Government and Community Relations

The Government and Community Relations Department advocates at the local, state and federal government levels on behalf of Denver Health. Their purpose is to help maintain and promote community-wide outreach programs. By identifying issues when they arrive, the department can respond quickly, accurately and appropriately. The overarching goal is to provide a consistent message about Denver Health through internal and external channels.

Reports and Important Documents:

2024 DHHA Community Benefit Implementation Plan

2023 DHHA Community Health Needs Assessment

2023 Hospital Community Benefit Accountability Annual Report

2022 Hospital Community Benefit Accountability Annual Report

2021 Hospital Community Benefit Accountability Report

2020 DHHA Community Health Needs Assessment

Meet Our Team

Katie Roe Ryan, Director of Government Relations atDenver Health

Katie Roe Ryan
Director of Government Relations

Katie Roe Ryan is the Director of Government Relations for Denver Health, where she leads both state and federal relations, which includes advocating for our patients and health system with the Colorado State Legislature and on Capitol Hill. Achieving the goal of all Americans receiving access to affordable, quality health care and addressing the social determinants of health has always been her passion.

Before joining Denver Health, Katie worked for CommonSpirit Health as the Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Nevada Government Relations, where she led and implemented the health system’s grassroots advocacy strategy and government affairs for the Nevada Dignity Health market. Katie has also worked at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Washington, DC as a State and Local Campaigns Specialist, where she was the national campaign manager on skin cancer, anti-tanning policy, palliative care and childhood cancer state issues. She’s also worked at the American Diabetes Association as their national Grassroots Manager, and for many in the partisan political arena, including the Nevada State Democratic Party and U.S. Senator Harry Reid.

Katie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Master’s degree from The George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. She is a native southern Nevadan and enjoys spending time with her husband, son and golden retriever.

 

Stephanie Syner Project Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Denver HealthStephanie Syner, MSW
Project Manager, Diversity and Inclusion

Stephanie Syner has worked in the government sector for over 15 years. Most recently serving as the Senior Outreach Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette for 6 years. In this role, Stephanie worked with constituents, organizations, and community leaders from every sector to build more connected, informed, and stronger communities.

Outside of the public sector, her professional career has included consulting and campaigning in diverse communities that are most vulnerable to political or legislative change. Other areas of expertise include legislative relations, public policy, and policy analysis.

In 2017 she completed the Latino Leadership Institute Fellowship at the University of Denver. Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. Stephanie proudly sits on the board of Playworks Denver Chapter.

Hospital Transformation Program

Learn more about Denver Health's Community Benefit and Hospital Transformation Program by watching the video above.

What is the Hospital Transformation Program (HTP)? 

  • The goal of the HTP is to improve the quality of hospital care provided to Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) members by tying provider fee-funded hospital payments to quality-based initiatives.  
  • To be successful, hospitals must demonstrate meaningful community engagement and improvements in health outcomes over the five year program timeline.
  • The program seeks to: improve patient outcomes through care redesign and integration of care across settings, lower avoidable health care utilization, accelerate hospitals’ organizational, operational, improve systems readiness for value-based payment, and increase collaboration between hospitals and other providers. 

Learn More About HTP

Hospital Transformation Program Application and Intervention Proposal for Community Review

community relations