The Colorado Resource for Emergency and Trauma Education (CREATE) Grant

The Colorado Resource for Emergency and Trauma Education (CREATE) grant program supports the development of emergency medical and trauma services (EMTS) throughout Colorado by providing reimbursement funding for training and education. Managed by the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) and funded through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), this program is part of the broader Emergency Medical and Trauma Services (EMTS) grant program created by Senate Bill 34 in 1989. CREATE specifically handles the education and training component of the larger EMTS program. It targets both rural and urban EMTS agencies across the state, aiming to improve the knowledge base, technical capabilities, and operational effectiveness of emergency personnel. The purpose of the CREATE grant is to strengthen Colorado's emergency medical and trauma services system through workforce education. Funding is offered on a reimbursement basis and must be used for eligible costs associated with EMS or trauma-related training. These may include tuition, required course fees, specific prerequisites, course-required books, the National Registry exam (first attempt only), completion cards (e.g., CPR), and reasonable travel and lodging expenses. However, funding is limited to 50% of eligible costs unless a financial waiver is approved, in which case the cash match may be reduced to as low as 10%. Importantly, individuals cannot apply for CREATE; only organizations with the explicit purpose of providing emergency medical or trauma services within Colorado are eligible. Applicants must complete several pre-application steps before gaining access to the grant application. These include updating an OATH organizational profile within the past three months, submitting a contact form, and uploading vendor documentation such as a recent W-9 form. For licensed ambulance services, designated trauma centers, and agencies with scope of practice waivers, compliance with state data submission requirements is also necessary. Once pre-application requirements are met, applicants may submit a general application and, if needed, a financial waiver request. The waiver and general application must be submitted in the same cycle. CREATE supports monthly application cycles, and applicants are encouraged to apply 2–3 months before their course start date. Each cycle has a fixed application deadline and associated eligibility window for course start dates. The CREATE application process includes detailed narrative sections scored on a 100-point system. Applicants must demonstrate service need, cost-effectiveness, financial need, alignment with underdeveloped or aged system components, applicant qualifications, and integration with broader emergency and healthcare systems. Supporting documentation such as financial statements, course syllabi, cost estimates, and letters of support enhance an application’s competitiveness. Only completed applications with all required materials are considered. Each course within an application is reviewed separately, and courses must be completed prior to requesting reimbursement. Evaluation of applications occurs monthly. Approved applicants must complete the training and submit a reimbursement report within 30 days of course completion (or 90 days if a National Registry exam is required). Reimbursement requests must include proof of payment, student evaluations, data submissions, and copies of National Registry cards if applicable. CREATE does not cover meals, instructor per diems, room upgrades, or rental cars. All reimbursement is contingent on proof that costs were incurred only after approval. CREATE operates on an annual cycle, with recurring monthly deadlines and eligibility windows that align with upcoming course start dates. The program is designed to be responsive to agency needs and provides applicants the opportunity to revise and resubmit previously denied proposals. Its focus on statewide EMTS training makes it an essential funding stream for agencies seeking to improve or maintain their service levels through skilled personnel development.

Use detailed operational and financial data to justify need; Highlight collaboration and service impact; Attend workshops for application guidance