Colorado Rural Health Center Releases Comprehensive 2026 Rural Health Report

The Colorado Rural Health Center has released the 2026 edition of its Snapshot of Rural Health, marking the most comprehensive volume in the report's history with a 42% increase in content compared to the previous year. This annual publication serves as a vital resource for understanding rural health data including demographic trends, chronic disease patterns, healthcare delivery systems, substance use issues, and economic factors affecting rural communities. The report utilizes infographic data visualization, case studies, and detailed maps to present complex information in an accessible format.

The 2026 edition analyzes 29 different topics and features 55 maps, all presented with rigorous citations that allow users to verify and utilize the data for educational, advocacy, and grant writing purposes. New sections introduced this year examine New Americans in Colorado, recent federal changes impacting Medicaid, medication assisted treatment programs, and mental health challenges within the agricultural community. According to Colorado Rural Health Center CEO Michelle Mills, "At CRHC, the annual release of the Snapshot starts our year off rooted in data. We seek to provide a resource that helps decisions to be made with comprehensive data and analysis of what's working and what's not in the rural healthcare delivery system."

The report's importance extends beyond data collection, serving as a foundation for policy discussions at both state and national levels. CRHC staff and board members will travel to Washington DC in February to participate in the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute, where they will meet with Colorado's senators and representatives. The Snapshot provides essential context for these discussions about legislative priorities and healthcare solutions for rural communities. As Colorado's State Office of Rural Health and member-based association for rural health facilities, CRHC functions as a clearinghouse for rural health information and resources, helping providers enhance services and assisting elected officials in making informed policy decisions.

The 148-page report includes data collected and analyzed by CRHC's Public Health Data Specialist and features a comprehensive citations page that makes sourcing each fact quick and easy. Mills emphasized that "The Snapshot is provided free of charge in the interest of advancing CRHC's vision of improving healthcare services available in rural communities to ensure that all rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality healthcare." The complete report is available for download at https://coruralhealth.org/snapshot-of-rural-health, while additional resources can be accessed through the CRHC resource center. This comprehensive data collection comes at a critical time as rural healthcare systems face ongoing challenges including provider shortages, infrastructure limitations, and evolving healthcare policies that disproportionately affect rural populations.