The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) celebrated its annual Safety Net Clinic Week (August 23-29, 2026) with a special event in Del Norte, Colorado, honoring the work of Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics. The event, held on August 26th, included a lunch for staff, community members, and local leaders, as well as a video screening on the importance of primary care preceptors in sustaining the rural healthcare workforce.
Safety net clinics are vital for rural residents and visitors who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. They are not only healthcare providers but also integral parts of local communities and economies. According to CRHC CEO Michelle Mills, "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."
Despite their importance, safety net clinics face significant challenges, including limited funding, workforce shortages, and increasing regulatory requirements. They often operate without supplemental federal funding, yet they remain committed to delivering essential care. The clinic types recognized during Safety Net Clinic Week include certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and other practices that serve vulnerable populations.
This year, CRHC chose to honor Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics because of their recent recognition as a Top 10 Hospital and Top 10 Clinic for overall performance, as well as their outstanding contributions to training the next generation of rural primary care physicians. "Rio Grande Hospital and Clinics serve the residents of the San Luis Valley with a dedication to quality and efficiency," said Mills. "The access to care provided by safety net clinics is invaluable and we were honored to celebrate in Del Norte. Happy Safety Net Clinic Week!"
Governor Polis also signed a declaration proclaiming August 23-29, 2026, as Safety Net Clinic Week in Colorado. The proclamation states that "rural safety net clinics provide essential healthcare treatment and preventive services to vulnerable populations in communities throughout our state… We express our appreciation and gratitude to rural safety net clinics who designate their time, energy, and resources to serving their communities."
The celebration underscores the ongoing need for support and recognition of these clinics, which are crucial for ensuring access to healthcare in rural areas. As CRHC continues to advocate for policy changes and resources, events like Safety Net Clinic Week help highlight the invaluable services these clinics provide despite numerous obstacles.
