The Colorado Rural Health Center has released the 2026 edition of its Snapshot of Rural Health, marking the most comprehensive version of the annual publication with a 42% increase in content compared to the previous year. The report serves as an essential resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders by providing detailed analysis of rural health data through infographic visualizations, case studies, and maps.
The 2026 Snapshot examines 29 distinct topics and features 55 maps, presenting complex healthcare information in an accessible visual format with rigorous citations. New sections this year focus on New Americans in Colorado, recent federal changes impacting Medicaid, medication assisted treatment, and mental health within the agricultural community. According to CRHC CEO Michelle Mills, the annual release establishes a data-driven foundation for the organization's work, helping stakeholders make decisions based on comprehensive analysis of what functions effectively and what requires improvement within the rural healthcare delivery system.
The 148-page document includes data collected and analyzed by CRHC's Public Health Data Specialist and is available for download at https://coruralhealth.org/snapshot-of-rural-health. The report is provided free of charge as part of CRHC's mission to advance healthcare services in rural communities and ensure all rural Coloradans have access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality healthcare.
This publication arrives at a critical time as CRHC staff and board members prepare to travel to Washington DC from February 10-12 to participate in the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute. During these meetings with Colorado's senators and representatives, the Snapshot of Rural Health will serve as a vital starting point for discussions about legislative priorities and solutions for rural healthcare challenges. As Colorado's State Office of Rural Health and member-based association for rural health facilities, CRHC functions as a clearinghouse for rural health information and resources, helping providers enhance services and assisting elected officials in making informed policy decisions.
The expanded scope of the 2026 report reflects growing complexity in rural healthcare delivery, with particular attention to emerging issues affecting rural populations. For additional resources beyond the Snapshot, stakeholders can access the CRHC resource center at http://coruralhealth.org/resources. The comprehensive data visualization approach enables quicker identification of trends and disparities, potentially accelerating both local interventions and statewide policy responses to rural health challenges.
