Betts Now On Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Board

23 Feb Betts Now On Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Board

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation visit rmhealth.org.

Richard Betts

The Telluride Hospital District announced Board Chairman, Richard Betts has been appointed to the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation Board of Directors. Michaelle Smith, executive director of the Foundation, said the new slate of directors each ”embody the spirit of community and bring expertise to our team.”

A 35-year resident of Telluride, Betts will represent San Miguel County as the organization “works to improve health across the Western Slope,” said Smith.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 when Rocky Mountain Health Plans was sold to United Health Care resulting in a $50 million corpus dedicated to improve the health of western slope Coloradans. In 2020, the non-profit expects to dole out $1.5M for general operating and program grants to organizations throughout all 22 Western Slope counties.

Rocky Mountain Health Foundation grants are awarded to organizations and programs that address basic needs, access to and affordability of healthcare, and community-based health projects.

“Healthcare in Colorado is changing fast. I’m honored for the opportunity to help usher more innovation and access to our region,” Betts said.

Betts brings a wealth of experience to the position. In addition to his post as chairman of the Telluride Hospital District board, he owns and operates ASAP Accounting & Payroll, a firm providing services to companies throughout the U.S., including many Telluride businesses.

Betts is a founding member of Telluride Foundation and serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. He served a three-year term on the Connect for Health Colorado board, is a former director of the Tri-County Health Network, and spent nine years on the Telluride Historical Museum board.

Betts was instrumental in the restoration of the museum — which was built as a miner’s hospital in the 1890’s — and received a Stephen H. Hart award for historical restoration excellence in recognition of his efforts.

“Since 2015 Richard has been vital to our medical center and tireless in his search for a suitable site for a new facility,” said Karen Winkelmann, CEO of the Telluride Medical Center. “No doubt he will represent the spirit of our distinct region and bring experience and expertise to the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation’s mission.”

The Telluride Hospital District is presently working with Genesee Properties to secure a tract of land at Society Turn as a possible home for the region’s only primary and emergency care services.

Rocky Mountain Health Foundation also appointed Cassie Comeau of Summit County; Kathleen McInnis, of La Plata County; and Bob Tesch of Ouray County to the Board of Directors, in addition to officers representing healthcare professionals from around the Western Slope.