Jefferson County Public Health Monthly header

May 2022 // Volume 4, Issue 5

DIRECTORS' CORNER


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This May, as we observe Mental Health Month, JCPH wants to recognize the important impact mental health has on us all as individuals and a community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of people in the US will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. Along with providing resources, JCPH partners with Jefferson Center, which provides lifechanging services and supports for individuals in every stage of life.
 
Each of us has felt the impact of so many things recently, including a surge in COVID-19 cases, heart-wrenching acts of mass firearm violence, international conflicts and concerning economic and social issues, such as the ongoing nationwide formula shortage and skyrocketing fuel prices. This all can take a toll, especially when combined with stressors we feel in everyday life. Now and always, JCPH is committed to empowering and walking alongside our community through all areas of the ongoing public health and mental health crises.
 
Please remember — you are not alone. A great way to start taking care of yourself during these difficult times is to find tools to help you cope and regulate challenging emotions. This can look many ways, from getting exercise to calling a friend or seeking professional help. There are resources available to you anytime you need them. Colorado Crisis Services offers on-demand counseling via phone (844-492-TALK) and text (“TALK” to 38255). In addition, the National Suicide Hotline is available at 1-800-273-8255.
 
Remember — mental health is an important part of our overall health, and your mental and emotional wellbeing matters.

Senior Leadership Team
Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 UPDATES

CDC COVID-19 Community Level for Jefferson County

The CDC has placed Jefferson County in Community Level Medium for COVID-19. The CDC created COVID-19 Community Levels as a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. You can regularly review the community levels on the CDC webpage. In addition, you can learn what this means for you and your community by reading JCPH’s news release.


Graphic about third shot of COVID-19 vaccine

Follow-up Dose – Schedule Yours Today

The CDC approved a third (booster) dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 years. This means everyone ages 5 years and older should now receive a third/booster dose when they’re due for one. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines gives you the highest level of protection from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Follow-up doses help make sure you stay protected and can keep you from getting sick or needing to go to the hospital. A full list of vaccine providers can be found at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). Vaccine locations in Jefferson County can be found at www.jeffco.us/vaccinesignup. 

Serving COVID-19 Patients – JCPH Therapeutics Team

Great news! JCPH has established a COVID-19 Therapeutics team. The Therapeutics team provides community members with information regarding COVID-19 therapeutic treatments and assists them with accessing these treatment options. In the past three months, JCPH has assisted nearly 80 community members, who have tested positive for COVID-19, with scheduling appointments to access monoclonal antibody therapy. In addition, the JCPH Case Investigation team has answered questions regarding therapeutic treatments for the people they have interviewed in response to COVID-19. Review our webpage to learn more about the therapeutic options that may be available to you.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Infant Formula Shortage – Find Resources

Currently across the U.S., there is an infant formula shortage. This is concerning and creates anxiety for many caregivers as they seek to find appropriate food for their children. JCPH is working with the State of Colorado to distribute resources and help families as much as we can. There are resources listed on the CDPHE website that are available to caregivers and community members.

Fentanyl Awareness Toolkit

Did you know? One hundred sixty-four people in Jefferson County died of overdose last year. People of all ages are susceptible to overdose, including teens. Please help us spread the three messages below to every teen, parent, teacher and anyone that works with youth in our community.

  • An Overdose Prevention Campaign Toolkit is available through Communities That Care’s Jeffco Teens website. This toolkit includes printables, videos, social media posts and fact sheets.
  • Information and videos designed specifically for Jefferson County Teens are also available.
  • Ideas for staring this conversation with your teen can be found on the Twelve Talks to Have with Teens website.


Double Up Food Bucks Logo

Double Up Food Bucks Colorado at Farmers Markets

Did you know that you can double your SNAP dollars at participating farmers markets with Double Up Food Bucks? Bring your EBT card to the market! When you get there, find the information booth. Tell the market staff how much you’d like to spend at the market with your EBT card, and they will swipe your card and give you paper SNAP bucks. These can be spent on any eligible food item that isn’t hot and ready at the market. Then, they will match the SNAP bucks $1 for $1 with Double Up Food Bucks, good for Colorado-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. If you spend $5, you get $5. If you spend $10, you get $10! They will match up to $20 per day! Find participating locations at https://doubleupcolorado.org/where-its-at/.

Air Quality and Wildfires

As we approach wildfire season it’s important to be prepared. With temperatures rising and more time outdoors, are you prepared for air quality concerns, such as high ozone levels and wildfire smoke? Sign up for JCPH Air Quality alerts and plan for keep you and your family safe from poor air quality,
 
Now is also the time to make a family emergency plan for wildfire safety. According to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control, 15 of the top 20 largest wildfires in state history have occurred in the last 9 years. Read about how wildfires and smoke affect your health and find tips to keep your family prepared.

Get Active – Celebrate Summer

Summer is right around the corner and it's time to get outside and get active! Did you know? Physical activity can immediately help you sleep better, improve your memory and reduce your anxiety. Get active and learn how to integrate physical activity into your life.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary


5,364 Jeffco hospitalizations, 1,434 deaths in Jeffco
130,862 total cases in Jefferson County
11,178,827 vaccines distributed in Jefferson County

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


JCPH and Mother’s Milk Bank Launch Baby Café

Calling all nursing parents! JCPH is proud to announce that our breastfeeding support club is back — now under its new name, Baby Cafe! The group meets every Monday, excluding holidays, from 1-3 p.m. at Belmar Library (555 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood). This is the perfect place if you have lactation questions, need support on your breastfeeding journey or just want to spend some time around other moms going through the same things. Learn more on JCPH’s breastfeeding webpage.

Twelve Talks to Have With Teens

Talk with Teens about Mental Health

According to the CDC, four key elements to healthy coping include: making time to unwind, taking care of your body, connecting with others and finding ways to calm stress and anxiety. Ask your teen open ended questions like: How can I be there for you? What makes you hopeful about the future? www.twelvetalks.com/mental-health

PARTNER PROFILE


Jeffco Fairgrounds

The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is a community pillar that has been integral to helping our community access COVID-19 vaccines and testing throughout each stage of the pandemic. Jeffco Fairgrounds is also our county’s  large animal evacuation center, and has helped neighboring communities during disasters, such as the Marshall Fire. Thank you, Jeffco Fairgrounds, for supporting our community in so many ways. Find out more about Jeffco Fairgrounds.

Jefferson County Fairgrounds logo

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.

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