DIRECTORS' CORNER

Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, and sudden changes in weather can quickly create dangerous situations. At Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), we recommend all our residents prepare themselves, their home and their vehicle for severe winter weather.

At JCPH, we believe that it is important for individuals to prepare for emergencies that may impact themselves and their families. While we often think about major natural disasters when we talk about preparedness, it is also important to prepare for smaller and routine events so that they don’t become emergencies.

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself, your home and those you love for winter. To stay up-to-date on safety and preparedness recommendations from JCPH, please visit our website.

Together,
Christine Billings
Director of Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease
Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 UPDATES

Omicron Boosters Available at JCPH Clinic

As of Oct. 12, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [external link] and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [external link] have approved the bivalent booster doses (omicron boosters) for all individuals ages 5 and older. Following this approval and updated vaccine guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), JCPH has begun offering omicron doses to children ages 5 and older at our clinic in Lakewood (645 Parfet St.).

To learn more about the omicron booster and find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you, please visit the JCPH website or the CDPHE website [external link].

NEWS YOU CAN USE

JCPH Executive Director Job Recruitment

Jefferson County Public Health is seeking their next Executive Director. JCPH is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting health and preventing injury and disease for the residents of Jefferson County, Colorado. Public health is what society does collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. JCPH is committed to diversity of its staff, as well as providing culturally responsive programs and services that help reduce health inequities in the County. As such, JCPH welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply for positions within the agency.

The Executive Director will be well-versed in health care reform, policy development and change initiatives. They will provide strategic direction and oversee critical public health issues. The Executive Director will utilize their experience in balancing ongoing and emerging issues facing the community, while effectively managing the priorities of the department. They will also oversee, plan and coordinate the work of JCPH divisions which includes Administrative Services, Clinic Services, Family Services, Environmental Health Services and Emergency Preparedness and Infectious Disease.

See the JCPH Executive Director recruitment packet to learn more about the responsibilities and preferred qualifications. To apply, please send your resume to Tamara Wesely.

Holiday Food Safety

Gathering together with those we love is one of the best parts of this season, make sure the fun stays safe by practicing good food safety. The best food you can put on the table for your loved ones is food that is safe. Learn more about the important steps you should take while preparing your holiday meals to reduce the risk of foodborne illness [external link].

Community Awareness – Avian Flu

JCPH and The Colorado Department of Agriculture [external link], have continued to monitor for reports of wild and domestic birds that have been infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1 flu. On Monday, October 17, 2022 samples submitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory tested presumptive positive for HPAI in a backyard poultry flock in Jefferson County and a quarantine order was issued [external link] to limit the movement of birds in and out of the area. For more information, including geographic maps, information on how to protect your flock and a form to report the status of your flock, please visit The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s website [external link].

Bird owners struggling with stress or anxiety around HPAI can contact Colorado Crisis Services by calling 1-844-494-TALK (8255) or texting TALK to 38255. Farmers and ranchers can receive a voucher for six free sessions with an ag-competent provider through the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program [external link].

Monkeypox – Stop the spread. Stop the stigma.
Know your risk.

At JCPH, we understand that developing situations, like the Monkeypox outbreak, can feel overwhelming. However, the Monkeypox virus isn't new and has been studied for a long time. That means we have more tools in our toolbox as far as treatments, vaccines and prevention. Monkeypox doesn't discriminate - it can affect any of us. One of the best ways you can protect yourself is to understand the levels of risk, and to understand the ways each of us can protect ourselves. Learn more about monkeypox.

Take Steps to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

Creating and maintaining safe, healthy environments for our community’s children is a top priority for all of us. However, so frequently, the things that can harm children are the things we can’t see. JCPH is encouraging parents, caregivers and organizations in our community to learn about the risks of lead poisoning and the steps we can all take to create safer environments for kids.

Learn more about lead poisoning prevention, including JCPH’s and CDPHE’s efforts to address possible lead contamination in water in Jefferson County and across Colorado.

Lung Cancer Prevention and Education

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Not all lung cancer can be prevented, but with education and guidance, you can reduce your risk. It’s important to avoid tobacco smoke, test your home for radon and avoid exposure to other carcinogens. Learn more about lung cancer [external link].

GET INVOLVED

Attend the November Board of Health Meeting

Join the Jefferson County Board of Health for their monthly meeting. Public comment for this meeting can be submitted through the comment form or email, or you can use the form to sign up to provide comment during the live (virtual) meeting. This month, the Board of Health meeting is on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The agenda and dial-in information will be available on the JCPH website.

Lakewood Announces 'Your Money at Work' Photo Contest

When Lakewood residents spot signs with “Project of the Month” on them, they can take their most creative photo of the project and submit it along with their story about what the project has meant to them, what memories they’ve created there or how they use the project. A winner will be named each month for the rest of 2022, and again starting in the spring of 2023, and will receive a prize package. Learn more about Your Money at Work.

PARTNER PROFILE

Clerk and Recorder

Most people know that the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorders office helps ensure safe and secure elections, but did you also know that they do a lot more? The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder conducts elections, titles and registers vehicles, issues marriage licenses, records public documents, processes passport and liquor-license applications and serves as clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Thank you for all that you do to keep Jeffco running smoothly and efficiently. Learn more about elections and the Jeffco Clerk and Recorders.

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.

November 2022 // Volume 4, Issue 11