Denver, Colorado – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed an executive bill that will improve health care in rural Colorado by designating funds to train, recruit and develop Colorado’s health care workforce.
“People living in the rural Western Slope communities I represent face unique challenges, including rising health care costs and lack of access to care.” “This is a big step forward for the state,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-Frisco). “In Congress, I have worked to bolster our rural health care workforce, and this new legislation will expand that successful program and support rural hospitals with much-needed additional funding so they can stay open and continue serving their communities.”
“Coloradans who live in rural and mountainous areas like me deserve access to quality health care, including mental and behavioral health care.” “It’s a big step forward,” said Rep. Megan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs.“We’re taking steps to support Colorado’s rural health care workers by increasing funding for our rural hospitals and expanding mental health care assistance to farmers and ranchers. Health care in every community and corner of our state is important, which is why I’m incredibly proud to introduce these bills to the Statehouse.”
SB24-221The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, also of Weld County, and Republican Rep. Mark Caitlin of Montrose, builds on earlier legislation that established the Colorado Rural Health Workforce Initiative to increase the number of health care professionals practicing in rural areas of Colorado. The legislation designates additional funding for higher education institutions to establish or expand existing rural health care worker training courses and provides more than $1.7 million in direct support to rural hospitals.
