Colorado Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Other Project Examples

San Luis Valley Public Health Partnership

Updated/reviewed December 2022

• Need: Public health departments in Colorado's rural San Luis Valley region desired to share public health services to improve health outcomes in the region.
• Intervention: Six counties joined in a public health cross-jurisdictional sharing arrangement. The partnership has served as a forum for sharing and evaluating opportunities to improve health access and core public health services.
• Results: The partnership has enabled health departments to share expertise and develop regional projects to provide a broader range of public health services.

Southwest Health System Antibiotic Stewardship Program

Updated/reviewed March 2021

• Need: Impact patient care and safety issues related to antibiotic use in southwest Colorado.
• Intervention: Pharmacy-led antibiotic stewardship program for inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings.
• Results: With antibiotic use guidelines, refined infection diagnostics, and first-choice antibiotic selections, all care settings now see decreased days of treatment and decreased resistance patterns.

SLV N.E.E.D.: Naloxone Education Empowerment Distribution Program

Updated/reviewed August 2020

• Need: Growing concern in rural Colorado communities regarding prescription and illegal opioid overdoses.
• Intervention: Education efforts for health workers and the larger community, in addition to establishing a naloxone overdose reversal drug program.
• Results: In addition to continuing to train nearly all first responders to administer naloxone, the organization provides harm reduction education in various community settings.

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