Overview
This module builds on the fundamentals of public health and applies the lens of the public health sector to rural Colorado. Students will learn how public health systems operate in Colorado — with a special focus on how rural communities experience unique health challenges and opportunities. The module will highlight Colorado’s decentralized public health system, the role of local public health agencies, and key disparities that shape rural population health.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, learners will be able to:
- Define public health and its three core functions.
- Describe how Colorado’s decentralized public health system is structured, including the role of local public health agencies.
- Identify key health disparities affecting rural communities in Colorado.
- Evaluate one barrier and one asset related to delivering public health services in rural Colorado.
- Apply the core functions of public health to real-world rural public health scenarios.
Module Author
Dr. Molly Gutilla, DrPH
Molly J. Gutilla is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and the Director of Rural Public Health at the Colorado School of Public Health. With expertise in epidemiology, public health data management, and community-driven solutions, her work focuses on addressing health inequities through teaching, research, and practice. She holds a DrPH in Epidemiology from the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Public Health, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science from The Ohio State University.