health
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Drug overdose deaths across Colorado drop for the first time in years
Drug overdose deaths across Colorado eased slightly in 2018 for the first time in years, led by a drop in prescription painkiller deaths that have been a root cause of the opioid epidemic. Across the state, 974 people died from drug overdoses last year – a 38-person drop from the state’s record death toll set…
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Polis announces task force to reform Colorado’s behavioral health care system
Governor Jared Polis on Monday announced the creation of a behavioral health task force aimed at overhauling Colorado’s system for treating people battling mental illness and substance abuse. The announcement came a day after The Gazette published a special report that found Colorado’s mental health system is in crisis, with hundreds of thousands of Coloradans…
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Health insurance enrollments in Colorado up slightly for 2019
Health insurance enrollments through Colorado’s exchange ended slightly up compared with last year, led by a rush of people seeking federal tax credits to ease their monthly insurance premiums. Across Colorado, 169,672 people signed up for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado during the most recent 2½-month open enrollment period, which ended Tuesday. That…
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Colorado Springs area risks violating federal ozone standards
The Colorado Springs area could violate federal air quality standards if smog isn’t kept in check this summer. Last summer, ozone levels measured by regional air quality monitors at the Air Force Academy and in Manitou Springs exceeded the limit mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency several times. If ozone concentrations again exceed that threshold…
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After years of decline, uninsured rate for children stagnates in Colorado
by Jessica Seaman, The Denver Post via Tribune News Service The number of children in Colorado with health insurance has increased for almost a decade, but now the decline in the state’s youth uninsured rate is stagnating – and advocates fear more children could lose coverage due to a rule change proposed by the Trump…
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COVER STORY | Bitter pills: Governor candidates see dangers in each other’s health proposals
Health care ranks among the top issues in Colorado’s race for governor. But to hear the campaigns and their allies describe it, voters in November will be choosing between Democrat Jared Polis’ and Republican Walker Stapleton’s competing health scare policies. Both candidates say it’s a top priority to expand Coloradans’ access to health care and…
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Taxpayer ROI: Where Colorado ranks
Taxes? Not much fun. But as tax deadline day looms, are we Coloradans getting as much bang for each buck of our taxes as other states? Turns out that we are – or at least so says a new ranking of “taxpayer return on investment” from WalletHub. It’s clear taxes are a pain for most…
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Hickenlooper lets nursing-degree bill become law without his signature
DENVER – A measure allowing Colorado’s community colleges to offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) is becoming law – but not because Colorado’s governor signed it. House Bill 1086 is aimed at helping to alleviate the state’s acute shortage of nurses at a time when the population is growing, as are demands on Colorado’s medical…
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State program drives down unwanted pregnancy rates in Colorado
Colorado’s teen pregnancy, birth and abortion rates continue to plummet under a Colorado state health department family planning program that has averted nearly $70 million in state and federal spending, according to the state health department. Colorado’s Title X Family Planning Program has provided a range of family planning services for more than 40 years.…
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Bond passage means jobs, government transparency, positive growth, says Denver mayor
Denver voters gave the green light for city officials to allocate nearly a billion dollars for 460 citywide projects as part of the city’s growth plan, so now what? Mayor Michael Hancock says it’s a vote of confidence from the people and a huge responsibility that won’t be taken lightly. “With a yes vote, we…