Creating a Healthy Future

With a wealth of outdoor activities and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Coloradans spend a lot of time in the sun. So it’s no surprise that Coloradans are at an increased risk for melanoma: 30 percent higher than the national average. Childhood is the ideal time to begin taking precautions against this highly preventable cancer.

In fact, children who experience blistering sunburns may be twice as likely to develop melanoma than those who do not. That’s why the Colorado School of Public Health, a collaboration between UC Denver, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado, launched the Colorado Kids Sun Care Program to study the effectiveness of sun-protection intervention for parents and children. Designed to improve the health of Coloradans, it’s just one of the many public health initiatives being spearheaded at the new school.

Just as the school neared its one-year anniversary, the Colorado Health Foundation continued its ongoing support of this emerging regional public health leader with a gift of more than $2 million to expand programs and recruit top faculty. Already, three new renowned faculty members have been recruited from across the country.

“The Colorado School of Public Health is a key partner in our effort to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation,” says Anne Warhover, president and CEO of the Colorado Health Foundation.

Whether its responding to flu outbreaks, tackling the health implications of obesity, or addressing public health challenges such as melanoma, donors like the Colorado Health Foundation are paving the way to a healthier future.