The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) marked its annual Safety Net Clinic Week by honoring Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics in Del Norte, Colorado, recognizing the facility's commitment to serving rural and underserved populations. The event, held on August 26, 2026, included a luncheon 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, which include Rural Health Clinics and other practices that serve patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, are vital to rural communities. They offer essential healthcare services despite limited funding, workforce shortages, and increasing administrative burdens. 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."
This year's celebration spotlighted Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics, which recently earned recognition as a Top 10 Hospital and Clinic for Overall Performance. The facility was also praised for its role in training the next generation of rural primary care physicians. "Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics serve the residents of the San Luis Valley with a dedication to quality and efficiency," said Mills. "The access to care provided by safety net clinics is invaluable and we were honored to celebrate in Del Norte."
Governor Jared Polis also proclaimed August 23-29, 2026, as Safety Net Clinic Week in Colorado, acknowledging the essential services these clinics provide. The proclamation stated, "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 Colorado Rural Health Center, established in 1991 as the state's Office of Rural Health, works to assist rural communities in addressing healthcare issues and advocates for policy changes to ensure access to quality care. This celebration underscores the ongoing challenges and the critical need for support for safety net clinics across the state.
