WOMAN'S CLUB OF OURAY COUNTY

What Is “Pulse on the Community”?

“Pulse on the Community” is a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) led by Ouray County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS). A Community Needs Assessment is a structured way to listen to the community. It helps us understand:

• How people access care

• What services are working well

• What may be missing

• What barriers people face

• What residents would like to see improved

This project is focused on EMS services and Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) — programs that help people stay healthy and supported outside of emergency situations.

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Why Are We Doing This?

Ouray County is a unique rural community. Access to healthcare, distance to hospitals, aging in place, and seasonal population changes all affect how emergency services are used.

We are conducting this assessment to:

• Improve EMS services

• Identify gaps in care

• Support aging residents

• Understand community beliefs and experiences

• Plan responsibly for the future

Your input helps us make informed, data-driven decisions that benefit the entire community.

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Who Is Leading This Project?

Pulse on the Community is led by:

• Ouray County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS)

In partnership with:

• Ouray County Public Health

• University of Colorado School of Public Health

• Telluride Foundation

This project is supported by private donor funding and county in-kind resources.

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How Can You Participate?

There are several ways to get involved:

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Take the Survey

Click the link above to take the survey!

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 The survey will be:

• Confidential

• Brief and easy to complete

• Available online and at community events

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Participate in a Conversation

We will also conduct voluntary community interviews to better understand lived experiences and perspectives.

If you are interested in participating in a qualitative interview, please contact: 970-988-0216  clichtenbelt@ourayco.gov

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Attend Community Events

We will be sharing information and offering survey access at:

• February 22–26: Community engagement and design week

• March 15–19: Community listening sessions

• March 16-19: Intern students visiting throughout the community

• April 10-14: Intern students visiting throughout the community

• April 18: Pancake Breakfast & Health Fair

• April 21: Woman's Club of Ouray County Monthly Meeting

• Mini health fair's TBD in April and May 

At the April event, you can:

• Have your vitals checked (SpO₂/ Oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose)

• Meet local EMT students

• Learn about community risk factors

• Take the Pulse on the Community survey

Project Timeline

• January: Planning and research

• February: Survey design and community input

• March: Listening sessions and soft rollout

• April: Public survey launch

• May–June: Data analysis and final reporting

Results will be shared publicly once complete.

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What Happens to the Results?

Survey and interview data will be analyzed to:

• Identify community priorities

• Inform EMS staffing and services

• Support Mobile Integrated Healthcare development

• Guide future planning and funding decisions

Findings will be presented to OCEMS leadership and shared with the community.

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Why Your Voice Matters

Emergency services affect everyone — residents, seasonal workers, families, seniors, and visitors. Whether you use EMS frequently or have never called 911, your opinion matters. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of emergency and community-based care in Ouray County.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

• Is the survey anonymous? Yes. Individual responses will not be publicly identified

• How long will it take?
  Most people can complete the survey in 5–10 minutes.

• Do I have to answer every question?
  No. Participation is voluntary.