Morgan County: July 2018

Hello Morgan County,

This past May, as part of our locally-focused work, the Colorado Health Foundation and local partners hosted several events in Brush and Fort Morgan. Our hope was to have a conversation with community members about what it takes to ensure that health is in reach for all of Morgan County.

I am continuously impressed by the dedication to family, community and the important work happening in Morgan. The events gave me the opportunity to hear from a variety of voices that elevated major health-related themes: bringing the community together, cross-cultural communication, supporting youth and ensuring equitable access to health care were all highlighted as priorities for building a unified Morgan County.

Opportunities we heard about in Morgan County:

• Build a healthier, more equitable environment for all future generations
• Create a sense of community for everyone that accepts and includes all racial, ethnic, linguistic and other groups
• Ensure equitable access to health care options
• Create more abundant and diverse recreational and exercise programs
• Increase access to mental and physical health care options
• Inspire all community members to be as healthy as they can be
• Increase access to better, healthier food options
• Build community engagement through sports

During the events, we also shared information about other opportunities that the Foundation and our partners are engaging in locally, including an upcoming KaBOOM! playground project in the area. I hope you and others will consider signing up to volunteer and be part of this new playground build.

I want to personally thank every one of you who attended for providing different perspectives and valuable insights, and jumping in with your fellow community members. In particular, thank you to the Brush Chamber of Commerce, East Morgan County Library, OneMorgan County, Morgan Community College and all who helped make these events possible.

I’m committed to working with you to make Morgan County the healthiest place it can be. Together, we will build on your existing strengths and current work, grow upon your desire to have more community collaboration and connectedness, and work to ensure no one is left out or behind.

If you have an idea about how we can work together to make your community healthier, or would like to learn more about the Foundation, please email me or call me directly at 303-953-7910. I look forward to being a part of whatever Morgan County does next!

Thank you,

Rose Green, program officer