Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 02, 2026
Colorado Rural Health Center Honors Rio Grande Hospital During Safety Net Clinic Week
TLDR
- Colorado Rural Health Center honors Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics, a Top 10 performer, during Safety Net Clinic Week.
- CRHC's Safety Net Clinic Week event included lunch and a video on primary care preceptors, highlighting clinic operations despite funding gaps.
- Safety Net Clinic Week celebrates essential care for uninsured and rural populations, with Governor Polis proclaiming the week statewide.
- Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics, honored in Del Norte, train future rural doctors and rank top 10 in overall performance.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because safety net clinics are vital for rural and underserved populations, providing essential healthcare despite funding challenges. Recognizing their work and the importance of training primary care preceptors helps ensure the sustainability of rural healthcare. By highlighting these clinics and their contributions, the news raises awareness among policymakers and the public, potentially leading to better support and resources for these critical facilities.
Summary
DEL NORTE, CO, September 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) celebrated Colorado's annual Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with an event honoring the work of Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics in Del Norte, CO. CRHC provided lunch for staff, community members, and local leaders, as well as hosted a video screening on the importance of primary care preceptors in rural healthcare workforce sustainability.
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. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills emphasized the necessity of keeping the safety net intact and thriving. These clinics provide essential services despite limited funding, workforce challenges, growing reporting requirements, and changing payment models. Clinic types recognized include certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), rural practices, and other clinics serving Coloradans with public insurance.
This year, CRHC honored Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics for their recent designation as a Top 10 Hospital and a Top 10 Clinic for Overall Performance and their contributions to training future rural primary care physicians. Governor Polis signed a declaration proclaiming Safety Net Clinic Week. CRHC, established in 1991 as Colorado's State Office of Rural Health, advocates for policy change and assists rural communities in addressing healthcare issues.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Colorado Rural Health Center Honors Rio Grande Hospital During Safety Net Clinic Week
