Colorado is facing a health care workforce shortage and UNC is prepared to expand and be part of the solution. On Monday, Feb. 12, Governor Polis announced a Certificate of Participation (COP) Bill to build infrastructure and increase the health professions workforce across the state by preparing more doctors, nurses, veterinarians and allied health professionals in partnership with UNC, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado State University and Trinidad State College.

According to Colorado’s 2023 Talent Pipeline Report, health care jobs are among the most in-demand cross-industry occupations in Colorado. Today, 61 of Colorado’s 64 counties contain regions that are designated as health professional shortage areas in primary care.

UNC’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is uniquely positioned to address Colorado’s growing physician shortage by adding an additional 150 doctors each year. It will boost Colorado’s economy by $1.4 billion over the next 20 years, with nearly half a billion of that impact ($500.2 million) remaining in Weld County, according to an economic impact study.

“Our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine will have an impact across each corner of the state by strengthening the health care workforce and meeting the needs of Coloradans everywhere,” said UNC President Andy Feinstein.

UNC launched the College of Osteopathic Medicine initiative following conversations with local hospital systems and community leaders. Those conversations were driven by concerns about Colorado’s growing need for more physicians and the university’s role in addressing that challenge. 

Opening the College of Osteopathic Medicine requires a minimum investment of $200 million, and HB24-1231 willsecure the remaining $171 million. Donors to the university are already showing their support for this project by investing alongside the university.  Those gifts, combined with a record-setting gift of $25 million from The Weld Trust, total over $31 million for this initiative.   

To support the work of UNC’s College of Osteopathic Medicine initiative, contact your elected official  and/or donate  to support its creation.

An artist's rendering of the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine.