Report vs. reality

I am writing to you with an important message regarding a recent statement by Senator John Hickenlooper that referenced a Public Citizen report and, unfortunately, implied that several Colorado hospitals, including St. Mary-Corwin, are at risk of service cuts or closure.

We want to address this directly and unequivocally.

First and foremost, let us be absolutely clear: there is no threat of closure to St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. We want to assure our patients and our community that this report is inaccurate and does not reflect the reality of our strong, resilient hospital.

The Public Citizen report that fueled this discussion did not consult us for verification, nor did they reach out for comment on their assumptions. This oversight is critical, as the resulting information is not only incorrect but also appears to be used to fuel a political narrative rather than genuinely inform the public about the health of our local institutions.

CommonSpirit Health is deeply committed to the health and well-being of every community we serve, and Pueblo is no exception. St. Mary-Corwin Hospital is a vibrant, vital part of this community, and our caregivers play an indispensable role in providing compassionate, high-quality, person-centered care every single day. We are dedicated to the long-term sustainability and continued excellence of St. Mary-Corwin. This commitment is not merely a statement; it underpins every decision we make.

We recognize that the healthcare landscape is dynamic and presents various challenges. However, CommonSpirit Health consistently works to ensure the strength and resilience of our facilities. We relentlessly pursue operational efficiencies, invest in innovative care models, and forge strategic partnerships – all while maintaining our steadfast focus on our mission: to improve the health of all people. Our financial strategies are robust, and our dedication to the Pueblo community and beyond is unwavering.

It’s disheartening to see our hospitals and the incredible work done by our dedicated caregivers and staff become pawns in a political debate. The healthcare needs of Coloradans are too important to be reduced to mere talking points in a broader political discussion. We will not stand by and allow inaccurate reports to undermine the trust and confidence our communities place in us.

I am incredibly proud of our teams across Colorado who tirelessly serve our patients every day. People in Colorado can continue to count on CommonSpirit Health for their essential healthcare needs, now and well into the future. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide the highest quality care to our communities.

Michael Cafasso, St. Mary-Corwin Hospital

Pueblo

 What’s next in Colorado?

  When the Colorado legislators are in session, I get giddy every morning when I get out of bed. I can’t wait to see what our elected officials are working on every day. 

   What new legislation are they going to write or enact to help the law breakers and the illegals living in our state, or new laws and regulations that make the tax-paying Colorado citizens’ lives more painful and expensive? What we have witnessed in the past legislation has done nothing for the good of the people in Colorado.

    Colorado was the first State to legalize pot. We now see how successful that has been. The tax revenue has shrunk from $3.5 billion to just under $500 million. Not anywhere close to paying for the damage it has caused the taxpayers in human damage and loss.

     Legislators should be proud of how they have enshrined in the State constitution the most liberal abortion laws in the country. You can legally kill a newborn baby after it is born. In Colorado it is easier to kill a baby than adopt a dog!

      How about the new fentanyl possession law changed in 2025 from 1-4 grams of fentanyl to just 1 gram. To understand what that means 1gram=1000 milligrams, 2 milligrams=10-15 grains of salt. Two milligrams is a lethal dose of fentanyl. It’s now a level 4 felony. The fentanyl overdose death rate continues to rise.

      Another first in Colorado is to outlaw colorimetric drug testing in the field. Taking away more tools from the police in the field. Some random study from the University of Pennsylvania stated the test was only 60% right. Colorado is the first State in the Union to outlaw this testing procedure. Oh, yay another first for Colorado. Helping drug dealers and drug users.

       How about taking away the grocery store-supplied bags (FREE) to the store patrons? I am sure that the landfills are less full now. When I travel, I just bring bags home from another state.

       How successful has the reintroduction of the wolves to Colorado been? How much has it cost the taxpayers? Total failure!

       How about the Healthy School Meals for All program? Another successful program. The original estimate was 115 million in 2023-2024; the cost was 166 million. I am sure the program is a success for all the food providers and consumers. Not so much for the taxpayers. Families that can afford to provide their kids with meals don’t. Everyone eats for free! The Colorado taxpayer who funds this program earns over $300,000 a year. They also receive a tax deduction. Seems like a wash, all taxpayers get fleeced again.

     The Colorado taxpayer-funded EV program has cost us (taxpayers) 100s of millions of dollars. Between the New EV rebate and the charger costs which are partly paid by the federal government and the Colorado taxpayers is one of the biggest boondoggles in Colorado history.

      Remember, taxpayers, it can always get worse. Now that the state is broke, Denver is broke, Aurora is broke, you, the taxpayers, are next.  

Trig Travis

Aurora