outspoken with elected officials regarding health care policy. As is fitting of lively discussions, there was general agreement on desired  health care outcomes, but a divergence of opinion as to how to achieve them.

  In the fall of  2009, a luncheon is scheduled at Lamar Community College for community leaders from four adjoining counties. They will hear presentations and engage in discussions about the impact that viable health care services can have on the areas economic growth as well as the need to continue funding for the health care curriculum at the college.           

   In November, SECAHEC will partner with The Bighorn Center for Public Policy to present a weekend-long leadership development program focused on health care issues including education. The Bighorn Center, headquartered in Denver, conducts  events like this that are intended to analyze important issues and to develop the leadership potential of the attendees so they can more productively address them on the local and state level.                 

  This event is being funded by Colorado AHEC through a grant from Colorado Trust. Attendees are expected to include many of the individuals invited to the September luncheon plus a number of other influential representatives of the public and private sector throughout the surrounding area.                        

  The format for this program will include panel discussions and strategy sessions related to fostering and communicating support for the funding of health care education programs.