What is the CHAS?
The Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) is the state’s premier source of data on the health of Coloradans. It provides insights into health status, access to care, health insurance coverage, and the social and economic factors that affect health.
Who conducts the CHAS?
The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) has fielded the CHAS every other year since 2009. The survey is independent, nonpartisan, and free for the public to use.
Why is the CHAS important?
The CHAS is a critical tool to:
- Understand Colorado’s health successes and challenges
- Identify needs and gaps in care
- Monitor statewide and regional trends
- Evaluate the impact of policies and programs
- Apply for funding or support grant proposals
How often is the survey conducted?
Every other year since 2009. The survey is typically fielded in the late winter through early summer months, and data is released later in the same year.
How many people take the survey?
Each CHAS includes responses from about 10,000 households across Colorado — representing the diversity of the state by region, age, race/ethnicity, income, and more.
Where can I access CHAS data?
All resources are available at colo.health/CHAS.
Who uses CHAS data?
- Nonprofits and Community Leaders – to identify needs and apply for funding
- Policymakers and Government Officials – to inform decision-making and track community trends
- Researchers and Students – to analyze health issues and support projects or theses
- Advocates and Journalists – to tell stories about health in Colorado
What types of data are available?
The CHAS includes data on:
- Health status and outcomes
- Use of and barriers to health care
- Health insurance coverage
- Social influences on health (housing, food security, income, etc.)
- Demographics (age, race/ethnicity, income, education, geography)
What tools are available to access CHAS data?
- Interactive Dashboard – explore data by topic, year, demographics, and region
- Regional and Legislative Fact Sheets – quick snapshots by geographic area around the state
- Workbooks – detailed Excel files by region and topic
- CHAS Briefs and Chart Packs – downloadable graphics and analysis
- Survey Questionnaire – the full list of questions (also in Spanish)
- Public Use File and Data Dictionary – free dataset for analysis
- Research File (by request) – detailed data for advanced projects
- Methods and Terminology – a high-level overview of CHAS processes and terms
- Sampling Methodology – guide to survey design, including sampling and weighting
Can I use CHAS questions in my own survey?
Yes. The questionnaire is publicly available and can be a valuable resource for determining what information to download and request to support your data needs. Additionally, it can be a helpful guide for organizations designing their own surveys. Spanish questions are also available.
What is not available online for free?
Most CHAS data and resources, including graphics, are free and publicly available online. The research file is not publicly available and contains individual-level geographic and race/ethnicity categories. CHI can provide this data through customized requests. A simple data request is free, while those requiring more time or analysis (such as a request involving multiple variables) may involve a fee. Additionally, researchers may fill out a form to request direct access to the research file. To discuss specific data needs, please contact us at chas@coloradohealthinstitute.org.
Who do I contact if I need help?
For data requests or support, contact chas@coloradohealthinstitute.org.
Who pays for the CHAS ?
The CHAS is made possible by financial supporters who value it as a public data resource. These funders include foundations, government agencies, and other organizations that are committed to data-driven decision-making. Some funders provide general support for data and analysis, while others may support the collection of specific data by sponsoring a question or pay CHI to analyze a certain data subset (for example, behavioral health in a specific county). Funders do not have any influence over the CHAS survey process, analysis, or presentation of results.
