This plan addresses a variety of important needs including defining core services and standards, developing a system for assessing priorities, examining the funding processes, enhancing our workforce and increasing efficiency in using technology. In addition, the plan emphasizes the importance of sharing responsibilities and decision making among state and local public health agencies, across programs and organizations, and in conjunction with local boards of health and county commissioners.

Health-related disparities remain a persistent, serious problem across the nation's more than 60 million rural residents. Rural Populations and Health provides an overview of the critical issues surrounding rural health and offers a strong theoretical and evidence-based rationale for rectifying rural health disparities in the United States. This edited collection includes a comprehensive examination of myriad issues in rural health and rural health care services, as well as a road map for reducing disparities, building capacity and collaboration, and applying prevention research in rural areas. This textbook offers a review of rural health systems in Colorado, Kentucky, Alabama, and Iowa, and features contributions from key leaders in rural public health throughout the United States. Rural Populations and Health examines vital health issues such as: Health assessment Strategies for building rural coalitions Promoting rural adolescent health Rural food disparities Promoting oral health in rural areas Physical activity in rural communities Preventing farm-related injuries Addressing mental health issues Cancer prevention and control in rural communities Reducing rural tobacco use Rural Populations and Health is an important resource for students, faculty, and researchers in public health, preventive medicine, public health nursing, social work, and sociology.

Recent years have presented many significant changes and opportunities for population health. Although Colorado has had great success in protecting environmental quality and population health, not all residents have the same opportunities to reach their best health or live in the healthiest environment. This plan elevates a shared vision and shared strategies on several key issues. It focuses in two flagship priority areas: obesity and mental health/substance abuse, issues that have been identified as public health priorities in most communities across the state. It also is intended to guide efforts to address the critical issues of health care access and coverage, marijuana and public health infrastructure and capacity. The priorities and objectives outlined in this plan are intended to provide support, guidance, and focus for public health activities throughout the state. Reaching these targets requires a statewide initiative, and success is possible only through strategic and coordinated state, regional and local efforts.