The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) has released its most extensive Snapshot of Rural Health report to date, providing crucial data about the state of healthcare in rural Colorado communities. The 2025 edition features analysis of 29 different topics and includes 55 maps, representing a significant expansion in scope from previous years.
The 104-page report introduces new analysis of rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) deserts and provides detailed regional healthcare data, offering valuable insights for healthcare facilities, policymakers, and providers working to address rural healthcare challenges. The expanded coverage of chronic disease in rural Colorado communities provides essential information for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
The timing of this release is particularly significant as CRHC CEO Michelle Mills and staff prepare to meet with legislators in Washington DC as part of the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute from February 11-13. Mills, who serves as the National Rural Health Association's Board Chair for 2025, will use the report's findings to inform discussions about legislative priorities and solutions for rural healthcare.
The report's significance extends beyond policy discussions, as it serves as a vital resource for healthcare facilities seeking grants and for advocates working to improve rural healthcare access. With comprehensive citations and detailed regional analysis, the Snapshot provides evidence-based support for initiatives aimed at ensuring rural Coloradans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services.
This expanded analysis comes at a critical time when rural healthcare systems face unique challenges in providing comprehensive services to their communities. The report's findings will help shape policy decisions and resource allocation that could impact the future of healthcare delivery in rural Colorado.
