 September 2021 // Volume 3, Issue 9
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At JCPH, we have heard from residents that it is a confusing time and that it has been difficult to know how to safely go about daily life as the pandemic persists. This is understandable, especially after going from a safer start of summer to seeing cases and hospitalizations surge again. We are committed to continuing to share current, transparent COVID-19 data and evidence-based prevention strategies with our residents so they are armed with the information they need to make choices to protect themselves and their loved ones. Luckily, we have learned a lot about this virus over the past year and a half, and public health prevention recommendations have evolved based on science to meet current needs. There are several important prevention measures that, when layered together, we know are very effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19 while our county remains a high risk area. The Delta variant, which spreads more than twice as easily from one person to another compared with earlier strains, represents nearly 100% of cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. At this point in the pandemic, reading or hearing data about COVID-19 can seem routine or intangible. In reality, these numbers represent our Jeffco community members — neighbors, parents, children, friends and coworkers — who are still suffering from this virus. As a community, there is a lot we can do right now to help get the pandemic back under control for ourselves and others. Easy actions like getting vaccinated, wearing a mask indoors and getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms will help keep our kids in school, our homes and workplaces safe and, hopefully, allow us to enjoy the upcoming fall holidays together while staying healthy. Together, Dr. Dawn Comstock Executive Director Jefferson County Public Health
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SepticSmart Week 2021Each year, along with the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), JCPH recognizes SepticSmart Week. This annual event focuses on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems. Through this week, we want to encourage homeowners, wastewater professionals and state, tribal, and local officials in septic safety. Together we can protect public health, preserve valuable water resources and sustain economic vitality in our community. Learn more on how to be SepticSmart, and find information on the services and efforts JCPH offers around onsite wastewater systems.
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Suicide Prevention Awareness MonthSeptember is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Together we can strive for a future ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. Need support now? Contact Colorado Crisis Center.
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Flu Season is ComingReducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like the flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. It's recommended to get a flu vaccination in September or October, but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you. To find a vaccination location near you, use https://vaccinefinder.org/. For more information about flu, visit Influenza (Flu) | CDC.
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Jeffco Parenting WorkshopsJefferson County Communities That Care (CTC), Jeffco Public Schools and Jefferson County Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Initiative are offering youth-focused parenting workshops. They will be held during the 2021-2022 school year for parents, guardians and caregivers. During the workshops, participants will learn practical skills for building trust and having difficult conversations with youth. Topics include alcohol, marijuana, vaping and other substances. Workshops will be offered monthly during the year (excluding December) in both English and Spanish. Visit www.twelvetalks.com/workshops or www.twelvetalks.com/entrenamientos to learn more.
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National Recovery MonthDid you know September is National Recovery Month? The Jefferson County Substance Use Partnership has been hard at work collaborating to improve access to the supports and care needed by people in or seeking recovery and their loved ones. Learn more about their initiatives and how to get involved at JCSUP.org.
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DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary
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As we work to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, you can stay up to date on COVID-19 data. Click here for a summary at the state level. Click here for our newly updated data dashboard with information on COVID-19 in Jefferson County.
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Talk with Teens about Hopefulness and CopingEven just asking your teen about how they feel can help guide them toward finding their own hopefulness and coping strategies. When adults validate and normalize a variety of emotions like anger, happiness, sadness, hope and frustration, teens learn that it’s normal to have many different emotions (and some all at the same time) and they don’t need to be hidden or dealt with alone. By offering consistent modeling and support to our youth, adults can help increase youth hopefulness and the use of healthy coping strategies.
Visit www.twelvetalks.com for more information.
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Jefferson CenterJefferson Center programs and services foster recovery and resilience in children, adults and families struggling with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Their event, Helping Kids Thrive, is a free annual parenting conference with hands-on practical information to help children and youth grow in positive ways. It’s for parents of infants to teens and for other adults, too. Thank you, Jefferson Center, for the way you equip and care for our community.
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