The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) marked the state's annual Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with a special event in Del Norte, Colorado, paying tribute to Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics for their exceptional service and commitment to rural healthcare. The celebration included a luncheon for staff, community members, and local leaders, along with a video screening on the importance of primary care preceptors in sustaining the rural healthcare workforce.
Safety net clinics are essential providers for rural residents and visitors who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by public programs. They are vital to the well-being of their communities and local economies. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the importance of these clinics: "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." She added, "CRHC hosts Safety Net Clinic Week each year to educate policymakers, healthcare advocates, and community leaders on the necessity of keeping our safety net intact and thriving."
Despite lacking supplemental federal funding, safety net clinics continue to deliver essential healthcare services to rural and underserved populations. They operate under diverse business and practice models but share a common commitment to caring for those in need. These clinics face significant challenges, including limited operational funding, workforce shortages, increasing reporting and accountability demands, and evolving payment and delivery systems. The clinic types honored during Safety Net Clinic Week include certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), rural practices, and other clinics that serve Coloradans covered by Medicaid, CHP+, Medicare, or who are uninsured or underinsured.
This year's event was held on August 26th in Del Norte, chosen to recognize Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics for their recent achievements as a Top 10 Hospital and Top 10 Clinic for Overall Performance, as well as their outstanding contributions to 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. Happy Safety Net Clinic Week!"
Governor Polis also signed a declaration proclaiming August 23-29, 2026, as Safety Net Clinic Week in Colorado, recognizing that "rural safety net clinics provide essential healthcare treatment and preventive services to vulnerable populations in communities throughout our state." The proclamation expresses appreciation for the time, energy, and resources these clinics dedicate to serving their communities.
The Colorado Rural Health Center, established in 1991 as the State Office of Rural Health, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as both the State Office of Rural Health and the State Rural Health Association. Its mission is to assist rural communities in addressing healthcare issues and advocate for policy changes ensuring rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality healthcare services. For more information, visit www.coruralhealth.org.
