DIRECTORS' CORNER

JCPH, Board of Health Declare Systemic, Structural Racism a Public Health Crisis

The Jefferson County Board of Health, in tandem with Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) passed a resolution declaring systemic and structural racism a public health crisis during its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. The resolution is a response not only to the need for action within our community, but also an answer to a call-to-action for all institutions, such as public health, to work harder in the fight for equity and justice for all Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and People of Color.

You can read more about the resolution and its importance here.

Sincerely,

Mark B. Johnson, MD, MPH
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 INFORMATION

State Releases Safer-at-Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors Order

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) published an amended public health order, Safer-at-Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors. The order addresses several new topics, including youth and adult league sports, playgrounds, swimming pools, gyms and recreation centers, outdoor recreation and places of worship, and since its release has been expanded to include even more topics. You can always find the latest updates and guidance from CDPHE at covid19.colorado.gov.

Jefferson County Variance Request Approved by CDPHE

On June 8, Jefferson County received approval of a request for a variance to the statewide Safer-at-Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors order. Please read the county’s release here. Visit www.jeffco.us/safer-at-home for more details and approved guidance within the variance.

Take a Look “Inside the COVID-19 Response”

Inside the COVID-19 Response explores the stories of public health responders who have been working around the clock to help prevent the spread of the disease and to keep our community safe and healthy.

New Posts Up on JCPH’s Blog Series, Resilience

This series explores topics related to mental wellness and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spanish and English. See posts on hope, navigating these tough times, gratitude and more. Read more.

Nominate a Local Business Working to Keep Community Safe for Jeffco’s Open for Business Spotlight

Jefferson County kicked off a new effort to spotlight businesses that are working to promote the safety of employees and customers. To nominate a business to be featured, complete this submission form. Learn more here.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Jeffco Low-Income Areas Hit Hard by COVID-19

Detailed case information data compiled by JCPH shows significant disparities in the rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in some communities in Jefferson County. Read the full story in the Lakewood Sentinel here.

Colorado SNAP Recipients Now Able to Make Purchases Online

The Colorado Department of Human Services recently announced the launch of an online purchasing program for families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and support programs such as Colorado Works and Old Age Pension.

This option is now available for SNAP, also known as Food Assistance, as well as Colorado Works and Old Age Pension participants to make online food delivery purchases on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Read more.

Protect Yourself and Your Family from Tick and Mosquito Bites

Summer is here and that means warmer weather and outdoor activities are upon us! Don’t forget that warmer weather also brings mosquitos, ticks, fleas and other pesky insects. These insects can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile Virus, Colorado Tick Fever and bubonic plague. Plan ahead and take steps to protect you and your family…don’t let unwanted insects get in the way of your summer fun!

National Men’s Health Week

National Men’s Health Week is observed each year leading up to Father’s Day. This week is a reminder for men to take steps to be healthier, but they don’t have to do it alone! Whether it’s your husband, partner, dad, brother, son or friend you can help support the health and safety of the men in your life. Check out tips for healthy habits here.

Staying Safe in the Sun

It only takes 15 minutes for ultraviolet (UV) rays to damage your skin — causing early skin aging and increasing your cancer risk. Make sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and get help for those hard-to-reach places like your back. Here are more tips.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 CASE SUMMARY

29,901 total cases in Colorado, source for all data is Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as of 4 p.m. on June 19 2020

412 hospitalizations in Jefferson County and 201 deaths in Jefferson County

There is currently widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Colorado and Jefferson County. Click here for a summary of cases at the state level. Click here for a summary of cases in Jefferson County.

GET INVOLVED

COVID-19 Data Dive with JCPH Epidemiologists: June 22

We all know data is critical to responding to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to understand! Join Jefferson County Public Health on Monday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. for a deep-dive into our newly updated data dashboard and a review of current data — including data on COVID-19 cases, demographics, testing and geography. Following a short presentation and demonstration of the dashboard, there will be time to ask questions to the experts in this field. Find the meeting information here.

Talk with Your Teen About Their Identity

Adolescence is when teens figure out a sense of who they are. They ask key questions, like, "How do I fit in?" and "What do I believe?" Understanding their identity includes thinking about how their family, cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, gender, religious, social and professional identities intersect. The exploration also includes understanding the influence of identities on both their own lives and the systems that make up our society.

Ask your teen open-ended questions about themselves, like, "What makes you unique?" or "What do you think about what's going on in the world?" Discuss your values and identity with your teen and be open to hearing their ideas, too.

The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at twelvetalks.com.

PARTNER PROFILE

Hunger Free Colorado

Hunger Free Colorado has been working to help connect people with food resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking for help accessing food resources like SNAP, WIC or local food pantries, call the Food Resources Hotline at 855-855-4626, Monday-Friday (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). All of your information will be kept confidential.

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 2020 // Volume 2, Issue 6