DIRECTORS' CORNER

Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter officially begins later this month, but we’ve already seen several major snow storms in our county. We want to take a moment to remind you to prepare for winter storms now, so you’re not in a bind later!

Here are helpful tips for preparing your vehicle and home, and how to handle snowstorms before and after they come our way. You can also find information on what to include in a winter vehicle survival and home supply kit.

Preparedness is key to staying safe and healthy this winter. Stay safe out there!

Sincerely,
Jody Erwin
Deputy Director and Director of Administrative Services
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Keep Measles Out of Colorado

This story published in the Colorado Sun shares how JCPH and other local public health agencies are working to boost MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rates among kindergarteners in the Denver Metro Area.

Cheri Jahn Joins Jefferson County’s Board of Health

The Jefferson County Board of Health welcomes Cheri Jahn as its newest member. Jahn was born and raised in Colorado, served 16 years in the state legislature and has worked to advance important issues in our state, including public health. Read more.

Holiday Food Safety Tips so your Festivities aren't a Fiasco

In the midst of the holiday season, our friends at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment share some simple food safety tips so your holiday feast doesn’t turn into a holiday fiasco.

DATA ROUNDUP: Influenza Update

151 flu hospitalizations this season in CO

One reported flu-associated outbreak in Colorado this season

Zero pediatric deaths associated with flu in Colorado this season

The flu season is just getting started, and it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Those who are at high risk for flu-related complications include people 65 years and older, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes or heart disease).

GET INVOLVED

Reminder: Free Well Water Testing While Supplies Last

JCPH is offering water quality testing of private wells, free of charge, throughout the rest of 2019 while supplies last. We recommend you test your drinking water well once per year for signs of contamination. The results gathered from this testing will help JCPH gain a better understanding of current water quality across the county. To learn more, please contact Audra DeVault at [email protected].

Talk with Your Teen about Sex & Consent

Talking to your teen about sex can be difficult, awkward and intimidating, but it's important. The sex talk is really a series of talks covering the basics, protection from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, consent and substance use, LGBTQ+ exploration and issues, and others.

If you think "the talk" is awkward, imagine how your teen feels. Embrace it. Leave space for questions, laughter and difficult conversations. The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at twelvetalks.com.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jeffco Families

JeffcoFamiliesColorado.org is a new one-stop shop resource for caregivers of young children in Jefferson County, CO. It is a project of the LAUNCH Together Jefferson County Partners initiative. Explore to find resources and info on topics such as early learning, child care, perinatal mental health and more!

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.

December 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 12