Community Health Centers bring economic activity and health care careers to communities across Colorado

Community Health Centers bring economic activity and health care careers to communities across Colorado.

(Denver, February 15, 2023)― Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) released a new value-and-impact analysis today that shows that Community Health Centers (CHCs) contribute at least $1.7 billion in economic activity to Colorado’s economy, providing thousands of health care careers, as well as health care access, to communities that would not otherwise have them.
In 2021, Colorado CHCs contributed $1.7 billion in economic activity to Colorado’s economy. This included $780 million in direct operating expenditures in local economies, and additional economic activity totaling $932 million. In addition, Colorado CHCs contributed $206 million in state and federal tax revenues.

In 2021, Colorado CHCs directly employed the equivalent of 6,081 full-time employees (some positions are part-time, so actual number of employees is slightly higher.) The presence of Colorado Community Health Centers supported an additional 5,094 jobs in other businesses in their communities through the purchasing of goods and services.

These increases happened in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. CCHN’s previous analysis of 2018 economic activity by Colorado CHCs showed a total of $1.36 billion in economic activity in 2018, 5,869 full time employees (FTE), and 4,673 jobs in other businesses in their communities.
CHCs were key to the COVID-19 pandemic response. By the end of 2021, Colorado’s 20 CHCs provided 402,118 in-person COVID-19 tests and distributed 124,068 at-home self-tests. CHCs administered 765,312 COVID-19 vaccines. Of those who received tests or vaccines at CHCs, 64.2% identify as racial or ethnic minorities.

In 2021, Colorado Community Health Centers delivered high quality, comprehensive primary health care to one in seven Coloradans. CHCs provide integrated care, including medical, dental, vision, behavioral health care, substance use disorder services, and enabling services to overcome barriers to care.
CHCs are founded on the commitment to fair and equitable access to health care. Individuals who received care at Colorado CHCs in 2021 include:
• 89.8% low income
• 66.5% who identify as an ethnic or racial minority
• 12,674 agricultural workers
• 9,111 veterans
• 27,358 unhoused individuals

Community Health Centers are among the largest employers in local communities, including in many of the state’s most economically challenged areas.
• They directly help local economies by purchasing goods and services from local businesses.
• Employees spend their paychecks with local businesses.
• Community Health Centers engage in building and remodeling projects, acting as catalysts for economic revitalization by attracting investment and other businesses to local communities.
• Community Health Centers attract and retain more residents, businesses, and employment by adding to local economic activity.