DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Celebrating 60 Years

This year marks Jefferson County Public Health’s 60th Anniversary, and I couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’ve made to advance public health in Jefferson County, Colorado. As I reflect on our work, one thing rings true: none of it would have been possible without the support from and partnerships with our community.
We are pleased to launch this new community newsletter, Public Health Monthly, as one more way we can continue to learn from and share with one another. With this newsletter, we aim to keep you updated on timely public health news, local data and trends, important policy issues, opportunities to get involved and more. And in the spirit of collaboration, we invite you to share your feedback so we can make this newsletter as useful as possible.
Here's to a healthy new year and continued partnership!

Sincerely,
Dr. Mark B. Johnson
Executive Director, Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

During National Radon Action Month, Test Your Home for Dangerous Radon

In Jefferson County, about half of homes tested have high levels of radon, a dangerous and naturally-occurring radioactive gas. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and testing is the only way to find out how much radon is in the air you breathe at home. During National Radon Action Month this January, JCPH Environmental Health Services is providing free radon test kits to homeowners in Jefferson County on a limited basis (one per family; while supplies last). Learn more about radon and how to get your free kit.

Coloradans Now Can Edit Gender Identity on Birth Certificates

In late December, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Board voted to allow more gender options for birth certificates. There will now be four options: male, female, X and intersex. To make changes to a birth certificate, contact CDPHE.

DATA ROUNDUP: FLU

126 hospitalizations in Jefferson County so far this season

962 hospitalizations in Jefferson County so far this season

21% decrease in Jeffco flu cases compared to this time last year, but flu season peaks differently each year

Flu Season in Jefferson County

Flu season is in full swing in Jefferson County. So far, there has been one pediatric death from the flu in Colorado and 16 total in the U.S. The best way to protect yourself — and others — from influenza is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Free or low-cost flu shots are available at the Jefferson County Public Health clinic. Schedule yours today!

GET INVOLVED

Mark Your Calendar: CSA Day in Jeffco

In support of National CSA Day, the Jefferson County Food Policy Council will be hosting “Health from the Ground Up: Meet Your Local Farmers,” on Friday, February 22, 2019, from 4-6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 8235 W. 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. CSA stands for “community supported agriculture,” which is a direct-to-customer business model for farmers. This FREE event will feature information on local farms that host their own CSA programs, a harvest stew using locally grown items and much more! Learn more and register by February 13.

2019 Board of Health Meeting Calendar

The Jefferson County Board of Health meeting calendar for 2019 is now available. Meetings are held at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at Jefferson County Public Health, located at 645 Parfet St. in Lakewood. The Board welcomes public input into its decision-making process and encourages community participation at its hearings. We hope to see you there!

PARTNER PROFILE

Jefferson Center

Jefferson Center is a nonprofit, community-focused mental health care and substance use services provider. Jefferson Center offers hope and support to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders.

POLICY UPDATES

Lakewood Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance

The City of Lakewood is voting on a Non-Cigarette Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance on January 28, 2019. Licenses for retailers help reduce illegal sales of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors by supporting strong local enforcement of tobacco laws. To learn more about tobacco retailer licensing, visit www.tobaccofreejeffco.com/youth. If you are a Lakewood resident and would like to get involved in tobacco prevention efforts, visit www.citizensforahealthierlakewood.com or email [email protected].

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.

January 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 1