Communities Deserve Access to Health Care and Nutrition

July 8, 2025

The reconciliation bill was signed into law on July 4th.  Trailhead Institute, like many other organizations, has deep concerns about the harmful changes to essential health and social safety net programs passed in this bill.  

Trailhead values supporting people and communities with the greatest needs and creating sustainable futures.  We are concerned about the slashing of critical funding for food programs, Medicaid, and clean energy initiatives. The package would impose $1.1 trillion in cuts to programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office found that 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034.   

In Colorado, 1.3 million people are covered by Medicaid, and roughly 617,000 Coloradans receive SNAP benefits each month. Colorado cannot cover the loss of Federal funds. SNAP alone would require $200 million in new funding. New Medicaid work requirements would require $57 million as reported by the Denver Post. 

Why Does Trailhead Care? 

Trailhead Institute cares because public health saves lives. People must have ample and supported access to health care and nutrition. Our vision is that everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and live in a healthy environment. Access to services that support health shouldn’t depend on where Coloradans live, their income, or employment status. This will impact many Coloradans, including those in rural areas  because rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are already struggling and will have more barriers to staying open and fully operational.  

We stand with our national public health partners and the American Medical Association: we need policies that help our communities access the care they need, help individuals and families get ahead financially, and invest in clean energy solutions that will give current and future generations a healthy, sustainable world.

Make Your Voice Heard

While it is important to keep contacting your local representatives to share how this legislation affects you or your loved ones, it’s also important to form deeper connections with your local community. Gather your friends and neighbors. Find or create your local mutual aid group, and volunteer at community-based organizations.  

At Trailhead, we will continue to support organizations and partners throughout Colorado who are working hard to ensure that every Coloradan can access essential services and care. If you’re a clinic or social service provider looking for local resources, reach out to your Regional Health Connector (RHC). RHCs understand their communities’ health needs and excel at building relationships and connecting people to resources. 

Let’s keep working to protect public health, together.