The origin of the Network dates back to the mid-1990’s when community leaders, politicians, healthcare professionals, and businesses began meeting to address healthcare access problems for county residents. Through these meetings, a decision was made to first take stock of existing healthcare resources and then outline gaps in the community.
In 1998, members of the still informal Network agreed on the need for a community healthcare needs assessment. The survey revealed dissatisfaction among current residents and healthcare professionals in the existing delivery model. Most survey respondents felt that there was a very limited scope of healthcare services available. As a result, many residents sought care outside of the county. Based on these findings, and the widespread community support for addressing these healthcare challenges, the Network was formally organized in 1999 and given seed money from a Rural Network Development Grant from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The Network was formally incorporated in 2001 and received its federal 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in 2002.
Founding organizations include: Grand County Government, Kremmling Memorial Hospital District (KMHD), St. Anthony’s Hospital/Centura-Denver (SAC), Grand County government’s Citizen’s Health Advisory Committee, Allied Health Professionals, and the Grand County Medical Society.