On Thursday, June 26, Representative Matt Martinez was formally recognized by the leadership at San Luis Valley Health for his support of rural healthcare and his advocacy for key pieces of legislation this term. Rep. Martinez, who represents Colorado House District 62 and is the Majority Co-Whip, has been a vocal advocate for rural healthcare in Colorado since being elected to his position in 2023.

From left to right: Representative Matthew Martinez, Konnie Martin, CEO of San Luis Valley Health, and Savannah Corona, Director of Marketing and Communications for San Luis Valley Health

A Heartfelt “Thank You”

Rep. Martinez joined San Luis Valley Health CEO, Konnie Martin, as well as the rest of the organization’s leadership for a Q&A session, where they discussed the current healthcare landscape and the most recent legislative term. Rep. Martinez shared his approach to gathering feedback from constituents and shared his insights on how decisions at the federal level could possibly impact Colorado.

From left to right: Representative Matthew Martinez and Konnie Martin, CEO of San Luis Valley Health

At the conclusion of the Q&A portion, Martin surprised Rep. Martinez by recognizing him for being a champion of rural healthcare in Colorado and his advocacy for the San Luis Valley.

Said Martin, “On behalf of all of San Luis Valley Health, I want to thank Representative Martinez for being an advocate for us and the community we serve. Your efforts have made a huge impact on our organization and in the lives of our patients. Thank you for advocating for the San Luis Valley and ensuring that our community members have access to the care that they need, we are so grateful for his continued support. This session’s healthcare impacts were especially important, and Rep. Martinez was a key leader in supporting rural communities and protecting vulnerable patients.”

Rep. Martinez was given a plaque on behalf of San Luis Valley Health and was met with a round of applause from the organization’s leadership team. Josh Ewing, Vice President of Rural Health for the Colorado Hospital Association, also attended the event, making the trip to Alamosa to join in the celebration, as Rep. Martinez’s work this legislative session is expected to have a significant and lasting impact on rural hospitals throughout Colorado.

From left to right: Tom Wisniewski, Director of Pharmacy for San Luis Valley Health, Audrey Reich Loy, Director of Program Operations for San Luis Valley Health, Representative Matthew Martinez, and Josh Ewing, Vice President of Rural Health for the Colorado Hospital Association

A Track Record of Advocacy

The 340B Drug Pricing Program became a central point of focus in the most recent legislative session, with Rep. Martinez playing an important role in preserving access to this program for healthcare providers across Colorado. 340B is a federal program that was put into law 30 years ago, designed to help stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services. This program allows eligible healthcare providers, like San Luis Valley Health, to purchase medications at reduced prices. The savings from the program helps San Luis Valley Health to offset the high cost of life-saving medications and provide charity care to the community. 

Rep. Matthew Martinez co-sponsored and championed SB 25-071, which prohibits drug companies from denying or restricting the acquisition of 340B drugs to covered entities or their contracted pharmacies. “This program is critical small, non-profit, rural hospitals. The impact of 340B extends far beyond cost-savings, it directly improves patient outcomes and quality of life,” said Audrey Reich-Loy, who advocated for SB 25-071 during the Colorado State Legislature’s Health & Human Services where the bill was a pivotal topic.

Rep. Matt Martinez continuously advocated for San Luis Valley Health and other healthcare providers of the San Luis Valley while this bill passed through the Colorado legislature. He recognized its importance to rural hospitals and pharmacies who depend on 340B savings.

From left to right: Representative Matthew Martinez and Konnie Martin, CEO of San Luis Valley Health