#health

Potential Health Care Cost Savings of Dual-Enrollment in Medicaid and SNAP

Colorado ranks among the lowest in the nation in terms of the percentage of the population receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with about 60% of eligible residents participating. This study examines the impact of SNAP enrollment on healthcare costs–particularly emergency room visits and hospitalizations–among Colorado residents enrolled in Medicaid. If the study identifies substantial cost savings, it will provide a fiscal reason for increasing enrollment in SNAP among those who are eligible.

By coloradolab, ago

Supporting Caregivers through the Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral (TCARE) Process

Colorado is taking a data-informed approach to understanding the needs of non-professional caregivers who take care of loved ones with chronic or acute health conditions or developmental disabilities. This project examines the impact of the TCARE process on caregiver well-being and use of preventive health care, while also looking qualitatively at whether TCARE is a viable care option in Colorado.

By coloradolab, ago

Prenatal Substance Use and Improving Family Health

Families affected by substance use during a pregnancy are at risk for infant and maternal mortality, significant health consequences, and threats to well-being of the family as a whole. This data linkage study improves our ability to monitor current trends by establishing a comprehensive set of definitions for prenatal substance use for affected mothers and infants in Colorado.

By coloradolab, ago
small child eating food

Increasing the Understanding of Food Insecurity by Medical Providers and Educators

Almost 13% of the population in Mesa County, Colorado lack access to or have limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. This project developed a training video to enhance the ability of medical professionals and educators to identify and discuss food insecurity with their clients and families. The efficacy of the video at increasing access to food assistance programs among the food insecure will be tested as part of a future project.

By coloradolab, ago
photo of man in window

Mapping the Intersection of Housing and Mental Health in Colorado

The stress of navigating unaffordable housing contributes to poor mental health, but there is more to understand about the intersection of housing and mental health. Using Colorado statewide data at the census tract level, this study uses geospatial analytical techniques to investigate geographic relationships and identify priority area census tracts where these two critical issues coincide.

By coloradolab, ago