MEDIA ADVISORY: PCORI to host a Colorado virtual community convening on health and research

DENVER, Colo. and WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) will join Colorado community health leaders for a virtual convening on increasing evidence for emerging technology and innovation in health and achieving equitable access to high-quality health care hosted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The virtual event will take place on Thursday, October 21, from noon to 1:15 p.m. MT / 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. ET.

"Increasing the availability of evidence-based health information for existing interventions and emerging innovations in health is critical to improving clinical practice, patient outcomes and advancing health equity — and has never been more important as our nation continues to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," said PCORI’s Executive Director Nakela L. Cook, M.D., M.P.H. "This event presents an important opportunity to hear from the Colorado community as PCORI shapes its future research agenda in continued support of bringing useful and evidence-based health information to patients and those who care for them. We look forward to the discussion."

Who:	Welcome remarks by U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) Panelists: Larry Allen, MD, Professor, School of Medicine; Associate Head, Clinical Affairs, Cardiology; Medical Director, Advanced Heart Failure, University of Colorado Michael Crews, Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, Colorado BioScience Association Michele Lueck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Health Institute Aron Wahkinney, Contracts and Grants Program Manager, Denver Indian Health and Family Services
What:	The virtual event presents an opportunity to speak with Colorado community health leaders, learn about ways to engage with PCORI, and offer input about the health priorities and key issues facing Colorado. Members of the media are invited to submit questions during the Q&A following the panel discussion.
When:	Thursday, October 21 from noon to 1:15 p.m. MT / 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. ET
Where:	Register and join the event online.

PCORI is hosting a series of community convenings across the U.S. as part of a strategic initiative to identify new National Priorities for Health to guide our mission-driven work and outline a Research Agenda that encompasses specific topic areas. The convening of Colorado community health leaders, joined by DeGette, offers local stakeholders opportunities to provide input and avenues to engage with PCORI during this important time in the organization’s evolution. Previous convenings brought together West Virginia and Maryland community health leaders to discuss themes relevant to regional stakeholders and PCORI’s proposed National Priorities for Health.