Lou Ann Wilroy, CEO

You might be surprised to learn how CRHC has been able to play the role of cupid over the years. I need to say this is not in our core mission. It’s really not even close.

We’re all about advancing the cause of patients and providers in rural Colorado. It just turns out that occasionally this work causes a couple of hearts to meet, and, well, you know the rest.

Robb Austin, the CEO of the Estes Park Medical Center, met then CRHC Board Member Betsy Baier, then from Leadville, at the 1997 CRHC Annual Conference in Montrose. “A few months after that meeting we started conversing, and the rest, as they say, is history,” he told me. Robb says marrying Betsy in 1999 was “the best thing I ever did.”

So, if you are looking for a life partner, or just a really good conference focusing on rural health care delivery, you should “save the date” for our upcoming annual conference August 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. This is an especially important conference for our organization as we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary as the State Office of Rural Health.

As I shared in my last blog, we’re collecting memories of CRHC over the past decade. What interactions have you had with CRHC over the years that have positively impacted your work or personal life?

I know taking a break from your work to send me your thoughts on CRHC’s first 20 years is asking for a lot, so I’m going to sweeten the pot. The person who sends me the best (as determined by our staff) CRHC-related memories will receive a complimentary hotel room at our annual conference. All entries must be submitted to sm@coruralhealth.org by February 28, 2011. If you already have resources to cover the cost of your room, we will provide you with a free upgrade.

Since this is our 20th year, we’re upping the ante for this conference. Our agenda will consist of the most respected leaders in rural healthcare. In the near future, you will hear who and what to expect at the meeting.

Thank you, as always, for your support for CRHC. Now go and hug someone who is important to you (it’s Valentine’s Day, after all).