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 Authors
Dannon Cox, PhD
Dannon Cox, PhD, is an assistant professor at the Colorado School of Public health at University of Northern Colorado, with a focus on digital media pedagogy and rural community workforce development. Dannon is a National Rural Health Association Policy Fellow and oversees the Rural Health certificate program for the Colorado School of Public Health.
Jadelynn Hinchman
Jadelynn is currently a Master of Public Health student at the Colorado School of Public Health, with a focus on rural public health and epidemiology. Her background is in social determinants of health–based research and rural healthcare.