New Report Measures Colorado’s Progress in Promoting Health

A report released today by the Colorado Health Institute shows that while Colorado is making progress in efforts to improve the health of residents, parts of the system are falling short.

Reaching Our Peak: Creating a Healthier Colorado explores the factors that drive positive health outcomes and evaluates how Colorado stacks up in five key areas: schools, the workplace, communities, the health care delivery system and the places where we age.  The report shares evidence on programs with the best potential return on investment, while giving Coloradans an idea of where we stand in the all-important “hike” up the health mountain.

The report’s findings for Colorado’s progress, from high to low, are:

• Mid-high for health care, where Colorado is ahead of many states when it comes to testing new models that connect people to care and help them stay healthy;
• Mid for schools, where much of the groundwork has been laid through new healthy eating programs, although physical activity levels are still behind;
• Mid for workplace, where Colorado has demonstrated some early successes through employee wellness initiatives;
• Low-mid for communities, where we’re starting to see innovative programs to address food deserts and measure the health impact of projects; and
• Low for aging, where Colorado is just beginning to create alternatives to traditional nursing home care.

Creating a healthier Colorado requires a thoughtful balance of public investment, private involvement and individual responsibility. As policymakers and others work to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation, this report provides information that will help organizations prioritize their limited resources and make smart investments.

You can download Reaching Our Peak: Creating a Healthier Colorado online by clicking here.  For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Megan Lane at lanem@coloradohealthinstitute.org.