Senate Approves Mullica’s Bipartisan Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School, Boost Health Care Training
DENVER, CO – Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bipartisan bill to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support health care and veterinary care at institutions across the state was approved by the Senate today.
Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB24-1231 would fund four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions, including:
Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC
Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University
Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College
“Right now, Colorado faces a significant health care provider shortage causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities,” said Mullica. “As the only working nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I know how critical it is to build the health care workforce our state needs. I’m proud to champion legislation that will invest in four institutions committed to addressing the state's health care challenges, and I look forward to ensuring every Coloradan has access to the care they need to thrive.”
The new medical program at UNC would streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. Additionally, the bill would provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care professionals.
HB24-1231 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.