DIRECTORS' CORNER

Across the U.S., about 1.2 million people have HIV — and about 13 percent of them don’t know it and need testing. That’s roughly twice the population of Jefferson County. While there has been significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, as well as numerous scientific advances to care for those living with the disease and to prevent more individuals from acquiring it, there is still more work to do.

At JCPH, we’re committed to helping our community take charge of their health. That’s why it’s so important to us to offer comprehensive sexual health services, including routine HIV testing and treatment for those who need it. We also want everyone in our community to know that learning your status doesn’t have to be a frightening thing — it’s about being empowered to take charge of your health and to bring that knowledge forward in your actions and relationships.

In addition to testing, JCPH provides important care and connections to those who are living with HIV or working to prevent it, including:

PrEP for HIV Prevention (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis).
Access to condoms and information on how to use them.
Testing and treatment for other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) by appointment and with walk-in hours every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Points West[external link], a harm reduction and syringe services program, which offers access to new syringes and injection equipment, overdose prevention and free and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing to participants.
Linkage to care to help individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, and those who have not been in medical care, become established with a provider to begin or resume treatment.

To learn more about the JCPH Sexual Health Clinic, or to find additional resources, please visit our webpage or call 303-239-7078.

Together,
Gwyn Rodman-Rice
Interim Clinic Services Director
Jefferson County Public Health

COVID-19 UPDATES

New Omicron Boosters Available at JCPH Clinic

The holidays are full steam ahead. ‘Tis the season to protect one another from COVID-19 and not bring the virus home. Just like the virus has evolved, so has the vaccine. Getting the updated vaccine gives targeted protection from the COVID-19 variants circulating right now. Schedule your omicron vaccine today [external link].

NEWS YOU CAN USE

parent checking checks forehead for temperature

Protect Those You Love

Respiratory viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) [external link], flu and COVID-19 are spreading across Colorado and the nation. Respiratory viruses that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults can impact children and the elderly more severely. Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccines, staying home when sick and washing your hands.

Breastfeeding Support Club

Calling all nursing parents! Please join us for our breastfeeding support club, Baby Cafe! 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. We can't wait to see you! Learn more on the JCPH breastfeeding webpage.

trees with bad air quality surrounding it

CPH Selected for EPA Air Quality Grant

On November 3, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced [external link] Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) as one of seven Colorado groups to receive funding to conduct air quality monitoring across the state. Working in partnership with local community groups, JCPH’s program aims to create local air monitoring capacity for underserved communities in Jefferson County. For more information view our full press release.

Food Safety This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, celebrations and — of course — food. As the winter holiday season kicks off, remember the best food you can put on the table for your loved ones is food that is safe. By taking several important steps [external link] while preparing your holiday meals, you can reduce the risk foodborne illness and make this year’s gatherings even more delicious. Learn more about food safety and how to keep this holiday seasons tasty food safe and fun.

GET INVOLVED

Attend the December Board of Health Meeting

Join the Jefferson County Board of Health for their monthly meeting. This month, the Board of Health meeting is on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, beginning at 3:30 p.m. This meeting is abbreviated due to the holidays, and the Board will be voting on a single item and concluding after. Regular meetings will resume in January 2023.The agenda and dial-in information will be available on the JCPH website.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jefferson County Head Start

Jefferson County Head Start is a comprehensive, no-cost preschool program serving kids who are three to five years old in Jefferson County (excluding Lakewood). They provide a range of support and services for children and families. Their mission is to empower families to become stronger, healthier and self-reliant. Jefferson County Head Start for caring for families in our community. If you want to support Jeffco Head Start this holiday season, see ways to volunteer or gift an item on their wish list.

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.

December 2022 // Volume 4, Issue 12