Throughout the summer, the Archuleta Rural Health Network convened care coordinators, healthcare providers, community service professionals, Community Health Workers (CHWs), navigators, and outreach staff for a series of professional development opportunities. These sessions focused on strengthening support systems for individuals and families across Archuleta County.
The series grew out of direct conversations with local partners about the essential skills and resources they need in their daily work. Although participants represent diverse organizations and roles, many share the goal of helping community members navigate complex health and social service systems, overcome barriers to care, and connect with vital resources. The training series provides practical skill-building while establishing a shared framework and collaborative language across organizations.
The inaugural session in July focused on Motivational Interviewing. Participants reviewed foundational concepts, including OARS communication techniques and strategies to identify and encourage “change talk.” The workshop emphasized client-centered interactions that respect individual autonomy, foster trust, and empower community members to set self-identified goals.
In August, the network hosted a session on Trauma-Informed Care. Attendees first completed a self-paced online module through the Patient Navigation & Community Health Worker Training program, followed by a facilitated group session to translate core concepts into practice. Discussions moved beyond basic definitions to examine how trauma-informed practices can be integrated into daily operations, organizational cultures, and broader systems of care, aspects particularly critical in a rural setting where cross-agency coordination and trust are paramount.
This fall, the network will host the third session in the series, focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The ACEs workshop will continue the blended-learning format. Participants will review online materials before the session to establish a common knowledge base for interactive discussion, peer learning, and practical application. The workshop will examine how childhood adversity impacts long-term health outcomes while highlighting resilience, protective factors, and the transformative power of supportive relationships and community networks.
Together, these three workshops form a cohesive learning continuum. Motivational Interviewing equips staff with practical engagement tools; Trauma-Informed Care provides insight into how historical trauma influences interactions; and the ACEs curriculum broadens the perspective on how early experiences and community environments shape long-term well-being.
In addition to skill-building, the series creates a dedicated forum for cross-sector collaboration across Archuleta County. By learning together, care coordinators, health workers, and community service providers can build stronger professional networks, align service approaches, and improve overall care delivery for local residents.This initiative is part of the broader efforts of the Archuleta Rural Health Network, a collaborative partnership among Healthy Archuleta, Archuleta County Public Health Department, Axis Health System, and Pagosa Springs Medical Center, with Healthy Archuleta operating as the backbone entity. The network remains committed to enhancing healthcare access, navigation assistance, community education, and service integration across the region.
Network Establishment & Background
The Archuleta Rural Health Network builds upon a multi-year foundation of interagency collaboration, originating from the informal Health Partner Coalition created by Healthy Archuleta and local health partners. Following a 2024-2025 planning phase supported by a HRSA Network Planning Grant, with Healthy Archuleta serving as the administrative home, the network was formally established in June 2025 through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among Healthy Archuleta, the Archuleta County Public Health Department, Axis Health System, and Pagosa Springs Medical Center.
The upcoming ACEs training underscores this commitment by directly addressing the priorities identified by local workforce partners. Beyond the training room, community members can meet these dedicated care coordinators, healthcare providers, and Community Health Workers in person at the upcoming Archuleta Health Fair & Expo on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Hosted and sponsored by the Archuleta Rural Health Network, the Health Fair offers a vibrant community space to connect with local health professionals, explore resources, and experience the Network’s collaborative care model firsthand. Together, these integrated training sessions and public events reflect a sustained investment in the professionals and residents working to build a healthier Archuleta County.
The ACEs training session is scheduled for Monday, September 28, from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm. Care coordinators, healthcare and community service providers, Community Health Workers, navigators, outreach staff, and regional partners are encouraged to participate. To register or request additional details regarding the location and session materials, please contact Healthy Archuleta at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
Archuleta Health Fair & Expo
For more information and to register for the 2026 Archuleta Health Fair and Expo, visit us at https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/archuleta-health-fair-and-expo.html.
Upcoming Fall Events & Programs
Fall is officially here! As we turn our attention away from the active garden season, Healthy Archuleta invites the community to participate in a new season of learning sessions, volunteer efforts, and health initiatives.
The 4th Annual Archuleta Health Fair & Expo: Saturday, October 24
Healthy Archuleta invites residents to register now for the Archuleta Health Fair and Expo, which will take place on Saturday, October 24 from 7 am – 12 pm at the Pagosa Springs High School. The event will connect community members with low-cost wellness labs, health resources, screenings, information, a keynote speaker, breakfast and more. We are also looking for volunteers to support this important community event. Learn more and register at: www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/archuleta-health-fair-and-expo.html.
Growers & Producers Forum: Thursday, November 5
Save the date for the next Growers and Producers Forum on Thursday, November 5th from 4 – 5:30pm at the Rubby Sisson Library, Community Room A. The topic of the forum is Water Wise. Join us to learn more about this important topic for Archuleta County. Healthy Archuleta Growers Producers is a space where local growers and producers learn about each other’s work and advance the efforts of local food production. Learn more on our website at https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/events–happenings.html
To learn more about these programs or stay informed on future initiatives, visit www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org, email fsfearchuleta@gmail.com, or follow Healthy Archuleta on Facebook and Instagram.