This year marks 10 years of the Alliance, and we reflected on the partnerships and collaborative work that continue to strengthen health and wellbeing across Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties.
We also shared updates on a new sliding-scale membership model designed to support long-term sustainability while increasing partner engagement and accessibility for organizations of all sizes.
WMRHA also shared updates on regional investments and housing initiatives, including nearly $1.5M distributed to partner agencies during the past fiscal year and continued progress on a Permanent Supportive Housing project. Housing data reflected growing demand and longer placement timelines across the region due to ongoing external pressures.
An updated regional resource directory is now available and has been distributed across community locations
A regional food security gap analysis also identified several priority strategies for the mountain region, including:
- 72-hour emergency food bags
- Mobile pantry and market expansion
- Home-delivered meals for older adults
Colorado Health Institute
The Colorado Health Institute shared findings from the 2025 Colorado Health Access Survey focused on the I-70 mountain corridor. Data showed the region continues to experience:
- Higher uninsured rates than the statewide average
- Greater reliance on the individual insurance market
- Persistent barriers to care, including cost and difficulty accessing timely appointments
The discussion also highlighted how affordability challenges related to housing, food, and healthcare continue to overlap for many individuals and families across the region.
Contacts:
- Lindsey Whittington – whittingtonl@coloradohealthinstitute.org
- Emily Johnson – johnsone@coloradohealthinstitute.org
Colorado Health Foundation
The Colorado Health Foundation presented results from the 2025 Pulse Survey, noting a shift in community concerns across the Western Slope, with government and political climate emerging as a leading issue among respondents. They also shared information about upcoming regional candidate forums and community engagement opportunities.
Contact:
- Alexis Weightman – aweightman@ColoradoHealth.org
Community Resources & Support Services
Partners highlighted several direct support resources available to community members, including:
- Additional discussion highlighted overlapping affordability challenges across housing, food, and healthcare, as well as ongoing gaps in behavioral health access—particularly for older adults and rural communities. Thank you to Kim at Beneficent.
- Partners also shared resources to support community members directly, including free, bilingual financial counseling through the Financial Empowerment Center of the Rockies, and guidance on long-term care funding options such as Medicaid, VA benefits, and the Community First Choice program.
Contacts:
- Iliana Renteria – iliana@savingscollaborative.org
- Kim Searles – kim@doinggoodforothers.com
- Sarah Lampe – sarah@primehealthco.com
