Rangely, Colorado — 09/28/2026 

Rangely District Hospital has been awarded $700,000 through Colorado’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen surgical and patient-care capabilities, modernize essential hospital equipment, improve communication between care teams, and enhance the hospital’s revenue cycle operations.

The investment will directly support improvements designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare in Rangely and ensure patients continue to have access to high-quality care close to home.

The funding is part of nearly $170 million in RHTP grants directed by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to rural healthcare providers across Colorado. Funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), these investments will help protect access to care and support better health outcomes in Colorado's rural and frontier communities.

Investing in the Future of Rural Healthcare

Rangely District Hospital will use its RHTP award to make several strategic investments in the hospital's infrastructure, technology and clinical capabilities.

Approximately $500,000 will support sterilizer and washer upgrades as well as new orthopedic equipment. These investments will modernize essential equipment used in surgical and procedural care, helping the hospital maintain reliable, modern capabilities for patients in Rangely and the surrounding region.

An additional $116,500 will support implementation of a Vocera Nurse Call System, providing an updated communication platform designed to improve communication between patients and members of the healthcare team.

The hospital will also invest $72,610 in artificial intelligence revenue cycle software. The technology will support the hospital's revenue cycle operations and help strengthen the financial sustainability of healthcare services in a rural community.

Together, these investments represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening Rangely District Hospital—not only through clinical equipment and patient-care technology, but also through the operational infrastructure necessary to sustain rural healthcare for years to come.

A Commitment to Our Community

“This award is an important investment in the future of Rangely District Hospital and the patients we serve,” said Kyle Wren, Chief Executive Officer of Rangely District Hospital. “These resources allow us to make meaningful improvements to our clinical equipment, communication systems and operational capabilities. Most importantly, they help us continue building a strong and sustainable healthcare system right here in our community.”

“For a rural hospital, investments like these have an impact far beyond the equipment or technology itself,” said Derek Nielsen, Director of Marketing & Executive Assistant at Rangely District Hospital. “They strengthen the foundation that allows our providers and staff to deliver exceptional care while helping ensure that our community can continue to receive the services it needs close to home. This funding is an exciting opportunity to invest in both the present and the future of healthcare in Rangely.”

RHTP Investment at Rangely District Hospital

• Sterilizer, Washer and Orthopedic Equipment — approximately $500,000: Upgrade essential surgical and procedural equipment and support continued access to modern orthopedic capabilities.

• Vocera Nurse Call System — $116,500: Implement an updated nurse call and communication system to support communication between patients and care teams.

• AI Revenue Cycle Software — $72,610: Implement artificial intelligence technology to strengthen revenue cycle operations and support the hospital's long-term financial sustainability.

• Indirect Costs — approximately $11,000: Support costs associated with implementation and administration of the funded activities.

Colorado is directing $169,587,181 in RHTP grants to rural healthcare providers across the state. Through a highly competitive application process, 91 applicants and approximately 250 projects were selected to receive funding across 52 rural or frontier counties and three rural census tract counties.

A complete list of Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program awardees and additional information about RHTP is available on the Colorado Rural Health Transformation Program website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/rhtp-awardees

About Rangely District Hospital

Founded in 1960, Rangely District Hospital is a rural healthcare provider serving Rangely and surrounding communities in northwest Colorado. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home while continually investing in the services, technology and people necessary to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Rangely District Hospital provides a broad range of healthcare services, including emergency care, primary care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, surgical services and specialty healthcare services. Through continued investment in technology, equipment, workforce and community partnerships, the hospital works to ensure residents have access to essential healthcare services close to home.

About the Rural Health Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a five-year federal initiative administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to strengthen healthcare access and improve health outcomes in rural and frontier communities. The program supports investments in workforce development, innovative care models, technology-enabled services, and health system sustainability. The program was authorized under Section 71401 of H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) to provide grants totaling $50 billion in federal funding nationwide from Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 through FFY 2030.

From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Colorado’s award totals $200,105,604.17 for the first year of the program to support rural health transformation efforts across the state, and is 100% funded by CMS. The contents of this release are those of Rangely District Hospital and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Media Contact

Derek Nielsen
Director of Marketing & Executive Assistant
Rangely District Hospital
dnielsen@rdhosop.org
970-675-5011