Northwest Colorado Health Raises Funds for Hospice via $10 Rubber Ducky Race

$10. That is the price of admission for a chance to support hospice care in Moffat County during this year’s Rubber Ducky Race.

The event takes place on August 1, kicking off at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival. It is not just a novelty act for children; it serves as a direct funding mechanism for the agency’s hospice division.

Northwest Colorado Health has operated its program in the Yampa Valley for over three decades. They deliver skilled care directly to patients’ homes, covering nurses, social workers, physical therapists, aids, chaplains, and volunteers. The goal is to keep patients in familiar settings with their families rather than moving them into facilities.

“Hospice is about truly seeing and valuing everyone we come across and helping them live their fullest at the end of their lives,” said Jennifer Flueret, RN, BSN, Director of Home Health and Hospice for Northwest Colorado Health. “We believe people should have choices in what their last days look like and we try to honor and support those choices.”

The financial model relies on health insurance, but that coverage often falls short. Expenses for medications, medical equipment, and bereavement support frequently exceed what insurers reimburse. This gap exists because the nonprofit provider serves all residents regardless of their ability to pay.

The Rubber Ducky Race addresses this shortfall. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win cash or other prizes, making it accessible for working residents who might miss the morning festivities.

Tickets are available online at northwestcoloradohealth.org/rubber ducky or in person at the office located at 745 Russell Street. The race runs concurrently with the Hot Air Balloon Festival, leveraging existing foot traffic and community engagement to maximize donations.

For context, hospice care in rural areas faces unique pressures. The geographic spread of the Yampa Valley means higher logistical costs for delivering care to remote homes. Donations from events like this help offset those operational expenses, ensuring that quality of life remains the priority even when a cure is no longer possible.

The program offers education, respite for caregivers, and bereavement counseling. This holistic approach aims to reduce caregiver burnout, ensuring that families do not walk the end-of-life journey alone.

People can learn more about the specific services offered by visiting northwestcoloradohealth.org/hospice or calling 970-871-768.

The practical impact for locals is straightforward. A $10 ticket buys a moment of community support and contributes to the financial sustainability of a service that keeps aging neighbors at home. It is a small cost for ensuring dignity, comfort, and compassionate support during life’s final transitions.