Behind the Numbers: Broadband Access

The Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) is a report produced by the Colorado Health Institute. Beginning in 2009, the CHAS has captured issues faced by Coloradans across the state including information such as health coverage, access to health care, and factors that influence health. The information within the survey is intended to serve as a data source for policymakers, grassroots organizations, researchers, and others in an effort to identify key issues and assess health policy needs across the state.

The 2023 CHAS surveyed nearly 10,000 households from March to September 2023. This year’s survey provided important data and insight as to how the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies impacted the health, health access, and social stressors of Coloradans.

In addition to the 2023 CHAS, the Colorado Health Institute has published a series of stories titled “Behind the Numbers” that gives Coloradans the space to describe how the Pandemic and related policy changes have impacted their lives.

The town of Silverton, Colorado is home to 708 people and hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. While visitors praise the town’s isolation, it has posed several challenges for its year-round residents. In 2023, the town gained access to broadband internet for the first time. With this change, the community is now able to access Telehealth care, engage in virtual town council meetings, access internet, and more.

Source: Joe Hanel, Colorado Health Institute