Announcing a New Home for the Center to Advance Community Health, 5-4-2026

The Center to Advance Community Health (CACH) has transitioned to a new academic home within the Department of Family Medicine in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. These changes better align the CACH’s mission with its long-term direction.

Established to advance community health and well-being, the CACH, formerly known as the Center for Health Equity, focuses on research and engagement that builds on community strengths, addresses the social drivers of health and expands opportunities for communities to thrive. In partnership with communities across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, the CACH works to improve health across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on medically underserved rural and urban populations.

After close coordination with CACH Director Deborah Parra-Medina, PhD, MPH, and Department of Family Medicine Chair Myra Muramoto, MD, MPH, FAAFP, we are confident that this transition positions the center for continued growth and impact.

With a shared commitment to advancing health parity and improving community health, the Department of Family Medicine is a strong fit for the CACH. As Dr. Parra-Medina has noted, this new structure marks a step forward for the CACH by strengthening its infrastructure, research capacity and long-term sustainability, while reinforcing its focus on community-based work. Both the center and the department share a belief that health is shaped in homes, neighborhoods, schools and clinics ‒ an alignment that positions the CACH for tremendous impact.

While CACH has a new academic home, it will continue to engage broadly across our campus and build on longstanding community partnerships to move its mission forward. We remain deeply committed to the center’s success and to the vital work it leads across our region.

Sincerely,

Don Elliman
Chancellor