The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation awarded a total of nearly $540,000 in grants to health-focused organizations in Western Colorado.

A total of 83 organizations in 16 West Slope counties received grants, including the first awards from the Simple Gifts Fund. The fund was created to support organizations providing services that might not align directly with the foundation goals of meeting basic needs and increasing access to physical and mental health care. The fund also provides support for organizations that meet needs aligned with foundation priorities, but request $10,000 or less.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation board of directors approved grants in 13 categories:

Adaptive sports, arts or camps for people living with developmental, cognitive or physical disabilities or trauma — 12 grants for a total of  $60,000.

Community coalitions — two grants for a total of  $15,000.

Community gardens  — six grants for a total of $27,000.

Early childhood development training and support to improve the ability of child care center staff and parents to help children achieve their potential — two grants for a total of $18,000.

Focus area requests of $10,000 or less — 16 grants for a total of $135,000.

Housing counseling to help people avoid eviction and foreclosure — one grant for  $10,000.

Legal aid to low-income individuals and families — three grants for a total of $15,000.

Mentoring between adults and youth — five grants for a total of $28,000.

Peer support groups — three grants for a total of $25,000.

Positive youth development through after school and summer programs — 18 grants for a total of $119,000.

Respite care for disabled, elderly and medically fragile individuals — two grants for a total of $20,000.

Social and emotional support, especially for seniors and special populations — 12 grants for a total of  $63,000.

Work force development addressing the health care work force shortage — one grant for $4,000.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation was established in 2017 when UnitedHealth Group purchased Rocky Mountain Health Plans and set aside $38 million to promote health and well-being in 22 Western Slope counties. For more information, visit https://rmhealth.org.