The NoCo Health Sector Partnership (HSP) convened its Quarterly All-Partner Meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at High Country Beverage. A total of 62 participants attended, including 41 industry partners and 21 ancillary support partners.
The mission of the Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership is to bring together key stakeholders to advance and strengthen health across the region through collaboration, innovative problem-solving, and shared success.
Sponsor Presentation – BridgeWell Foundation
BridgeWell Foundation provided an overview of its history, mission, and current initiatives.
• Founded in 1981 as the McKee Medical Center Foundation
• Serves residents of Larimer County and Weld County
• Independent nonprofit public charity
Mission: Bridging gaps in health and wellness.
Vision: A Northern Colorado where everyone can thrive.
Regional Action Committee (RAC) Update
Presenter: Carol Salter – Weld County Workforce Center
Two-Year Goals:
• Increase youth exposure to healthcare careers
• Expand CNA and MA training programs
• Address age barriers to work-based learning
Two-Year Metrics:
• 10% increase in youth engagement
• Increased employer participation in work-based learning
• Expanded CNA and MA training capacity
• Investigation of age restrictions impacting clinical training
Five-Year Goal:
• Address physician shortages in rural areas
Five-Year Metrics:
• 10% reduction in job vacancies for prioritized occupations
• Increase in physicians and licensed professionals practicing in rural communities
Legislative Advocacy Update
Presenter: Mark Longshore – Colorado Nurses Association mark@coloradonurses.org
Bill Tracking Resources:
• Colorado Medical Society
• COPIC
• Colorado Nurses Association
Key Bills Discussed:
• SB26-004 – Expand List of Petitioners
• SB26-032 – Promoting Immunization Access
• SB26-041 – Consumer Protections Medical Care Entities
• HB26-1010 – Older Adult Support and Representation
• Call to action: join the committee and/or let committee know what healthcare bills are helpful to track
Recruitment & Retention Committee Update
Presenter: Susan Scott – Thompson School District
Accreditation Barriers
• Accreditation bodies identified as a barrier to expanding clinical education capacity
• Committee exploring areas where HSP may advocate or support solutions
Financial Literacy Initiative
• Collaboration with the Northern Colorado Financial Sector Partnership
• Development of an online financial literacy resource hub for healthcare employees
Workplace Violence
• Exploration of regional software systems to flag violent patients across Northern Colorado healthcare systems
K–12 Work-Based Learning
• Banner HEAL internships
• UCHealth Internships – Presentation/showcase of students in April
• Call to action: email Susan Scott susan.scott@tsd.org for an invite to these presentations
The meeting concluded with appreciation extended to the sponsor, presenters, and participants for their continued collaboration and commitment to improving health outcomes and workforce sustainability in Northern Colorado.
Better Serving the Aging Committee Update
Presenter: Shantay Marcos – Home Instead shantay.marcos@homeinstead.com
• Explore development of a comprehensive, user-friendly dementia resource guide for Weld and Larimer Counties
• Create a centralized reference tool for individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers
• Call to action: Join the committee and share resources