The
Fourth of July is truly a time for celebration in our Country and I hope you
all enjoyed some well-deserved time with your family and friends.
This
is an exciting month with multiple noteworthy announcements. First,
please see the newly revised Colorado rural, urban, and frontier map. As
a resource that is frequently referenced by multiple state and private
organizations, we are proud to present the updated version based on the new
USDA rural definition. Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce our 2012annual report which is highlighted in this month’s Special Delivery.
We’ve undergone multiple changes, but the accomplishments outlined in the
report showcase the strength of the CRHC team and the dedication of our
members.
As
many of you closed out your fiscal year in June, CRHC also finalized its work
with organizations throughout rural Colorado by awarding over $1.5 million
in program support last month to our members. I’d like to dedicate this
article to the amazing work these organizations are providing in rural Colorado
healthcare. The following is a tribute to the programs and people that
received financial support from CRHC.
Emergency
preparedness is planning for natural or man-made disasters--what you, your
organization, and your community can and will do in case of an emergency.
Within this program is the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), which
enhances the ability of hospitals and other healthcare entities to prepare for
and respond to all hazards and other public health emergencies. During
June, program participants across Colorado received over $1.4 million in
support.
CREATE
assists private and public organizations in improving and expanding the
emergency medical and trauma system in Colorado. Applicants must have as their
purpose the provision of emergency medical and trauma services in Colorado to
be eligible. This grant is intended to provide funding for education and
training for emergency medical and trauma services. Last month, $64,000 was awarded to
participants.
The
overall goal of the Small Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) is to assist
small rural hospitals in addressing delivery system challenges and barriers
related to the focus areas: Value Based Purchasing, Accountable Care
Organizations, and Payment Bundling. This resulted in the payment out of $44,499
to participating members.
The
CROP award is a loan repayment program for rural providers who may be
ineligible for the Colorado Health Service Corps or National Health Service
Corps programs. After a one year commitment that ended in June, two rural
providers were awarded their loan repayment CROP funds.
·
Mara
Pacyga, Kremmling Memorial Hospital
·
Regina
LeVerrier, Colorado West Mental Health, Grand Junction
The
Marva Jean Jackson Rural Community Health Scholarships support rural “grow your
own” efforts. Evidence has shown that one of the factors that will
influence a provider’s choice of practice location is their “roots.”
People from a rural area are more likely to practice in a rural area.
Programs that support healthcare training and education for people from rural
areas have proven to be an effective tool in helping address the rural
workforce shortage.
·
Penni
Wilson, Eastern Plains Medical Clinic, Calhan, will receive funds for a wound
educators course
The
Seed grant is available for rural projects whose intent matches the mission of
CRHC. Funds are intended as “seed” money to develop a new program or
service.
·
Valley
Assisted Living, Silver Cliff, will receive funds to purchase a new wheelchair
scale for their residents.
I’d
like to congratulate all of our members who were recipients of awards in June,
and to emphasize the vital work they are providing in rural healthcare
throughout Colorado. Thank you for your continued dedication to improving
the health of your communities. We look forward to continuing to serve
rural Colorado.
