Colorado

Colorado

Colorado soars. At an elevation greater than any other state, the Centennial state sets a high bar for health, too. We’re among the happiest and healthiest regions in the country, with a population dedicated to upholding that status through healthy eating, active living, disease prevention, and promoting the welfare of our communities and environment. Colorado Public Health Association (CPHA) supports the development, education, and outreach capabilities of the state’s outstanding workforce. Our dedicated and talented members contribute tremendously to the nationally-recognized excellence of Colorado public health. CPHA prides itself on the Association’s work in pursuit of health equity, access, collaboration, and advocacy. We welcome you to explore, join us, and help us create the healthiest state for all Coloradans!

Who Are We

A review of the public health movement in Colorado for the past fifty years reveals a kaleidoscope of events which had a significant impact on the health of Colorado citizens. Many of the challenges that faced public health and the Association in 1938 were met successfully. The people of Colorado are generally healthier and living longer. The Association is strong and active. However, new challenges and opportunities await both.

Everyone recognizes that a healthy mind in a healthy body is a desirable goal. Significant advances were made in the field of genetics and even those with impairments may now be able to minimize the consequences of imperfections by medical means, often preventive in nature. Surgical procedures can often repair defective hearts and other body parts. There are medicines for the control of diabetes and allergic disorders. Physical therapy may improve mobility adding immeasurably to the quality of life and to the capacity to be self sufficient. The screening of newborns for PKU and other metabolic disorders has resulted in savings of millions of dollars by averting lifelong institutional care for he mentally retarded victims of these diseases.

Looking back over the past fifty years, the accomplishments have been considerable. Most of these accomplishments are not the direct result of CPHA’s existence. They have often been the accomplishments of CPHA’s members in their public health positions. CPHA has influenced those members, who in turn have influenced others – including public decision makers.

Download CPHA History (1938-1988)