As our community continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your hard work and many sacrifices to help keep one another safe.

I often reflect on just how different things are now compared to the start of the year, and while  most of us have become accustomed to behaviors like wearing a mask in public, avoiding large groups and keeping our distance from one another by now, it has not been easy. Thank you for continuing to push forward — your choices are making a difference for your own health and the health of our community.
 
As your local health department, we will also continue to do everything we can — using the best information and science available to us — to keep you safe. Together, we will get through this as a stronger, more resilient Jeffco.

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

Mask Up!

On July 16, the statewide mask mandate, issued by Governor Polis in response to cases rising in Colorado, went into effect. The state’s order requires individuals to wear masks when in indoor public settings. Additionally, Jefferson County Public Health issued a local mask order that requires people in Jeffco to wear a mask outdoors when unable to maintain 6 ft. distancing. Learn more about the orders and why it’s important to wear a mask in public.

 

JCPH Weighs in on Masks

As we know, Colorado is under a mask mandate to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Hear from Jefferson County Public Health experts in this interview with CBS 4 to learn more about the use of masks and how we can care for our community together.

Talk with Your Teen About Friendship

Teen friendships happen both in person and online, and social media plays an important role. Adults can't regulate their teen's friendships, but they can model positive relationships and talk to youth about healthy social interactions. Ask your teen about the role social media plays on their friendships. Have conversations about their friends and yours. Be willing to share your advice – and listen to theirs. 
 
The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at twelvetalks.com.

 

Check Out Jeffco's Open For Business Spotlight

Have you seen some great businesses in the community creatively caring for their customers during COVID-19? Submit them for Jefferson County's Open For Business spotlight, which highlights businesses that are going above and beyond to create safe environments amid the coronavirus outbreak.

To be featured, a Jeffco business must be:

1. Following public health guidelines
2. Taking action to emphasize the safety of employees and customers
3. Creating an atmosphere that will make customers feel confident that they can safely visit the business.

Submit your favorite business today!

 

You’re Invited: Webinars for Intl. Overdose Awareness Day

In observance of International Overdose Awareness Day this August, the Jefferson County Substance Use Partnership is facilitating two virtual training opportunities for community members:

Substance Use 101 + Naloxone Training - August 31, 6:00 p.m.

• One of the best ways to improve outcomes for substance use is a well-informed and engaged community. Join us to learn more about the scope of the crisis in Jeffco, where to go if you or a loved one need treatment/support and how to recognize and respond to an overdose.

• Through an evaluation of our own potential role in perpetuating drug-related stigma, we can address the way it impacts people's ability to access the support and resources needed to improve individual and community health.

 
We hope to see you there!

August Board of Health Meeting (Virtual)

The August Board of Health meeting will be held on August 18, beginning at 4 p.m. Find the Zoom information for joining virtually on our Board of Health webpage.

Jefferson County Chambers
of Commerce

Businesses have played a critical role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and working to keep employees and customers safe. We thank Jeffco businesses for their partnership during this time. See our Business page for a links to all of the Chambers of Commerce websites to learn more.