Gerald Zarlengo, MD,
Chairman & CEO Copic Insurance Company

Grant funding through the Copic Medical Foundation is an essential part of how we invest in the health care community and support people and ideas that are making a difference. Our 2026 funding cycle opens this November, and we’re looking for scalable solutions to fight fragmentation. 

Making health care delivery more connected is key to giving patients better care and improving outcomes. When things are fragmented – like when providers aren’t on the same page – it can lead to confusion, higher costs and frustration for everyone involved. And most importantly, it can negatively impact patients. 

By working to reduce fragmentation, health care organizations can create a smoother, more effective system. But it’s not always easy. Real-world challenges like poor communication between providers, disjointed services, and patients feeling lost in their own care journey all play a role. On top of that, limited resources and complex regulations can make coordination even tougher. 

When organizations find ways to share patient information and close the loop on care, everyone benefits. It helps ensure that all providers are informed and aligned, which leads to better decisions and better care. Ultimately, it’s about building a health care system that puts patients first and makes the most of the resources we have.

GRANT FUNDING
APPLICATON PROCESS

What we fund:

• Programs and initiatives that improve patient safety and quality of care through systems changes and improvements
• Pilot programs designed to reduce medical errors
• Development and implementation of tools to improve care delivery

Minimum criteria to be considered:

• Approach or program demonstrates potential for uptake or replication by the health care community
• Organization is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization or has an identified fiduciary
• We prioritize projects that exemplify sustainability, feasibility, replicability and scalability

Deadlines and applications – Grant applications are due Jan. 16, 2026 by 5 p.m. (Mountain Time). Visit our website at www.copicfoundation.org to review requirements and submit an application. If you have any questions, please email mhintze@copic.com. Applicants can expect to hear from us regarding potential support in March 2026.

GRANTEE UPDATE

Advancing Safer Care: MSU Denver EMT/Nursing IPE Grant Impact

Copic Medical Foundation’s grant to Metropolitan State University (MSU) Denver in 2023 has sparked lasting change in how future clinicians approach patient safety and teamwork. This initiative directly addresses the challenges of patient handoff and care fragmentation – issues that impact safety, outcomes, and the daily work of clinicians across settings.

Through high-fidelity simulation scenarios, dozens of nursing and EMT students have participated in immersive training focused on the critical transition from prehospital to in-hospital care. Based on data from the initial cohort, the results were striking: 95 percent of students said, “Because of this experience I plan to adjust my approach to improve handoff communication,” and 97 percent agreed that “team-based skills are essential for all health care students to learn.” Approximately 96 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that “Debriefing enhanced my learning.” Underscoring the program’s impact on real-world practice, students noted, “I have a better understanding of respectful and effective handoff communication.”

Faculty and facilitators also saw the value. As noted in the report, “Educating the facilitators on current best practices was just as beneficial as educating the students. Facilitators noted the overwhelming success of the grant and the need for more interprofessional education (IPE) events.” The collaboration between MSU Denver and Denver Health has grown stronger, with plans to expand IPE across health programs and address workforce shortages in EMS and nursing. As MSU Denver anticipates a 25 percent increase in nursing students by 2026, and Denver Health EMS education grows, the grant’s impact will continue to shape the region’s health care landscape.

This project aligns with Copic’s commitment to advancing patient safety and supporting clinicians. By fostering a culture of communication, teamwork, and continuous learning, the grant helps ensure that the next generation of health care professionals is prepared to deliver safer, more coordinated care. The Copic Medical Foundation’s support stands as a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in driving positive change for insureds, partners, and the communities they serve.

2026 GRANTEE SUMMIT

In May 2026, the Copic Medical Foundation will convene its fifth annual Grantee Summit, welcoming both past and present grantees alongside valued community partners. This gathering is designed to foster meaningful connections, spark the exchange of insights, and inspire collaborative solutions – all centered on our shared commitment to “reducing fragmentation across care settings.”

We see the Grantee Summit as a cornerstone of our mission to advance health care quality, minimize adverse outcomes, and champion innovation. Our aspiration is for every participant to leave energized – with fresh ideas, new collaborators, and broadened perspectives – empowered to amplify their impact and drive patient safety improvements on a larger scale.

Eligible Colorado Medical Society (CMS) members can receive up to a 10 percent premium discount on Copic policies. Get more information on CMS membership by contacting membership@cms.org.