CEO Update: Snapshot Release!

January has started off with a bang, with both bad and good things happening. As we have all seen, we are living through another surge of Covid-19 and I know folks are struggling with full beds, lack of supplies, and continued workforce issues. On behalf of CRHC staff and Board, I’d like to thank you for your continued perseverance. We appreciate you and all you continue to do during the ongoing pandemic.

For the good part of January, I’m happy to report that we are on track to deliver another amazing Snapshot of Rural Health.  This year, the 2022 version of the Snapshot of Rural Health has been expanded to sixty pages!  That’s more information on the state of rural health, illustrated with useful statistics and data and maps that can all be used for advocacy, education, and funding opportunities.

This year, CRHC expanded the report to include further information on veterans, opioids, Covid-19, race and other demographics, woman’s maternal health, and climate.  With the increased need for awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the CRHC Board adopted the below equity statement:

The Colorado Rural Health Center recognizes that many factors impact the health of individuals and communities, including geography, income, and race.  We recognize the existence and power of historical and ongoing systemic structures that have excluded individuals from leading their most health lives.  We are committed to repairing injustices by championing policies that recognize these inequities and foster community-led solutions.  We are actively working to include diverse opinions and perspectives in our decision-making processes and advocacy work and recognize that we all live better lives when everyone has a seat at the table.

One of the expanded areas of the 2022 Snapshot of Rural Health is race and demographics, some data highlights:

• 45% of Colorado’s population will be people of color by 2040
• 10% of Coloradoans were born outside of the U.S.
• 61% of foreign-born Coloradans are not U.S. citizens while 39% are naturalized citizens
• In rural Colorado, 26% of the population is people of color compared to 31% in urban areas
• Approximately 1.1% of the Colorado state population is American Indian and Alaska Natives

Additionally, CRHC has included several maps:

• Percentage of People Who Speak a Language Other than English at Home
• American Indian and Alaska Native Population
• Asian Population
• Black Population
• Non-White Population
• Hispanic Population
• Non-Hispanic White Population

To learn more about rural health please visit coruralhealth.org and download the 2022 Snapshot of Rural Health. And stay tuned for the forthcoming Regional Snapshots of Rural Health.