Evaluating MIRA: Key Successes and Opportunities for Growth

The Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance (MIRA), a program of the Eagle Valley Community Foundation, brings culturally relevant resources directly to residents throughout Eagle County. Operating as a mobile one-stop shop, MIRA provides information and referrals, free health screenings, enrollment assistance, health education, an annual health fair, and other community events.

To better understand and enhance its impact, EVCF partnered with CU Denver’s Department of Anthropology to evaluate the MIRA program through focus groups and surveys of 29 MIRA clients. The results underscore the profound impact MIRA has had on participants’ lives, improving access to health resources, increasing awareness of available community services, and instilling hope for the future. Many expressed deep gratitude for the program’s support, with five specifically using the word “grateful” to describe its impact.

Participants saw MIRA as a trusted resource, particularly for the immigrant community during stressful times. One Gypsum participant shared how MIRA’s assistance in enrolling her in OmniSalud transformed her life. Before obtaining insurance, she had to pay $45,000 out-of-pocket for surgery and endured a year of suffering without follow-up care due to financial constraints. With MIRA’s help, she secured insurance and was able to undergo a necessary second surgery for just $400. This access not only improved her health and finances but also renewed her hope and motivation to care for herself.

Another participant, a single mother in Gypsum, described how MIRA guided her through various challenges, from securing Medicaid for her child to obtaining COVID-19 vaccines and enrolling in subsidized health insurance. Echoing others, she highlighted the program’s role in making community support more visible and accessible.

Survey data reinforced these testimonials, with 81% of respondents saying MIRA made them feel a greater sense of belonging in the county. Additionally, 85% reported that MIRA effectively addressed their needs, gave them a voice in shaping immigrant services, and helped them find medical and dental providers. The program was widely praised for its free health screenings, insurance enrollment assistance, vaccine and food distribution, and resource referrals. Participants valued MIRA’s accessibility, personalized approach, and cultural and linguistic competence, even expressing a desire for expanded medical and dental services due to its affordability and effectiveness.

Opportunities for improvement include expanding outreach beyond social media to locations frequently visited by the immigrant community, adjusting service schedules to better accommodate working individuals with weekend events, and improving communication about the full range of services MIRA provides.

We remain dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our community and continuously adapt the MIRA program to ensure accessible, culturally relevant healthcare. By listening to community feedback and refining our services, we strive to enhance outreach, improve accessibility, and better connect residents with the resources they need to thrive.