January is National Radon Action Month, and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is encouraging residents to protect themselves and loved ones from dangerous radon gas by testing their homes. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, and approximately half of all homes in Jeffco have high levels of this invisible, odorless gas. Testing your home — and installing proper air quality controls if high levels of radon exist — is an effective way to prevent the harmful effects radon can have on you and your family.

JCPH is offering 800 free radon test kits during the month of January (while supplies last, one per address and on a first come-first served basis) to Jefferson County residents. The kits will be delivered via mail, and residents can sign up to receive a kit at Radon Kit Request (jeffco.us). If you have questions about radon and your home’s risk, please visit the JCPH radon webpage to see frequently asked questions and helpful information or view a news release on National Radon Action Month. 

Together,
Jim Rada
Environmental Health Services Director
Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 UPDATES

Omicron Booster Approved for 6 Months and Older 

As of Dec. 9, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized the omicron booster doses for people ages 6 months and older. Following this approval and updated vaccine guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), JCPH is offering omicron doses to eligible children ages 6 months and older at our clinic in Lakewood. Learn more about the omicron booster approval. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Update Your Info with Medicaid, Medicare and CHP+

If you use Medicare or Medicaid, make sure you take a moment today to ensure that Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) has the correct mailing address, phone number and email address on file for you. The enrollment period ends on Jan. 15, keep your contact information up to date so that you can get important updates about your coverage. Find out more information at Colorado PEAK.

Cervical Health Month

January is #CervicalHealthMonth! Getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a preteen is one of the best things young people can do to prevent HPV and certain cancers, including cervical cancer, when they grow up. HPV vaccination also available for people up to 45 years old, as well as for immunocompromised individuals. Learn more about cervical health and HPV vaccine.  

Attend the January Board of Health Meeting

Join the monthly Jefferson County BOH meeting on Jan. 17, at 3:30 p.m. (business meeting at 4 p.m.). The BOH encourages public input and welcomes community participation at its regular meetings. Because JCPH is dedicated to language justice, every BOH meeting utilizes simultaneous interpretation to create a space where everyone can participate and engage in the language they feel most comfortable using. Learn more about the BOH, upcoming agenda and how to join the meetings.