Loss of Critical Government Funding = Greater Community Need An Urgent Call for Support in Eagle County

National Headlines, Local Impact
Recent federal budget decisions have led to significant reductions in essential health programs, including WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, immunizations, and perinatal care, including substantial cuts to Eagle Valley Community Foundation funding. These cuts are already impacting families nationwide and are now being felt acutely here in Eagle County. Our neighbors are experiencing challenges in accessing nutritious food, medical care, and vital support services. We need your help to bridge this gap and support our community during this critical time.

THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY

WIC and SNAP Cuts = More Families at The Community Market
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) faces a potential underfunding of $1 billion, jeopardizing support for up to 2 million eligible mothers and children. Additionally, proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amounting to $230 billion over the next decade threaten food assistance for millions of low-income households. The last time benefits were reduced, local families lost an average of $90 per person. The Community Market is preparing for increased demand as families face reductions in federal food aid.
➡ ️In March alone, The Community Market saw a 15% increase in customers—many of them young parents. Each week we are serving over 4,100 individuals. 

Medicaid Rollbacks = More People Turning to MIRA
Proposed federal budget plans include cuts exceeding $1 trillion to programs like Medicaid, potentially affecting healthcare coverage for millions of low-income and disabled individuals. Colorado could lose 14,000 jobs in 2026 due to these cuts, with the state’s gross domestic product potentially shrinking by almost $1.6 billion. Eagle County currently has approximately 9,000 people enrolled in Medicaid. Federal actions to increase Medicaid disenrollments could potentially remove 5,000 people from Medicaid and leave them without health insurance.
➡ ️ MIRA’s visits are now averaging 200+ patients per month, individuals who would go without basic health education and care if our programs cease to exist. 

Immunization Program Cuts = Threat to Public Health
The termination of $250 million in federal funding for public and behavioral healthcare in Colorado has led to significant cuts in public health functions, including immunization programs. The cut threatens the MIRA’s ability to provide critical immunization access, outreach, and education, leaving communities more vulnerable to future public health crises.
➡ ️ MIRA provides over 900 vaccinations to vulnerable populations every year. 

Perinatal Program Reductions = Mothers Left Behind
The IMPACT BH program, designed to enhance perinatal behavioral health services, has been a crucial resource for expecting and new mothers in our community. Funding cuts to MIRA leaves mothers without essential support during critical periods. ​
➡ ️ One local mom shared, “During my pregnancy, I didn’t know where to turn. MIRA made me feel seen and supported—like I wasn’t going through it alone. They helped me understand my health, connected me with prenatal care, and even made sure I had diapers when my baby arrived. It’s more than a bus—it’s a community.”

Cuts to Community Health Workers (CHWs) = Resources Navigation and Connection

Cuts in CHWs in Colorado, including those impacting the MIRA Bus program, would have severe consequences for healthcare access, cost savings, and overall community well-being. The elimination of Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services, as proposed in SB25 would strip the state of significant federal funding, reducing resources available for preventive care and health navigation. The local healthcare system, which relies on MIRA CHWs to connect underserved populations with vital health services, would face operational challenges, ultimately leading to increased emergency room visits, worsening chronic disease management, and higher healthcare costs. CHWs have been proven to reduce disparities and provide a strong return on investment—yielding $2.47 in Medicaid savings for every $1 invested—yet these cuts would undo years of progress in expanding access to equitable healthcare, particularly for immigrant and low-income communities in Eagle County.

READY TO GIVE. READY TO ACT.

Are you in a position to get involved:

1. Do you see the issues outlined above as a significant challenge for Eagle County’s most vulnerable populations that EVCF serves?
2. Do you believe that EVCF programs are an effective and efficient way to help those in need?
3. Are you in a personal financial position where you are comfortable increasing your donations to EVCF during our critical time of need?

Your immediate donation helps:

• Help us purchase essential proteins—like chicken, eggs, and beans—for families struggling with food insecurity in our communities. 
• Equip our trusted, bilingual Community Navigators to help neighbors who are losing Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety net benefits understand their options and find solutions. 
• Power a team that reflects our community—bilingual, trusted, and deeply connected—so every family has someone they can turn to.

WAYS TO GIVE

• Give now at https://eaglevalleycf.org/donate/
• Mail a check to EVCF at PO Box 1580 Vail, CO 81658 

You can also take advantage of giving methods like Donor Advised Funds and Gifts of Stock. For information on these methods, contact Grace Anshutz at grace@eaglevalleycf.org or (515) 537-0551.