The Colorado Rural Health Center commemorated National Rural Health Day on November 23, 2024, with a special visit to Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado. This annual celebration, held on the third Thursday of November since 2011, aims to honor and recognize the vital contributions of rural communities to healthcare across the state. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the significance of the day, stating that National Rural Health Day is a day to celebrate the Power of Rural and express thankfulness for rural healthcare facilities and their dedicated team members.
The celebration at Melissa Memorial Hospital involved 15 CRHC staff members from their Centennial office, who participated in a catered meal, toured the hospital facilities, and listened to remarks from both CRHC and MMH leadership. A Governor's Proclamation was also read to honor the work of rural facilities, underscoring the state's recognition of rural healthcare's importance. Michael Hassel, Chief Executive Officer of Melissa Memorial Hospital, highlighted the critical nature of rural healthcare, saying that National Rural Health Day is vital as it shines a spotlight on the critical, life changing and lifesaving work hospitals like theirs do every day while being charged to do more with less.
The event also celebrated recent legislative achievements, particularly the passage of SB24-168 in May 2024. This bill, which Melissa Memorial Hospital played a crucial role in advocating for, expands access to Remote Patient Monitoring services and Continuous Glucose Monitors for Medicaid members across Colorado. The legislation represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare access for rural communities. Michelle Mills praised MMH's efforts in the bill's passage, stating that the efforts of Melissa Memorial Hospital and countless other facilities and partners made the passage of SB24-168 possible this year through testifying and education campaigns.
Jayden Miracle, Clinic Manager at Melissa Memorial Hospital, emphasized the unique nature of rural healthcare, noting that rural health is one of a kind where they provide personalized whole patient care through innovation and personal care connections while developing lasting relationships with patients. The celebration of National Rural Health Day serves as a reminder of the essential role that rural healthcare facilities play in their communities despite facing unique challenges including limited resources and geographic isolation.
The Colorado Rural Health Center, established in 1991, serves as Colorado's State Office of Rural Health and State Rural Health Association with a mission to enhance healthcare services in the state by addressing rural health issues. The organization's efforts, along with those of rural healthcare providers like Melissa Memorial Hospital, are crucial in ensuring that all rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. As rural healthcare continues to evolve and face new challenges, events like National Rural Health Day provide an opportunity to recognize the ongoing efforts of rural healthcare providers and advocate for continued support and innovation in rural health services.
