DIRECTORS' CORNER

June is Pride month. The perspectives and needs of LGBTQ+ people should be routinely considered in public health efforts to improve the overall health of every person and eliminate health disparities. Historically, members of the LGBTQ+ community are at increased risk for a number of health threats when compared to their heterosexual peers. These disparities are associated with social and structural systems, along with the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ populations experience. Adding to the crisis of care, LGBTQ+ youth are 4 times more likely than straight youth to make a suicide attempt requiring medical attention.

At JCPH, we seek to serve all individuals and fight the health disparities that exist. Together, we all can strive towards a more equitable community. In addition, our Sexual Health Services team works directly to ensure all services provided are safe, friendly and nonjudgmental for members of the LGBTQ+ population. Learn more about the services provided by the JCPH clinic, and take a moment to learn more about LGBTQ+ history in Colorado.

Together,
Gwyn Rodman-Rice
Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 UPDATES

Find Info about COVID-19 Follow-Up Dose

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) sent text message and email reminders to more than 650,000 Coloradans aged 50 and older whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System indicate they are due for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. All Coloradans who want to ensure they are keeping up with their recommended doses can use CDPHE’s COVID-19 vaccine follow-up calculator to help them determine their number of recommended doses. In addition, you can learn who is eligible for an additional dose and when.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Celebrate Juneteenth in Colorado

In 2021, Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) was officially named a federal holiday. June 19 marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. In June 2020, JCPH declared racism a public health crisis. As we work to serve all communities equitably, we have to acknowledge the systemic barriers that have and continue to disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Learn more about the history of Juneteenth.

Learn More about Monkeypox in Colorado

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDPHE and JCPH officials are currently monitoring cases of monkeypox in Colorado. In the United States, the virus is spreading through person-to-person transmission or direct contact with respiratory droplets, bodily fluids or skin lesions of those infected. Monkeypox can also live on other surfaces for some time. So far, there are only two known cases of monkeypox in Colorado. Learn more and see updates on monkeypox.

Get Paid to Get Tested at JCPH

DYK? Rates of many sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), are on the rise in Colorado. The best way you can protect yourself and your loved ones is to know your status. June 27 is National HIV Testing Day, and JCPH wants to help as many folks in our community get tested as possible — especially those who are at higher risk for HIV or HCV.

Our Points West and sexual health services teams are hosting a testing clinic June 29 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at JCPH, 645 Parfet Street in Lakewood. Food, water, shade and gift bags will be provided. In addition, we are providing $10 incentives for HIV testing, and additional incentives may be available for HCV testing. Learn more about sexual health services at JCPH.

Formula Shortage – Discover Options with WIC

Due to the nationwide formula shortage, you may not find the Enfamil formula that your baby usually takes in the 12-ounce can size. In response to this, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waiver makes it possible for Colorado WIC to temporarily allow you to use your eWIC card at the store to purchase other size options of formula. See full WIC press release to learn more about formula options.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

5,440 Jeffco hospitalizations, 1,453 deaths in Jeffco

1,191,774 vaccines distributed in Jefferson County

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

Attend the June Board of Health Meeting

This month, join the June Jefferson County Board of Health meeting. Public comment for this meeting can be submitted through form or email, or you can use the form to sign up to provide comment during the meeting. The Board of Health meeting is on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The agenda and dial-in information will be available on the JCPH website.

Talk with Teens about Identity

Who am I? How do I fit in? What is my role? What do I believe in? These are all key questions adolescents are asking themselves. In fact, identity development is a central task of adolescent development. Important dimensions of identity formation include race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Talking to an adult they trust can help youth form a positive sense of personal identity, so try asking open-ended questions like: If there was one thing I could be more supportive about in your life, what would that be? Learn more about talking to teens about their identity.

Join a Virtual Town Hall on Tobacco Policies

Make sure your voice is heard! JCPH is gathering input from organizational partners and community members on two tobacco policies. The policies include tobacco retail licensing and expanding smoke/vapor-free protections in unincorporated Jefferson County. If you live, work or recreate in unincorporated Jefferson County, have your voice heard at a virtual town hall event Saturday, June 18 from 10-11 a.m. RSVP today!

Join a Public Health Policy Task Force

Interested in getting involved in state public health policies? As directed by Senate Bill (SB) 22-205, the State Licensing Authority, in coordination with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and CDPHE, is convening the SB 22-205 Task Force to collaborate on a report to the General Assembly concerning intoxicating hemp products, legislative and rulemaking recommendations, and the analysis of the effectiveness of each recommendation for the regulation of intoxicating hemp products. Learn more or to apply to the task force.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jeffco WIC

This month we are highlighting Jeffco’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This past month, the nation saw a shortage of infant formulas that has continued to affect Colorado families everywhere. WIC educators went above and beyond to ensure that families were able to feed their children. Thank you, Jeffco WIC, for supporting and feeding our community! Learn more about Jeffco WIC.

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.

June 2022 // Volume 4, Issue 6