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From Our CEO

6.10.2013   |   by: Michele Lueck

It Takes A Community

Health care is local, the old saying goes. While national, state and market trends impact health and health care delivery, local communities are where theory and policy meet practice and implementation.

Each community’s approach to health – with its unique blend of history, providers, collaboration, competition and patient populations – results in different solutions, innovations and adaptations.

It’s with this idea in mind that the Colorado Health Institute has embarked on what we are calling our “Adopt a Health Region” initiative this year.  Each team member has adopted a Health Statistic Region – a geographic area used in policy and surveying work that is identified by population, travel preferences and geographic boundaries.  It’s one of our attempts to be less Denver-centric, understand local approaches to health and extend our reach and services beyond our capitol city.

I find myself in Grand Junction this week with my colleague Rebecca Crepin.  We are particularly interested in the Beacon approach to population health management and the approach of the Marillac Clinic and Colorado West Mental Health to integrating physical and behavioral health. 

I am also sure that we will find some local initiatives that we just don’t know about yet.

As our year progresses, look for regional updates from my colleagues.  And if you have a geographic market of particular interest, give us a call and we will connect you with our resident expert.

Michele Lueck is the president and CEO of CHI.

Tags: Health care, local, community, Adopt a Health Region, Grand Junction, Beacon, Marillac Clinic