Stockpile of Essential Materials Distribution

Colorado shares stockpiled supplies more widely

Colorado can distribute stored supplies after a governor-declared disaster or when its emergency director identifies other public health or safety needs. Supplies include protective equipment, ventilators, and other items the director or designee finds necessary. Eligible recipients include schools, state and local health agencies, hospitals, primary care providers, Colorado tribes, nonprofits, and faith-based groups. Other entities, individuals, and community partners can also qualify based on need. Supplies can support future emergency response or regular, nonemergency use before their useful life ends. The state emergency management division leads stockpile purchasing and upkeep, with state health department input. Available funding limits its efforts to keep enough protective equipment until national supplies meet demand during a national public health emergency. The law also creates a stockpile rotation cash fund. Starting January 2027, annual public legislative reports must list purchases and distributions, including dates, materials, quantities, recipients or suppliers, reasons, and purchase costs.