In the News

Message from the President

Colorado Springs is a large and growing community, the 49th largest incorporated city and 83rd largest metropolitan area in the United States.  Despite substantial growth in the past several decades, the city has in many ways retained a small-town atmosphere. But as any community grows, it must deal with philosophical and program shifts based on size and complexity.

This is the first in a series of policy studies looking at issues affecting the Colorado Springs and El Paso County area.  In the analyses themselves, we will include the regional, state, and federal organizations that are part of the overall environment of the study.  We will also gather ideas for addressing these issues, especially solutions that will see their largest impact in this region of Colorado. 

Health Care Infrastructure is an example of an issue that is critical to every community in the United States and one that must be addressed holistically, not only by integrating mental, physical, and dental care, but also by integrating the resources of the community.  Health Care Infrastructure is defined in this study as the network of facilities, individuals, and programs that provide physical, dental, and mental health care to the community.  This is a wide view that encompasses private and government as well as safety net organizations. 

The purpose of this study was to examine the possibilities for improving the Health Care Infrastructure of our community. In the course of doing the research for the study, we met a wide range of dedicated citizens—volunteers and paid health care professionals—who are creative and entrepreneurial; they have seen a need and have stepped forward to address it.  We also observed disconnects between various programs, segments of the health care system, and levels of government.  This study and the others that follow will assist our political leaders and the community at large by outlining the relevant issues and identifying steps that can be taken to enhance our local quality of life. 

Jay Fawcett
President & CEO
Western Strategies Center

"Western Strategies is an asset to our community.  Having our own "think tank" to study issues, provide a systems overview, and recommend solutions from an objective basis is unparalleled.  It brings the community together on issues of concern and allows the health care community to move toward solutions more effectively and expeditiously."
Sharon Raggio, LPC, LMFT, MBA, COO Pikes Peak Behavior Health

"Western Strategies Center's report is fact-based and impartial. Their methodology includes input on several levels from health care providers ranging from public health, the hospitals, safety net systems and first responders. WSC provides real community value by creating an opportunity for innovative, collaborative responses to healthcare issues here in Colorado Springs. I look forward to their research on other community challenges."
B.J. Scott, President & CEO, Peak Vista Community Health Centers

"Western Strategies Center report on 'Health Care Infrastructure in Colorado Springs' is extremely valuable information to this community. It's an objective report that explores many aspects of the health care system, which makes it easy to connect the dots and understand the growing public health problems faced by 600,000 citizens."
Rosemary Bakes-Martin, M.S., M.P.H., El Paso County Public Health Administrator

"Colorado Springs is a growing and complex community of many Healthcare providers. It is great to have Western Strategies spend the time to understand the depth of our community and help us to vision opportunities for our continued service, success, and growth."
Rick O'Connell, President, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services

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Fawcett Keeps Focus Local

Press Release

Western Strategies Center is an affiliated fund of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity