Colorado Rural Health Center Honors Basin Clinic During Safety Net Clinic Week
The Colorado Rural Health Center celebrated Safety Net Clinic Week by honoring Basin Clinic in Naturita, highlighting the critical role safety net clinics play in providing essential healthcare to rural and underserved communities despite funding challenges.
The Colorado Rural Health Center marked the annual Safety Net Clinic Week with a luncheon recognizing Basin Clinic in Naturita, Colorado, emphasizing the vital healthcare services these facilities provide to rural communities. Governor Jared Polis signed a proclamation declaring August 17-23, 2025 as Safety Net Clinic Week statewide, acknowledging the essential role of rural safety net clinics in Colorado's healthcare system.
Safety net clinics serve as crucial access points for healthcare in rural areas, particularly for uninsured, underinsured, and publicly insured patients. CRHC CEO Michelle Mills stated, "Safety net clinics are essential points of access for healthcare services in rural communities across the state. In today's environment especially, the importance of quality care that is accessible to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or insured through public programs cannot be understated."
Despite operating without supplemental federal funding, these clinics continue to deliver valuable care while facing significant challenges including limited operational funding, workforce shortages, and evolving regulatory requirements. Basin Clinic was specifically honored for its dedicated service to Montrose County and its recent recognition as a CRHC Top 10 Rural Healthcare Facility for Overall Performance.
Christina Pierce, Executive Director at Basin Clinic, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting the clinic's commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate healthcare with limited resources. The importance of these facilities was further underscored by Basin Clinic Board President Chris Daniels, who shared, "Speaking as a patient, my life was saved because Basin is where it is. If I had had to be transported 25 miles away, to another town, I would never have survived."
The governor's proclamation, available here, recognizes that rural primary care safety net clinics make exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of Coloradans. The document expresses gratitude to these clinics for dedicating their time, energy, and resources to serving their communities, highlighting their critical role in maintaining healthcare access in rural areas where transportation barriers and limited resources often prevent residents from seeking care elsewhere.