DIRECTORS' CORNER

The Jefferson County Board of Health (BOH) and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) are in the initial planning stages of recruiting a new Executive Director to lead the department, following Dr. Dawn Comstock’s resignation Feb. 7, 2022. To help lead JCPH and provide strategic public health direction in the meantime, the BOH has designated an Interim Senior Leadership Team comprised of many longtime leaders and directors at JCPH. In addition, as it is required by state law that county health departments always have a Medical Director on staff or in a consulting position, Dr. Sarah Rowan will continue to serve in this role.
 
We understand the last two years have been turbulent and unpredictable, and we want to assure you that your local public health department will continue to do everything in our power to provide consistent, reliable leadership and guidance as we navigate this new, hopeful phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Further, both the BOH and JCPH want to assure the entire Jeffco community that the responsibility of appointing the next Executive Director of JCPH is one that is not taken lightly. The Board will be moving through the process very thoughtfully, while prioritizing values and goal-setting and ensuring stability for the county’s residents and the hardworking staff at JCPH.
 
As we look to the future — and reflect on the hardships, accomplishments and lessons of the last two years — one thing is clear; the people of Jefferson County have gone above and beyond for one another, and we want to recognize the contributions each of you have made. We have come so far, and it’s because of you. Today, and always, we are grateful to serve this wonderful county.
 
Together,
The JCPH Interim Senior Leadership Team

NEWS YOU CAN USE

JCPH Vaccine Site Closes

Due to a significant reduction in demand for COVID-19 primary vaccinations and boosters, JCPH closed its largest site in Jefferson County on Sunday, February 20, 2022. The JCPH vaccination site located at Jefferson Marketplace (8194 S Kipling Parkway, Littleton) has been open since December 4, 2021 and over 8,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered at this location since then. JCPH COVID-19 vaccination efforts will continue at various other locations in our county to continue working to ensure access to the vaccine for everyone in our community.

JCPH Board of Health Rescinds Public Health Orders 21-005 and 21-006

With COVID-19 cases declining in our community, the Jefferson County Board of Health have made changes to the county’s public health orders. The first action taken by the Jefferson County Board of Health was to rescind PHO 21-005, which required routine testing of unvaccinated local government employees. This rescission was discussed and voted on by the Jefferson County Board of Health in a special meeting, held virtually, on Jan. 28, 2022, and was effective immediately. Then, at a special Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. For more information on the rescission of PHO 21-006, read the full news release at: https://www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1802

Black History Month

February is #BlackHistoryMonth! This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. This month, we honor Black health care leaders from the community and those who have contributed to the field of public health. Learn more: www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

Winter Preparedness – Get Ready Today

The winters in Colorado can change quickly from warm days to icy - it's good to be prepared. JCPH has put together some tips for preparing your vehicle and home, and how to handle snowstorms before and after they come your way. You can also find helpful information on what to include in your vehicle survival kit and home supply kit. Learn more: https://www.jeffco.us/3588/Winter-Preparedness

Get Free KN95 and Surgical Grade Masks

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

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. 

GET INVOLVED

PARTNER PROFILE

Twelve Talks

The Twelve Talks to Have with Teens project is a component of the Jefferson County Communities That Care initiative, a coalition made up of community members, including over 50 parents, youth, educators, government officials, behavioral health providers and business owners. Thank you Twelve Talks for being a vital resource in our community. Learn more: www.twelvetalks.com. 

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.