Rural Connectivity Program Reconnect
A lot has been happening with the Rural Connectivity Program (RCP)! Over the past year, we’ve welcomed new dashboards, new infographics, and even a new Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) to the team. Whether you’re a longtime RCP participant or just getting started, we’re glad you’re here! This edition is all about getting to know the RCP team, staying connected, and rediscovering the tools and resources available to support your work.
New to the RCP Team: Sarah Shephard
Hi! I’m Sarah, and I recently joined CRHC as a Quality Improvement Specialist. I have a bachelor’s degree in social work and spent the past three years working in regulatory compliance for a program serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That experience sparked my passion for quality improvement approaches that support staff, meet regulatory requirements, and improve the quality of care.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with my husband, two dogs, family, and friends. I’m excited to work alongside rural healthcare organizations across Colorado!
Meet the RCP Team:
Jennifer Grant | QI Programs Manager
What I do: I support our rural clinics and hospitals by providing tools, resources, technical assistance and coaching to enhance performance and provide management to the Quality Improvement Specialists, RHC Fee For Service and Rural Connectivity Program.
Fun fact: Outside of work, I enjoy thunderstorms, geocaching, throwing pottery, and swimming with the sharks, dolphins and stingrays while cruising.
Gabe Serrano | Quality Improvement Specialist
What I do: I am primarily focused on the Rural Connectivity Program and am passionate about ensuring rural communities have access to safe, efficient, and equitable care and services.
Fun fact: Outside of work, I am a visual artist, activist, foodie, traveler, and outdoor adventurer.
Kristin Morris | Quality Improvement Specialist
What I do: I support the Rural Connectivity Program, provide technical assistance for MBQIP and CCSP, and help maintain CRHC’s RHC Financial Dashboard. I’m passionate about advancing high-quality, patient-centered care through a health equity lens.
Fun fact: Prior to my transition to healthcare in 2020, I worked in mortuary and funeral services. Curious about that experience? Ask me anything!
For more information and support with the Rural Connectivity Program, contact CRHC’s Rural Connectivity team at ruralconnect@coruralhealth.org
About Our Program Partners
The Rural Connectivity Program is a collaborative effort supported by CRHC and our program partners.
Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI)
OeHI is Colorado’s State-Designated Entity for Health IT strategy, policy, and funding coordination. OeHI works with public and private partners to improve data sharing, strengthen Colorado’s health technology infrastructure, and advance more equitable access to health information and services. OeHI provides funding support for the Rural Connectivity Program.
Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF)
HCPF administers Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). The department works to improve healthcare equity, access, and outcomes while helping Coloradans save money on healthcare and driving value for Colorado. HCPF also provides funding support for the Rural Connectivity Program.
Carina Health Network partners with RCP to provide participating rural healthcare organizations with access to data and analytics resources. Through RCP, Carina Health Network makes the Community Analytics Platform (CAP) and Innovaccer available to participants and hosts quarterly RCP User Group meetings.
Stay Connected and Informed
There’s more than one way to stay connected! Visit our Rural Connectivity Program webpage to explore program updates and resources, register for User Group meetings, and catch up on past Carina Health Network Rural Connectivity newsletters.
RCP Data Resources
Actively enrolled participants in the Rural Connectivity Program have access to data platforms and infographics that help turn data into meaningful, actionable insights. Through Carina Health Network, participants can access the Community Analytics Platform (CAP) and Innovaccer. The Community Analytics Platform offers eleven reports covering areas such as ADT, cancer screenings, Diabetes, immunizations, outmigration, Medicaid attribution, and other population health measures to help participants better understand their data. The Innovaccer Platform currently includes five modules, with newer additions focused on Quality Measures and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), further expanding opportunities to explore cost, utilization, risk, quality, and population-level insights.
Want to Explore More?
Visit the Rural Connectivity Resources Section on our RCP page to explore blog posts, CAP infographics, Innovaccer modules, newsletters, register for User Group meetings, and discover additional RCP resources.
Already Participating? Let’s Go Further.
If your facility is enrolled and would like:
- A personalized demonstration
- Support from our Quality Improvement Specialists
We’re here to help! Contact Us Here
More from the Quality Improvement team:
The Colorado Rural Health Center’s Quality Improvement team leads a variety of programs designed to help rural healthcare organizations strengthen processes, improve outcomes, and deliver high-quality care. From hands-on support and training to practical tools and resources, our QI programs are built to meet organizations where they are and support meaningful, sustainable improvement. Click below to learn more about the programs and resources available to CRHC members.
