Written by Pharmacy students Chutima J. Harichaikul and Gbemileke K. Renner, SOP

The Summer 2010 Rural Immersion Week program was sponsored and organized by the University of Colorado Denver, Colorado AHEC, the Colorado Trust, and Caring for Colorado Foundation. Professional students and faculty from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus got to investigate a rural community, meet with key community members, and experience what family and personal life was like in a rural setting. The goals were to recruit professional interdisciplinary students to live and work as healthcare providers and to make a difference in the lives of the people of rural communities.

During the week in Delta, CO, small interdisciplinary groups were assigned to investigate a specific area of focus (i.e. healthcare, education, community and economy, mental health, criminal justice and law enforcement, and public health and safety) within the community. On the last day, our findings were presented to the entire group along with some key members of the community. We visited many fun and interesting places such as the Pioneer Town in Cedaredge, Hotchkiss Fish Hatchery, Mtn Coal Company West Elk Mine, and Zephyros Farm. We also had a delightful buffalo dinner at Delicious Orchards. An impression was made on all of us that the Delta community was all about catering to the needs of the community and to one another. We would like to say thank you to all of the sponsors who made this rewarding experience available for students; to the Delta community and to all of our hosts for welcoming us with great hospitality!