UCHealth announced on May 14 that it has invested at least $1.6 billion in community benefit programs across Colorado, aiming to address gaps in health care services and support vulnerable populations throughout the state.
The investment comes as rural hospitals face increasing challenges, with many discontinuing maternity care and other essential services. UCHealth’s commitment includes expanding access to maternity, cancer, behavioral health, and primary care for underserved areas, while also supporting uninsured patients and those relying on Medicaid.
At UCHealth Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, staff have seen a significant increase in births from patients living in Otero County after Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center stopped offering labor and delivery services. Darrin Smith, president of Parkview Medical Center, said: “We are proud of the care our maternity teams provide to families across our region. For many people in Pueblo, Parkview has been part of some of life’s most important moments for generations. Hearing staff members and community members share that they were born here reflects the deep connection this hospital has with the community we serve.” Smith added: “We serve everyone. We are the safety net of southern Colorado.”
Tom Gronow, president and CEO of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, said: “We are based in Colorado, and we are here for Colorado.” He also stated: “Our goal is to take care of as many Coloradans as we can. It’s what we do every single day. We provide access to care and to cures.” Gronow emphasized UCHealth’s commitment despite financial challenges posed by low government reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients: “Taking care of people who need us is what we’ve always done… It’s our mission. We improve lives, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
The organization reports providing 30% of all Medicaid patient visits statewide—nearly 1.4 million annually—and being the only non-profit healthcare system serving adults based solely in Colorado. Other efforts include opening new behavioral health facilities; integrating mental health providers into more than 50 clinics; supporting workforce development through Project SEARCH internships for young people with disabilities; funding affordable employee housing; investing hundreds of millions into medical education at University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; awarding grants totaling $775,000 to nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity, preventive screenings, housing stability, transportation assistance; placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout rural communities; expanding interpretation services for non-English-speaking patients; and maintaining outreach programs such as mobile cancer treatment teams.
Gronow concluded: “We’re here for Coloradans so we invest in community partners who share our commitment to helping people stay healthy.”
