Denver, Colorado – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would create a new medical school at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support medical and veterinary medicine at various institutions of higher education in the state. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty, would help address Colorado's health care worker shortage.
“This monumental legislation will fund the creation of UNC's new College of Osteopathic Medicine, which will be key to addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in Colorado's rural and underserved communities. It helps to promote this.” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We have worked hard to address our state's health care worker shortage, and this landmark legislation will allow us to build a new medical school in Greeley, a veterinary health education complex in Fort Collins, and MSU Denver and Trinidad. The establishment of two other medical programs will be activated: state universities.”
“Colorado is experiencing a critical health care workforce shortage, from nurses to veterinarians, which is impacting the health and well-being of Coloradans.” said Congresswoman Lindsey Daugherty. “This landmark bill will help Colorado train and educate future doctors, veterinarians, and other health care providers. I’m proud to support this bill that will increase access and help Coloradans and their animals live safe and healthy lives.”
HB24-1231The committee passed by a 12-1 vote to launch four projects related to health science education programs for medical professionals.
Specifically, this bill would provide funding for:
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Building a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
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Construction of the Health Research Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)
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Construction of a veterinary education facility at Colorado State University (CSU)
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Trinidad State University Valley Campus main building renovation work
This bill would begin a second medical program at UNC in earnest and help streamline it. 150 new osteopathic doctors hired enters our workforce each year and helps meet the primary health care needs of Coloradans. UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine $1.4 billion over the next 20 years The economic impact will be significant, with an estimated $500 million in economic impacts expected to remain in Weld County. The bill would also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-career health care professionals.
Colorado faces critical health care providers shortage This results in neglected care, increased wait times, and limited critical care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state's largest investment in higher education aimed at strengthening the state's health care workforce so Coloradans can get the care they need, when they need it.
