The State of Colorado has proclaimed August 17-21, 2015 as Safety Net Clinic Week, recognizing Community Safety Net Clinics and federally certified Rural Health Clinics across the state!
WHEREAS, there are 43 Community Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs) and 51 federally certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) located in 41 counties throughout Colorado; and
WHEREAS, these clinics were created by civic-minded individuals, health care professionals and systems, churches and other community organizations who recognize despite the presence of other safety net providers in their communities, there are many individuals, children and families still in need of timely access to health care services; and
WHEREAS, Colorado’s CSNCs and RHCs provide an estimated 1,125,000 visits to approximately 344,000 Coloradans annually, many in rural and underserved parts of our state; and
WHEREAS, these clinics provide essential health care treatment and preventive services to people and communities in need throughout our state; and
WHEREAS, CSNCs and RHCs are safety net providers primarily serving Coloradans who are uninsured, underinsured or insured through public programs like Medicaid, CHP+ and Medicare; and
WHEREAS, CSNCs and RHCs receive very little, if any government funding; instead they rely on complex and vulnerable funding streams; and
WHEREAS, CSNCs and RHCs often lack human and technical resources, but are creating innovative solutions to delivering patient-centered, high quality care in an efficient and effective manner; and
Therefore, I, John W. Hickenlooper, Governor of the State of Colorado, recognize that Community Safety Net Clinics and federally certified Rural Health Clinics provide essential health care services to Colorado’s underserved populations and areas; and
Express my appreciation and gratitude to all these clinics who dedicate their time, energy and resources to serving their communities; and
Do hereby proclaim August 17 - 21, 2015,
SAFETY NET CLINIC WEEK in the state of Colorado.
