The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) celebrated Colorado's annual Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with an event in Del Norte, Colorado, honoring the work of Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics. The event, held on August 26th, included a lunch for staff, community members, and local leaders, as well as a video screening on the importance of primary care preceptors in rural healthcare workforce sustainability.
Safety net clinics are essential providers of healthcare for rural residents and visitors who are uninsured, underinsured, or insured through public programs. Despite their critical role, these clinics face significant challenges, including limited funding, workforce shortages, and increasing regulatory demands. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the importance of these clinics, stating, "Safety net clinics are the go-to facilities for rural residents and visitors in need of high-quality healthcare. They serve those who are uninsured, underinsured, or insured through public programs and are vibrant parts of local communities and economies."
CRHC hosts Safety Net Clinic Week each year to educate policymakers, healthcare advocates, and community leaders on the necessity of keeping the safety net intact and thriving. The week recognizes various clinic types, including certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and other practices that serve Coloradans enrolled in Medicaid, CHP+, or Medicare. This year, CRHC chose to honor Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics due to their recent designation as a Top 10 Hospital and Top 10 Clinic for Overall Performance, as well as their contributions to training the next generation of rural primary care physicians.
Governor Polis also signed a declaration proclaiming August 23-29, 2026 as Safety Net Clinic Week in Colorado. The proclamation acknowledges that "rural safety net clinics provide essential healthcare treatment and preventive services to vulnerable populations in communities throughout our state" and expresses gratitude for their dedication.
The event in Del Norte highlighted the broader issue of rural healthcare sustainability. As noted in the video screening, primary care preceptors play a crucial role in training future physicians who may practice in rural areas. By celebrating clinics like Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics, CRHC aims to draw attention to the ongoing need for support and policy changes to ensure rural communities have access to quality healthcare.
The Colorado Rural Health Center, established in 1991 as the State Office of Rural Health, is a nonprofit that assists rural communities in addressing healthcare issues and advocates for policy changes to ensure comprehensive, affordable healthcare services. For more information about CRHC and its initiatives, visit their website at www.coruralhealth.org.
