The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) marked Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with a special event in Del Norte, Colorado, honoring the work of Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics. The celebration included a luncheon for staff, community members, and local leaders, as well as a video screening on the importance of primary care preceptors in sustaining the rural healthcare workforce.
Safety net clinics serve as essential healthcare providers for rural residents, particularly those who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by public programs such as Medicaid, CHP+, and Medicare. According to CRHC CEO Michelle Mills, these clinics are vibrant parts of local communities and economies. "Safety net clinics are the go-to facilities for rural residents and visitors in need of high-quality healthcare," Mills said. "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 their critical role, safety net clinics face significant challenges. They often operate without supplemental federal funding, which is unavailable to them, and must contend with limited resources for general operations, workforce shortages, growing reporting and accountability requirements, and evolving payment and delivery models. The clinics recognized during Safety Net Clinic Week include certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), rural practices, and other clinic types that serve vulnerable populations.
This year, CRHC chose to honor Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics for their outstanding performance and contributions to training future rural primary care physicians. The organization recently received recognition as both a Top 10 Hospital and Top 10 Clinic for Overall Performance, highlighting their dedication to quality and efficiency. "Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics serve the residents of the San Luis Valley with a dedication to quality and efficiency," Mills added. "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 Jared Polis also issued a declaration proclaiming August 23-29, 2026, as Safety Net Clinic Week in Colorado. The proclamation states, "rural safety net clinics provide essential healthcare treatment and preventive services to vulnerable populations in communities throughout our state… We express our appreciation and gratitude to rural safety net clinics who designate their time, energy, and resources to serving their communities."
The recognition of safety net clinics is crucial as they play a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas. Their work ensures that underserved populations have access to necessary medical care, which can improve health outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency services. However, the sustainability of these clinics is threatened by financial and workforce pressures. Raising awareness through events like Safety Net Clinic Week is essential for advocating for policy changes and support that can help these clinics continue their mission.
The Colorado Rural Health Center, established in 1991, serves as the State Office of Rural Health and the State Rural Health Association. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CRHC works to assist rural communities in addressing healthcare issues and advocates for policy changes to ensure rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare services. For more information about CRHC and its initiatives, visit coruralhealth.org.
