The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) recently marked Colorado's annual Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with a special 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 sustaining the rural healthcare workforce.
Safety net clinics are essential providers of healthcare for rural residents and visitors, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by public programs like Medicaid, CHP+, and Medicare. Despite facing significant challenges—such as limited funding, workforce shortages, and increasing reporting requirements—these clinics remain committed to delivering high-quality care. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the importance of recognizing 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 about the necessity of preserving and strengthening the safety net. This year's celebration in Del Norte specifically honored Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics for their recent recognition as a Top 10 Hospital and Top 10 Clinic for Overall Performance, as well as their outstanding 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… We express our appreciation and gratitude to rural safety net clinics who designate their time, energy, and resources to serving their communities."
The event highlighted the broader implications of safety net clinics: they are not only healthcare providers but also key economic and social anchors in rural areas. Their work ensures access to care for vulnerable populations, which is critical for public health and community well-being. However, the lack of supplemental federal funding for these clinics remains a pressing issue, as they must operate with limited resources while meeting growing demands and regulatory requirements.
CRHC, established in 1991, serves as Colorado's State Office of Rural Health and a State Rural Health Association. It works to assist rural communities in addressing healthcare issues and advocates for policy changes to ensure access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare for all rural Coloradans. For more information about CRHC and its initiatives, visit www.coruralhealth.org.
