Colorado Conversations for Better Health Care, also known as Health Care Advocacy, seeks to increase awareness, education and involvement of citizens throughout Colorado in ongoing discussions about healthcare policy at the local, state and federal levels.

Serving as a neutral convener and facilitator of these Conversations across the state, Colorado Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC) aims to foster a dialogue directly related to healthcare policy.  AHEC also provides leadership and information during these crucial times surrounding healthcare issues from grass roots to elected officials.

Available Presentations
Colorado AHEC has developed a variety of presentations to offer to the community. Please contact your local Colorado AHEC office to schedule a Conversation.

• AHEC 101: Why AHEC? Why Now?
• Advocacy at Home: Strengthening  the AHEC Connection in your Community
• Limited English Proficiency - Impacts HealthCare Access
• Primary Care Workforce
• HealthCare 101

Colorado Health Institute Series -Colorado AHEC Program only

• Election Information Series (completed in fall of 2010)- Colorado AHEC Program only
• Conversation Series- Colorado AHEC Program Office only

Additional Conversations: Our series brings about mutually agreed upon changes and outcomes for healthcare policies by providing Conversations that are based upon truth of healthcare knowledge through honest discussions, and allowing for collaborative advocacy work.

For instance, from September 2010 through May 2011, on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Central AHEC and Colorado AHEC had several exciting Conversation series.  The Colorado Health Institute Series provided up-to-date information on the new Health Care Law in a monthly series through May of 2011.

Colorado AHEC and Central AHEC Election Information Series provided valuable election information.  Though the topics were highly charged it provided important and timely information for attendees. For example, the proponents and opposing groups on Amendment 63 (Healthcare Choice) provided important detailed information and vital discussion on this amendment. Amendment 63 could impact our state by making Colorado one of the few states to oppose the new healthcare law. The information was provided in a neutral manner and both sides were given equal time.  For disclaimer purposes, the University of Colorado, Central AHEC, and Colorado AHEC did not endorse either side of the Amendment. Colorado AHEC was the neutral facilitator.  Our series received high praise.
Please check out our website www.ucdenver.edu/coahec/advocacy for a complete library of past Conversations that you may download.

Program inception date July 2009

Outcomes

• In two years, AHEC has reached more than 120 communities throughout the state and met with more than 4,500 individuals.  On average 40 people attend each of our Conversations statewide.
• At the Anschutz Medical Campus more than 1,000 people have attended our Conversations and on average 100 people attended each Conversation.
• 61% of the attendees of the Election Information Series discovered a new perspective they have never considered before, and 88% said the series met their expectations.