By Dr. Molly Gutilla, DrPH, President, Health District Board of Directors

What does it take to enhance community health?

It means making vital health services affordable and readily accessible to all. It’s about supporting residents in navigating the complexities of health insurance with confidence. It's ensuring everyone can access the mental health services they need. It’s also about providing the education and resources that promote healthy lifestyles.

For three decades, the Health District has been an organization deeply committed to community health. Our top three priority areas: Dental Care, Behavioral Health Care, and Access to Care remain. As we move into the next 30 years, we are embarking on two transformative approaches to enhance how we meet our goals:

• First, we are transforming service delivery. By creating an integrated health campus, we will continue to provide equitable, high-quality care in our priority areas — Oral Health, Behavioral Health, and Health Care Access.

• Additionally, we are reimagining our partnerships. We will fund high-impact community projects that prioritize equity and leverage local expertise and resources to expand opportunities within Northern Larimer County. In 2025 we will establish a framework to fund community partners with the goal of providing funding in 2026.

As President of the Health District's Board of Directors, a seven-year Board member, and a former staff member, I've witnessed firsthand the Health District’s dedication to improving community health.

Over the past 30 years, we’ve accomplished so much and there is so much to be proud of. Yet we know one fundamental truth: improving community health requires collaboration. We cannot do this work alone. To hold equity at the heart of what we do, we must fulfill our mission in deep partnership.  

When we know better, we must do better. Guided by community data, staff feedback, and insights from community partners, the Board of Directors has developed a bold and forward-thinking Strategic Plan that honors our legacy while reimagining our future. This plan is available on the Health District's website.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we honor the legacy of service we’ve built in Northern Larimer County. We also know that our future in community health is collaborative, innovative, and rooted in three decades of bold actions.

The Health District Board of Directors is fully committed to building upon the past and leading into the future.

Things are going to look different as we move forward. But this will not be a Health District that you won’t recognize. The mission remains the same. The organization’s approach is evolving with intention as we enter the next 30 years. Together, we will build a healthier, more equitable future for all members of our community.