Colorado is a diverse geographic region that is home to diverse populations. That means each county faces unique barriers that impact health outcomes — and that health care must be local to best respond to the needs of each community.
An Overview of Public Health
State and local public health departments, often seen as the backbone of the public health system, are integral to the country’s public health infrastructure. Key responsibilities of these departments include:
- Identifying, addressing, and monitoring public health concerns
- Identifying, addressing, and mitigating the impact of social determinants of health in their communities
- Developing intervention programs and tools
- Collecting, maintaining, and sharing public health data
The governance of local health departments varies across the country. In Colorado, all local departments are units of local governments, as opposed to state units or a combination of the two.
Collaborating for the Health of Colorado
There is an ongoing collective effort to ensure all Coloradans have equitable access to the affordable care and support they need to achieve their highest level of health. Local health departments and other county agencies, such as human services departments, best understand area barriers and disparities and are best positioned to address local needs directly and deliver tailored programs to those they serve. However, they are not alone in their efforts; collaboration is vital to building healthier communities.
Across Colorado, the support and guidance of state departments, including the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Colorado Department of Human Services, bolster the efforts of local departments and administrators. Empowered by funding, policy guidance, and data support, county-level departments offer critical programs and resources that may include:
- Preventive health screenings and vaccination services
- Reproductive health services, including annual exams for women, sexually transmitted disease screenings, birth control access, and pregnancy testing
- Health benefits navigation and application assistance
- Tobacco cessation programs
- Housing, food, and pregnancy assistance programs
- Long-term care assistance
- Oral health services
- Community data regarding current illness or public health concerns
Doing Our Part for Local Colorado Communities
At Rocky Mountain Health Plans, we are deeply embedded in the communities we serve and champion collaboration at a local level to advance state initiatives and improve health outcomes.
- Since 2022, we’ve invested $20 million in more than 130 community organizations that facilitate community-led solutions to address access to care, health equity, behavioral health, and children’s health.
- Between November 2022 and October 2023, we made one-time investments of over $12 million in the health neighborhood to support community-based projects and programs, including community food banks, food service agencies, and a homeless shelter with bridge funding during staff turnover.
- In addition to the one-time investments, recurring investments of $2.7 million were infused into community-based organizations, including a health information exchange, housing, food programs, and programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Recurring investments totaling $3.9 million also supported integrated community care team initiatives. That included developing programs that specialize in supporting youth with the Department of Human Services’ involvement and engaging county public health departments that have a strong community presence to assist with health care and social needs navigation.
- We assisted members and enrollment organizations with the public health emergency sunset through targeted outreach campaigns and funding to help “Keep Colorado Covered.”
- We endorsed the state’s vaccination adoption efforts through the promotion of its mobile vaccine clinics.
- We forged partnerships with community-based organizations that advanced an improved experience for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) members, including the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence, Clifton Community Leaders, Delta County Ambulance District’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare, Senior Daybreak, Identity Insights Counseling, and the Western Slope Native American Resource Center.
Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and a steadfast dedication to improving health outcomes, we’re helping to build healthier, more resilient communities across the state. The journey to better health is a collective endeavor, and we’re proud to partner with state and local agencies to achieve this shared mission.
Our core values of health equity, whole-person health, supporting counties, innovation, and rural expertise drive our every action. Learn how we’re supporting our partners, colleagues, and neighbors by honoring and advancing these values.
