Clear Creek County received a 2018 Metro Vision Award from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). The award was presented at DRCOG’s annual awards celebration on April 25.
When Clear Creek county’s clinic closed in 2011, the community was faced with an immediate public health challenge made even more critical by two things: a growing aging population and limited access to public transportation. Community leaders recognized the urgency of not only bringing a health care facility back to Clear Creek County, but also ensuring access to care by the growing population.
Guided by their vision of a brighter future for the county, commissioners worked with Centura Health Physician Group to open a primary care clinic in Idaho Springs in July 2017 with two full-time doctors. To address the issues of access, the county launched a first-of-its kind intra-county bus system, with four stops a day at the clinic.
In addition to immediately improving the lives of residents, access to health care is a critical component to encouraging investment and economic development, diversifying the county’s economy. Clear Creek County has overcome a challenging situation through resilience and action, ensuring a key outcome of Metro Vision – expanded connections to ensure quality health care for all.
“Many people assume quality, reliable health care is a basic part of any community, but the residents of Clear Creek County experienced first-hand how critical this vital component truly is,” said Douglas Rex, executive director for DRCOG. “Major kudos to community leaders for not only bringing healthcare back to the area, but also ensuring access through the intra-county bus system.”
DRCOG’s Metro Vision Award program recognizes exemplary projects, plans and initiatives that significantly improve the quality of life in the Denver region and its communities. The regional council has been honoring outstanding achievements for more than 30 years.
