HISTORY
The Health Partnership: Supporting our communities through direct services and systems level healthcare change.
Our History
The Health Partnership traces its roots back to 2006, when northwest Colorado’s care providers united around a shared agenda addressing the health needs of the Yampa Valley. This effort was centered on fostering stronger collaboration so that health systems could be more resilient and community members healthier. This foundation evolved into Northwest Colorado Community Health Partnership, founded in 2016.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Health Partnership is funded through Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Connect for Health CO, and various other grants. At its core, the organization is guided by a deep commitment to health equity and is steadfast in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all it does.
Our Journey Through the Years
2017
Launch of the Care Coordination program, providing one-on-one support to help people access transportation, primary care providers, housing & financial stability, transportation and other needed resources. We also launched the Navigation Networks, bringing together case managers, navigators, and care coordinators to identify available resources and create county-specific resource and referral lists in English and Spanish.
2018
Navigation Networks evolves into Collaborative Care meetings to support wraparound services and improve coordination among direct-service staff.
2019
Northwest Colorado Community Health Partnership is renamed The Health Partnership. Health insurance outreach and enrollment services begin, helping people find plans and understand how to use coverage through the health exchange.
2020
Launch of the Community Recovery Program in response to the need for substance use disorder recovery support and safe, substance-free spaces. Also efforts to bring the Community Resource Network online to support virtual care team collaboration meetings.
2021
Programs are consolidated and strengthened, High Fidelity Wrap Around Services is introduced for youth with complex mental health needs, and a two-year strategic plan is drafted.
2022
Completion of the Community Health Needs Assessment; launch of Jail Care Coordination in Routt County; and reestablishment of Care Coordination Collaborative meetings in Routt and Moffat counties.
2023
Launch of the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative (RFWI) to help organizations and businesses support staff in substance use disorder recovery.
2024
Behavioral Health Care Coordination is formalized with UC Health; Jail/Judicial Care Coordination deepens its work with Moffat County Jail-Based Behavioral Health Services and the 14th Judicial Recovery Court; High Fidelity Wraparound expands into Rio Blanco County; and the Community Impact team grows with new Regional Health Connector and Promotora roles.
2025
The organization reaches its largest scale yet, with six Care Coordinators serving Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties; the Peer Recovery team becoming the largest peer recovery program in Northwest Colorado; the Judicial Program adding dedicated management and launching the Handle with Care initiative with the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office and the Moffat County School District; Health Coverage being recognized by Connect for Health CO as a model site; and work beginning on a Social Health Information Exchange (SHIE) to streamline referrals.
We feel so lucky to have an incredible team & network of collaborators as we celebrate 10-Years as an organization!
Looking forward, The Health Partnership remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact, determined in its mission to advance health equity and foster a healthier, more connected community. Together with our partners and community members, we continue to build a future where everyone has access to the care and support they need.