Experts to discuss bridging health care divides
at the 2012 Colorado Health Symposium
'Health Equity' to be the focus of annual health policy conference
DENVER — With fresh perspectives from dynamic speakers, the 2012 Colorado Health Symposium convenes July 25-27 at Keystone Resort & Conference Center.
The theme of this year's Symposium, "Health Equity: Bridging the Divides," focuses on real-world solutions to challenges in health and health care. In recent years, economic uncertainties have imposed financial burdens on our health systems and services as more people join the ranks of the poor and the unemployed. But it's not just those who live in abject poverty who suffer when people lack affordable health insurance, quality medical care or good choices. Poor health undermines our country's fiscal health and ultimately impacts every U.S. citizen.
Setting the tone for a more equitable future, the three-day conference will challenge presenters and participants to define opportunities for greater affordability, access and choice – resulting in enhanced productivity, reduced health care costs and, ultimately, improved lives.
The lineup for the Symposium, now entering its 31st year, illustrates why the event is regarded as one of the most widely discussed health policy conferences in the country. This year's speakers include:
Jeffrey Brenner, MD, founder and executive director of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers – A New Jersey doctor who developed the groundbreaking "hotspot" health care model, Dr. Brenner's innovative approach was recently profiled on the PBS news show "Frontline."
Dr. Michael Minor, community organizer – Known as "the Southern pastor who banned fried chicken in his church," Minor is a champion of faith-based health and wellness mobilization. Learn more about Minor's efforts in this New York Times profile.
Wes Moore, youth advocate and Army combat veteran – Moore is the author of "The Other Wes Moore," a best-selling book in which he compares his life with the very different life of another man with the same name who grew up in the same decaying city. In his book, Moore explores the social determinants that might explain why their paths diverged. His story was featured on "PBS Newshour."
Along with the aforementioned speakers, the Symposium will feature an impressive roster of national thought leaders, discovery sessions and events that will engage, entertain and provoke discussion. Among the events is an Oxford-style debate (or "food fight") about the government's role in food policy in the United States.
"The uncertainty and challenges surrounding health and health care are well-documented," says Anne Warhover, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation, which hosts the annual event. "While it's important to understand the social and economic factors that Colorado and the nation face, it's also important to learn about innovative approaches that could potentially shape our future. I'm pleased to say this year's Symposium will give participants a chance to uncover potential solutions from many different angles."
With more than 450 people registered, the Symposium is sold out, but space is available for credentialed media. For those who cannot attend, the Foundation offers a number of social media opportunities to allow anyone to follow the conversation, including:
- Plenary presentations and an evening debate streamed live on Ustream.tv
- Daily blogs, news summaries and email updates
- Symposium University 2012 — a unique chance for Colorado colleges and universities to view a live video stream — without leaving the classroom — of all plenary and keynote speakers
- Facebook fans and Twitter followers (#12CHS) can track real-time commentary on social media
For highlights from the 2011 Colorado Health Symposium, download this 
report.
About the Colorado Health Foundation
The Colorado Health Foundation works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation by increasing the number of Coloradans with health insurance, ensuring they have access to quality, coordinated care and encouraging healthy living. The Foundation invests in the community through grants and initiatives to health-related nonprofits that focus on these goals, as well as operating medical education programs to increase the health care workforce. For more information, please visit www.ColoradoHealth.org.