Colorado Rural Health Center CEO Receives National Recognition for Rural Healthcare Leadership

Colorado Rural Health Center CEO Michelle Mills was honored with three national awards recognizing her significant contributions to rural healthcare leadership during the National Rural Health Association's annual policy institute in Washington, D.C. The awards acknowledged her service as 2025 NRHA board president, her exemplary commitment to advancing rural health leadership through the National Rural Health Foundation, and her overall contributions to the field over many years. NRHA CEO Alan Morgan emphasized that Mills' impact on the organization and its progress during the past year cannot be understated, noting that her leadership will be missed from board meetings.

Mills expressed humility at receiving recognition from NRHA, which she described as an exemplary leader in the rural health field. She highlighted the critical timing of these awards, stating that rural healthcare is undergoing substantial changes, and the partnership between NRHA, CRHC, and numerous other organizations nationwide ensures that rural Americans' voices are heard in policy discussions. During her tenure as NRHA board president from January through December 2025, Mills helped guide the organization through significant policy developments affecting rural communities across the United States.

The recognition occurred during the NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute, an annual event that connects rural healthcare representatives with federal legislators to discuss the future of rural healthcare delivery. Mills led Colorado's delegation in five meetings on Capitol Hill, engaging with Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper along with Representatives Lauren Boebert, Brittany Pettersen, and Kevin Hurd. These meetings provided crucial opportunities to advocate for policies addressing rural health disparities and resource challenges facing Colorado's remote communities.

CRHC assembled a comprehensive team of rural health advocates to participate in the policy institute alongside Mills. The delegation included Kelly Erb Zager, CRHC's Director of Policy and Advocacy, along with representatives from various rural healthcare institutions including Melissa Memorial Hospital, Rio Grande Hospital, Lincoln Health Community Hospital, and Southwest Health System. Additional participants came from the Colorado School of Public Health, LOR Foundation, Ten Mile Enterprises, and Provider One Solutions, demonstrating the collaborative approach necessary to address complex rural health challenges.

The awards and accompanying policy work come at a pivotal moment for rural healthcare systems nationwide, which face unique challenges including provider shortages, limited access to specialty care, and financial sustainability concerns. Mills' recognition underscores the importance of sustained leadership in advocating for rural communities, particularly as healthcare delivery models evolve and new technologies create both opportunities and challenges for remote areas. The coordinated advocacy efforts during the policy institute represent ongoing work to ensure rural health considerations remain central to national healthcare discussions and legislative priorities.