The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) has released the 2026 edition of its annual Snapshot of Rural Health publication, marking the most comprehensive volume in the report's history with a 42% increase in content compared to the previous year. The 148-page document serves as a critical resource for understanding healthcare challenges and opportunities in rural Colorado through data visualization, case studies, and detailed analysis.
This year's expanded report examines 29 distinct topics ranging from demographic shifts and chronic disease patterns to substance use trends and economic factors affecting rural healthcare delivery. The publication features 55 detailed maps and introduces new sections analyzing New Americans in Colorado, recent federal Medicaid changes, medication assisted treatment availability, and mental health issues within agricultural communities. According to CRHC CEO Michelle Mills, the annual release establishes a data-driven foundation for the organization's work, providing stakeholders with comprehensive analysis of effective and ineffective aspects of rural healthcare systems.
The Snapshot of Rural Health includes data collected and analyzed by CRHC's Public Health Data Specialist, with rigorous citations that allow users to easily source each fact presented. The report is designed to support education, advocacy efforts, and grant writing through its accessible visual format and industry-leading analysis of rural healthcare conditions. Mills emphasized that the report is provided free of charge to advance CRHC's vision of improving healthcare services in rural communities, ensuring all rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality care.
The timing of the report's release coincides with important policy discussions, as CRHC staff and board members prepare to travel to Washington D.C. from February 10-12 for the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute. During these meetings with Colorado's senators and representatives, the Snapshot of Rural Health will serve as a vital starting point for discussions about legislative priorities and healthcare solutions. As Colorado's State Office of Rural Health and member-based association for rural health facilities, CRHC functions as a clearinghouse for rural health information, helping providers enhance services and assisting elected officials in making informed policy decisions.
The complete 2026 Snapshot of Rural Health is available for download at https://coruralhealth.org/snapshot-of-rural-health, while additional resources can be accessed through the CRHC resource center at http://coruralhealth.org/resources. The report's expanded scope and detailed analysis provide stakeholders across multiple sectors with essential data for addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes in rural communities throughout Colorado.
