as a regional healthcare provider, the Kit Carson County Health Service District (KCCHSD) in Burlington, CO has updated its corporate image and replaced its logo. Over the last several months, a logo taskforce met to
discuss appropriate symbols for their facilities and services, and settled upon wheat as an important image and green and gold as the corporate colors. The committee narrowed the options to three, and gave all KCCHSD employees the opportunity to vote for the winner. “We chose a logo that voices pride in our Kit Carson County communities and connects us to the people we serve,” said Joe Stratton, KCCHSD CEO. “Our programs should benefit greatly from a strong, consistent corporate identity.”

Emerging Colorado Rural Health Leader among First to Complete Leadership Program

Cari Fouts, Director of Communication and Development for CRHC, is one of the graduates of the inaugural class of the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health’s Leadership Institute. Class members participated in webinars, attended workshops, and completed a rural health project utilizing the leadership skills they developed throughout the Institute. Cari has more than 16 years of healthcare experience in direct patient care, outreach and marketing, and quality and patient safety. Congratulations, Cari!

National Jewish Health to Offer Radiation Exposure Screening and Education

The Miners Clinic of Colorado at National Jewish Health is now providing health screening and benefit counseling services for the Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP). Eligible individuals will be served by this new RESEP clinic in Denver, with annual outreach clinics in Pueblo, Montrose, and Craig. In addition to free screening clinics, they will also provide diagnostic testing and referrals for abnormal results. Benefit counselors will assist with filing claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for eligible individuals.

For more information, call the Miners Clinic at 877.255.5864.

New Services Available to Rural Clinics

CRHC serves as the primary source and trusted partner in the delivery of programs and services that enhance the capacity of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and other rural primary care providers. CRHC provides professional consultation in areas such as policies and procedures, mock RHC surveys, cost reporting, and quality support. New services include revenue cycle management, health information technology assistance, and performance improvement excellence.

On-site delivery of services reduces the time clinic staff would take from patient care and business hours in the pursuit of knowledge and resources associated with RHC capacity building. It also provides hands-on educational opportunities for the entire clinic team. With RHC programs and services housed directly within CRHC’s organizational structure, clinics may request onsite assistance at any time.

For a complete list of RHC programs and services, visit: www.coruralhealth.org/programs/rhc/support.htm.

Accessibility a hitch in rural Colorado health reform

The nearest hospital to Walden, CO is 60 miles away. And there isn't a doctor's office in the whole of Jackson County, though a couple of doctors travel to Walden to see patients at a local clinic a few days a week. The shortage of health care in Jackson County is mirrored in Crowley, San Juan and Clear Creek counties, and dozens of rural towns across Colorado. It's a problem that worsens every year — and something rural health advocates are hoping national reform will fix. The major goal of reform is to add some 47 million uninsured Americans, including about 800,000 Coloradans, to the ranks of the insured.

Read more at denverpost.com.

Ritter Launches Rural Health Initiative

UnitedHealthcare announced it will launch the Connected Care program in Colorado, giving rural patients expanded access to physicians and specialists using advanced telehealth technology. The Colorado program is among the first in its work with Cisco and others to build a national telehealth network. UnitedHealthcare is partnering with the State of Colorado and Centura Health, with assistance from the Colorado Rural Health Center, to implement this innovative program that leverages advanced technology to give residents access to physicians when in-person visits are not possible.