New Analysis Evaluates Statewide Efforts to Improve Health

Colorado has achieved uneven progress during the past year as it works toward becoming a healthier state, according to a new Colorado Health Institute analysis.

In “Reaching Our Peak 2014: Scorecard for a Healthier Colorado," the impact of policies, programs and politics is measured in five important areas – schools, the workplace, communities, the health care delivery system and the places where we age. The report updates last year’s “Reaching Our Peak”  findings.

The Colorado Health Institute found that Colorado has improved in the community and school categories, stayed the same in the aging and workplace categories, and lost ground in the health care delivery system category.

The analysis found that despite concerted efforts to improve Colorado’s health, the pace was slow and the progress uneven, in part because of the sheer size of the challenges, the reality of red tape, and the difficulty of getting everyone on the same page.

“Momentum is building in all sectors toward reaching the goal of improved health for Coloradans but it will take time to see results of these initiatives and programs,” said Director of Community Health Policy Sara Schmitt, who led the project.

“Monitoring progress is key not only to highlight what is working but to call out where additional efforts are needed.” 

A key finding was that the private sector drove much of the innovation over the past year.

Alternatives to traditional nursing home care became more available thanks to philanthropic funding and collaboration among community partners. More Coloradans gained access to healthier food through the efforts of advocates and entrepreneurs. New forms of private health insurance encouraged people to use preventive and cost-effective care. And employers increasingly promoted wellness in the workplace.

Government at all levels continued investing in new health care models and initiatives, but the public sector often moves cautiously and these efforts may not yield results for years.

State and local leaders are beginning to make health impact assessments part of the equation in public projects. Care coordination is center stage in Medicaid reform. Food prepared or sold at school is more nutritious because of state and federal guidelines. And Colorado is spending millions of federal dollars to create a stronger early childhood education system.

The Colorado Health Institute visited promising programs across the state, providing highlights of Loveland’s new Green House homes for seniors, a community health program by the North Colorado Health Alliance, a mobile emergency department service, worksite wellness at the Butterly Pavilion in Westminster, and a photo project for kids on the Eastern Plains called “I on Health.”

The analysis graded Colorado’s progress based on research into: state and federal legislative actions; policy and program implementation and expansion; government support; and private investment and engagement.