DIRECTORS' CORNER

May is Mental Health Month, and it has never been more important to take a moment and consider our mental health than now, after more than a year of living with COVID-19 in our communities.

While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. And right now, everyone is experiencing worry, isolation, loneliness and anxiety as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The good news is mental health challenges are treatable and recovery is real. There are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency - and there are ways that everyone can be supportive of friends, family and co-workers who are struggling with life’s difficulties or their mental health.

There are a number of resources available on our website, and we encourage you to see what’s available for you and your loved ones. In addition, or the entire month of May, our partners at Jefferson Center will share resources like webinars, live Q&As, blog posts, infographic and more to help people improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with. Follow Jefferson Center on Facebook or visit their website to access these resources and for the latest news.

Together,

Dr. Margaret Huffman
Director of Community Health Services
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Jefferson County Moved to Level Clear May 16

On May 16, Jefferson County moved to Level Clear on the Simplified Dial, per JCPH’s Public Health Order 21-001. Under Level Clear, the county entered a 90-day observation period during which businesses are able to operate at 100 percent capacity with no additional restrictions, except for other requirements implemented by the State of Colorado or Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This move is part of a Metro Denver regional approach to phase into a full reopening as safely as possible while efforts continue to help more residents get vaccinated against COVID-19. Read JCPH’s news release for more information.

Amended Mask Order

As you have heard, JCPH rescinded its county mask order over the weekend to align with federal and state mask requirements. Now, all residents should follow the more relaxed mask requirements from the State of Colorado per Executive Order D 2021 103 and according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Second Amended Public Health Order 20-38. The state’s order states that, while masks are no longer required in most settings, masks are still required in certain high-risk settings for unvaccinated individuals, including health care settings such as clinics

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children Ages 12-15

On May 10, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in children ages 12-15, and the CDC has recommended the vaccine be used to protect this age group from COVID-19. This is an important milestone for Jeffco families and children who have already endured so much over the course of the pandemic, and especially as we have recently seen cases of COVID-19 increase among middle and high school aged individuals in our community.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be safe and effective for children ages 12-15 based on a rigorous and thorough clinical trial. In the trial, the vaccine was 100% effective at preventing COVID-19. Side effects were about the same as those seen in people age 16 and older, and the most common were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain. For those who had side effects, they typically lasted 1-3 days.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages everyone ages 12+ to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community. Vaccines are now widely available at many locations across the county and no appointments are necessary. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. Make a plan for your family at www.jeffco.us/covid-vaccine.

Calling all young adults in Jeffco: We need your input!

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is creating a communications campaign to reach young adults in Jeffco (ages 16-29) with information about COVID-19 vaccines. Please take our short 2-minute survey — and share it with your friends — to provide your thoughts about COVID-19 vaccines. Participants will be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. The survey closes on Friday, May 21, 2021. Take the survey here: bit.ly/jeffcovaxsurvey

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

2,362 Jeffco hospitalizations, 792 death Jeffco

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

Talk with Teens about Mental Health

Mental health is a reflection of the state of well-being in our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Teens, like all people, have good days and bad days. Adults can let youth know they are there for them to talk, and can help them cope or get support and care when they need it. Help them recognize their positive coping techniques by asking: What do you do to cope when you are dealing with anxiety or feeling down?

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

PARTNER PROFILE

Jefferson Center

Jefferson Center is committed to supporting individuals and families with their mental health. Even though May is Mental Health Month, Jefferson Center is committed accessible and equitable mental health services in Jeffco year round. Learn more about Jefferson Center today.

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.

May 2021 // Volume 3, Issue 5