Colorado Rural Futures
Advocating for sustainability for Rural and Frontier Hospitals in Colorado
Our Mission
To strengthen and support Colorado's Rural and Frontier hospitals by developing a comprehensive policy roadmap to address their challenges and improve healthcare delivery in these areas.
About Us
We are a group of Colorado Rural and Frontier Hospitals CEOs who share a concern about the future viability of healthcare in the communities we serve. We endeavor to create a logical roadmap that will guide state policymakers in establishing policies that affect our hospitals in the future.
Rural and Frontier hospitals play a key role in providing healthcare access to isolated populations, stimulating local economies, and addressing healthcare disparities, this study seeks to ensure their sustainability and improvement to benefit these communities.
The Farley Health Policy Center has estimated an initial budget of $374,000 to support a diverse team of eight professionals over 12 months to conduct the research necessary to produce a policy roadmap designed to inform the strengthening of rural and frontier hospitals across Colorado.
To ensure comprehensive healthcare access for all Coloradans, we aim to secure the support of all rural hospitals, obtain material assistance from urban partners, and cultivate a strong partnership with other rural stakeholders.
Lauren S. Hughes, MD, MPH, MSc, MHCDS, FAAFP
Liza M. Creel, PhD
Mission
We develop and translate evidence to advance policies and integrate systems that improve health, equity, and well-being.
Vision
Whole health for all.
Perform a root cause analysis of the challenges faced by Frontier and Rural Hospitals in Colorado.
Prioritize solutions that best address Colorado's specific rural hospital needs and political landscape.
Charting a Course for Stronger Rural & Frontier Healthcare.
Charting a Course for Stronger Rural & Frontier Healthcare.
Uncover innovative ideas: Launch a comprehensive study to identify successful state solutions for rural & frontier hospital challenges.
Build a winning coalition: Identify and engage local policymakers who can champion these solutions in the 2025 General Assembly.
Contact US
Primary Contact
Kevin Stansbury, MS, JD, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer,
Lincoln Health
Main: 719.743.2421
coloradoruralfutures@gmail.com
Jason C. Amrich, MBA, PT, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer,
Gunnison Valley Health
|970.641.7231
coloradoruralfutures.com
Liza M. Creel, PhD
Associate Professor | Division of Health Care Policy and Research
Affiliate Faculty | Farley Health Policy Center
Core Lead | ACCORDS Economic Analysis Core
www.cuanschutz.edu
Lauren S. Hughes, MD, MPH, MSc, MHCDS, FAAFP
State Policy Director, Farley Health Policy Center
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
www.cuanschutz.edu