The Colorado Rural Health Center, serving as both the State Office of Rural Health and State Rural Health Association, marked National Rural Health Day with celebrations at Southwest Health System in Cortez, Colorado. The annual event, observed on the third Thursday of November since 2011, recognizes the contributions of rural communities and healthcare providers throughout the state. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating that National Rural Health Day is a day to celebrate the Power of Rural and acknowledge how important rural healthcare facilities are to communities across rural and frontier Colorado.
This year's celebration featured a locally catered meal and remarks from leadership of both organizations. The CRHC secured and presented a Governor's Proclamation honoring rural healthcare facilities statewide for their service to communities. The event brought together healthcare staff, caregivers, and community partners to recognize the vital work occurring in rural healthcare settings. Southwest Health System CEO Joe Thein expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting the honor of having CRHC recognize the good work at Southwest Health System and the work done every day to care for people.
As a critical safety net hospital in Montezuma County, Southwest Health System provides essential healthcare services to a geographically isolated region. The facility offers not only urgent and emergency care but also comprehensive primary and specialty medical services to meet diverse community needs. Lisa Gates, Southwest Health System Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized the dedication of rural healthcare workers in her remarks, noting that rural healthcare providers and staff are the backbone of medical care in the community, ensuring patients receive essential health services often under challenging circumstances.
The celebration underscored the ongoing challenges faced by rural healthcare facilities, including resource limitations and geographic isolation, while highlighting the resilience and commitment of healthcare professionals serving these communities. Mills concluded the celebration by expressing gratitude to all rural facilities and communities on National Rural Health Day. For additional information about rural healthcare initiatives in Colorado, visit https://www.coruralhealth.org.
