Cost of Living and Housing - A Persistent Concern: Across the spectrum, Coloradans’ most pressing concerns are economic: they are worried about the increasing cost of living and soaring housing costs. Increasingly, those concerns have many Coloradans worried about their ability and their children’s ability to stay living in the state. This has been Coloradans’ top concern for the last five years, which demands policy solutions to address the underlying issues and allow people to continue calling Colorado “home.”
Political Polarization Impacts Feelings of Belonging: Respondents shared that while they largely feel welcome and that they belong at home and in their communities, there is unease and a fear of intolerance when it comes to sharing their political beliefs.
Addressing Key Concerns: Throughout the state, concerns regarding critical issues such as the economy and jobs, homelessness, substance abuse and health care have gained prominence. Additionally, there is growing concern surrounding gun violence, crime, climate change and wildfires. Collectively, Coloradans are looking for immediate attention on these pressing issues.
The Colorado Health Foundation’s Pulse Poll findings from 2024 will be released in three phases to ensure maximum engagement and impact. The phased-release approach provides multiple options for individuals to explore the data that resonates most with their interests and concerns. Let's take a closer look at the schedule:
- Economic Concerns and Their Impact on Our Financial, Physical and Mental Well-Being
(Presented in English with live interpretation in Spanish)
Briefing at 10 a.m. MT on Thursday, July 18 | Register
An overarching level of economic concerns and uncertainty driven by persistently high living expenses and over-the-top housing costs are the top two concerns for most Coloradans in 2024. This year’s Colorado Health Foundation Pulse Poll results show how these pressures are impacting Coloradans’ day-to-day lives, including how the rising cost of living and health care costs, as well as access to insurance and reduced access to Medicaid, is impacting lives and forcing people to make difficult decisions. This first briefing will explore Coloradans’ most pressing concerns.
- Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Coloradans’ Top Concerns and How They Connect to Our Sense of Belonging
(Presented in English with live interpretation in Spanish)
Briefing at 10 a.m. MT on Wednesday, August 14 | Register
Coloradans concerns extend beyond housing and the economy—the 2024 Colorado Health Foundation Pulse Pull revealed that their other top concerns include health care and mental health support, drug use, homelessness and crime, among other topics. In this briefing, we’ll dive deep into the most critical themes that arose in Pulse: The Health Foundation Poll, including how these issues impact our sense of belonging within our communities. The analysis will delve into similarities and differences across specific demographics including race or ethnicity, income level, geography, age, partisan affiliation and more.
- Deep Dive with an Emphasis on Responses from Hispanic and Latino People in Colorado
(Presented in Spanish and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be available)
An evening briefing will be held on Monday, September 9 | Register
In a state where the Hispanic and Latino population comprises 22% of the population, it is crucial to spotlight their voices and concerns. This session will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by providing valuable insights into the recent Colorado Health Foundation Pulse Poll data on the experiences of Hispanic and Latino Coloradans, including the unique challenges, issues and aspirations of this significant demographic. Simultaneous interpretation will be available, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued.
The Colorado Health Foundation Pulse Poll findings provide a valuable glimpse into the concerns, experiences and aspirations of Coloradans, setting the stage for meaningful change. By participating in the webinar briefings, you can engage directly with the data, contributing to the dialogue with other community leaders that shapes policies and initiatives to bring health closer in reach. Together, we can listen, learn and work towards building thriving communities in Colorado.