Meeker Family Health Center awarded grant

MEEKER I The Meeker Family Health Center will receive a $23,188 grant from the Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Council. Governor John Hickenlooper announced the awards of more than $2 million to 54 health care facilities across the state to improve and help spread health care delivery in rural Colorado communities.
The grants are part of a six-year, $7.5 million program, funded by UnitedHealthcare. Since 2007, the project has awarded grant recipients $5,000 to $50,000 to encourage their work. The grants support health information technology, facility improvement, equipment and training.
A total of 54 grants were awarded this year to physical, mental and oral health care providers in 42 Colorado counties. The grants will support various health initiatives, including health information technology, construction and remodeling projects, equipment, and staff training.
“As we continue toward our goal of providing access to high quality, affordable health care to all Coloradans, it is critical that we support our rural communities,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “These investments will have a significant impact on care and on people’s lives from Julesburg to Durango.”
“UnitedHealthcare is committed to investing in a healthier Colorado and expanding quality health care services to rural communities throughout the state,” said Beth Soberg, president and CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado. “By supporting community organizations serving rural Colorado, together we are able to address the critical needs of the underserved population and help improve the health care delivery system statewide.”
The Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Council is co-chaired by UnitedHealthcare’s Vice President of Health Care Strategies, Dr. Jacqueline Stiff, and the Director of the Colorado Primary Care Office, Mr. Stephen Holloway. The board includes health care consumers, rural health care providers, and representatives from the Governor’s Office, Division of Insurance at the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and Department of Local Affairs.
The Colorado Rural Health Center, Colorado’s non-profit state office of rural health, administers the grant program.