The Local, Community Voice for Healthcare
Consolidation of our healthcare system is threatening our local, independent healthcare practitioners contributing to rising costs and the exportation of our healthcare expertise. Local First is the community’s voice advocating for local healthcare. In our first two years of work on this critical issue, we formed a key partnership with Peak Health Alliance allowing us to now shop local for healthcare saving approximately 35% on health insurance in La Plata, San Juan, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties. Our efforts have recirculated $3.8 million dollars back into the community through healthcare cost savings in southwest Colorado.
Now that’s local self reliance!
Peak Health Alliance
Local First has partnered with the Peak Health Alliance, a healthcare purchasing cooperative with the goal of reducing health care premiums, while maintaining local and high quality care, through the power of community collaboration.
You now shop local for healthcare saving approximately 35% on health insurance in La Plata, San Juan, Dolores, and Montezuma Counties. Our efforts have recirculated $3.8 million dollars back into the community to date!
Mission and Values
We work to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to the residents of southwest Colorado.
Affordable health care available to all.
Benefit to the community and local economy.
Advocate for local healthcare practitioners.
Reduce economic leakage and recirculate dollars locally.
Transparency and accountability.
Maintain the best interest of the community, not special interest groups.
Emphasis on data, evidence, and performance metrics.
Our work started in 2018 in response to a growing concern from local businesses about the rising cost of healthcare. Read the Community Needs Assessment that set us on the path to affordable, local healthcare.
Be Local Radio Playlist
Testimonials
Eric Malone with The Payroll Department shares his story of saving $30,000 when choosing a locally crafted healthcare plan for his employees.
The Powerhouse Behind Our Work.
Steering Committee
Monique DiGiorgio
Local First Foundation
Patrick Gerstenberger, MD
Gary Keil
American Heritage Railways
Liane Jollon
San Juan Basin Public Health
Jack Llewellyn
Durango Chamber of Commerce
Doug McCarthy
Individual
Nanette Penz-Reuter
Individual
Suzanne Phare
The Durango Network
Durango Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Tober
Local First Foundation
Tim Wheeler
Local First
Briggen Wrinkle
Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado
Supporters
We Need Your Support.
The Local First Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit working to ensure the community’s voice is front and center in healthcare. We receive no commissions and are completely outside the healthcare finance system. We need your support to keep doing our important work. Please consider donating today. Thank you!