Denver – – September 15, 2026 -- Kaiser Permanente is committing more than $5 million over the next three years to Colorado school districts, targeting rising student chronic absence and staff burnout that have strained education budgets statewide.
Kaiser Permanente Targets Chronic Absence Tied to Health Conditions
The multiyear investment addresses chronic absence rates in Colorado schools that run higher than the national average, a trend the insurer links to underlying health conditions. Districts currently lack granular data to identify why students are missing class, limiting their ability to intervene before absences compound into long-term health and academic setbacks.
New Data Tools Will Track Health-Related Absence Causes
Participating districts will gain access to new tracking tools designed to isolate health-related reasons for missed school days. Kaiser Permanente will also connect districts to community health providers and social health programs aimed at returning absent children to the classroom, backed by grants to fund implementation.
Program Builds on Decade of Work With 50+ Districts
The initiative extends a long-running Kaiser Permanente effort that has already helped more than 50 Colorado school districts improve teacher and staff retention alongside student engagement. New funding will expand teacher and staff well-being support through direct grants, tools, and Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment donations that help districts map workplace well-being strengths and gaps.
Regional President Cites Resource Strain on Districts
"At a time when Colorado's school districts are struggling for resources to support teachers, staff, and students, we are stepping up to provide an ongoing commitment to address these pressing needs,