DIRECTORS' CORNER

Summer is finally here and we are already feeling the heat in Colorado. This time of year, when the climate is hot and dry, increased ground-level ozone pollution and smoke from wildfire can make our air more harmful to breathe. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) and the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) remind residents that there are ways to protect our health when air quality is poor and simple steps we can all take to help keep our air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Poor air quality can cause a number of health concerns and aggravate existing health problems, especially for people who have chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or other lung diseases. Breathing bad air is also especially harmful for older adults, babies and children and people who spend a lot of time working or exercising outdoors. Prolonged exposure can cause short- and long-term lung damage. Particulate matter from many sources, including wildfires, can also have effects of those with cardiovascular disease. Luckily, there are some things residents can do to protect their health when Air Quality Health Advisories and Ozone Action Alerts are issued.

Jeffco residents can sign-up to receive air quality alerts from JCPH via text or email. Click here and scroll down to “Alert Center.” Select “Air Quality Alerts from Public Health” and enter your phone number and/or email address.

Together,

Jim Rada
Environmental Health Services Division Director
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Take one for the team — Get a COVID-19 vaccine

You’ve worked so hard — don’t let COVID-19 keep you and your team out of the game this season. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep you and the people you care about healthy and strong, and it’ll help avoid preventable quarantines and cancelled events. Vaccines are safe and effective, and everyone ages 12+ can get one for free close to home. Find out how here.

Hepatitis Can’t Wait

On World Hepatitis Day, July 28, we call on people from across the world to take action and raise awareness of hepatitis because Hepatitis Can’t Wait. Did you know? Ninety-one percent of people with Hepatitis B Virus and 80% of people with Hepatitis C Virus are unaware of their infection and can unknowingly infect others. HBV often spreads unnoticed from mother to child at birth, putting infants at high risk. 80-90% of babies infected with HBV will develop chronic disease and one in four will die of liver-related causes during adulthood. In addition, in low- and middle-income countries, millions of people have been inadvertently infected in healthcare settings via the use of unsterilized equipment and unscreened blood transfusions. HIV+ patients are also hard-hit by HBV and HCV, as are other marginalized groups with poor access to care, such as migrants and indigenous populations. Learn more here.

Info about the COVID-19 vaccine for your teen

Are you thinking about whether or not to let your teen get vaccinated? While children are less likely to get seriously sick or die from COVID-19 than adults, they are still at risk, and can spread the virus to others. Vaccinating tweens and teens — especially before back-to-school — will help keep kids safe through the end of the pandemic. Children age 12 to 17 are recommended to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Clinical trials showed that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and extremely effective in this age group. Find a vaccine clinic today!

Nurse Home Visitation Programs

Jefferson County Public Health offers a wide range of services to help mothers and their babies get off to a healthy start. Whether you are pregnant or have a newborn, toddler or perhaps several young children, connecting with public health programs and services can benefit your family’s health. If you'd like to apply for home visitation or refer someone to the program, you can learn more here.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

2,771 Jeffco hospitalizations, 863 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 Alcohol

Adults in Jeffco often feel that a little alcohol is harmless for teens. Teens report that a little alcohol usually leads to a LOT of alcohol. The reality is that underage alcohol use — particularly binge drinking — leads to risky sexual behavior, use of other drugs, alcohol poisoning or violence. Make sure you are talking to your teen about alcohol. Open ended questions are a good place to start: Does anything worry you about people your age drinking? What about in terms of brain development, sexual assault or blackouts? The best way to show your team you care? Be there.

Learn more at www.twelvetalks.com.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jeffco Open Space

Jefferson County Open Space’s mission is to preserve open space and parkland, protect park and natural resources and provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Thanks to the hard work of Jeffco Open Space, Jeffco residents can enjoy the wonderful nature and learn how to be better stewards of the land. Learn more about Open Space here.

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 2021 // Volume 3, Issue 7