DIRECTORS' CORNER

Protecting Youth from Tobacco

On Monday, January 28, 2019, the Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a non-cigarette tobacco retailer licensing ordinance designed to protect youth from tobacco. We know that tobacco retailer licensing is a proven strategy used to ensure responsible retailing, prevent illegal sales and reduce youth initiation of tobacco. This was a monumental step for advancing public health in Jefferson County, and Jefferson County Public Health applauds the City of Lakewood for making the health of our youth a priority.

Sincerely,
Elise Lubell, MS, MCHES^®
Director of Health Promotion and Lifestyle Management
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

2019-2021 Jefferson County Community Health Improvement Plan

2019-2021 Jeffco Community Health Improvement Plan Released!

Jefferson County Public Health, in collaboration with SCL Health Lutheran Medical Center and Centura Health — St. Anthony Hospital, is pleased to release the 2019-2021 Jefferson County Community Health Improvement Plan. The plan serves as a roadmap to inform and guide our collaborative health improvement efforts from 2019-2021. These efforts will address the following health factors:

Access to mental health and substance use treatment
Alcohol and substance use, including opioids
Food insecurity
Housing

The plan highlights the county’s public health priorities, identifies the community partners and activities needed for improvement, and provides a method for evaluating progress towards these goals. Please join our mailing list to receive important updates regarding implementation of the plan by contacting Kristian Blessington at [email protected]

JCPH Launches Healthy Start at Home Program

Becoming a mother is a stressful time. Between doctors appointments, changing health needs and the major shift in lifestyle that a baby brings, moms-to-be often need extra support without having to do extra legwork. A new program at JCPH called Healthy Start at Home aims to fill that need for pregnant women in Jefferson County. Learn more about the program and how you or someone you know can get started.

Gov. Polis Signs Executive Order Supporting Colorado's Transition to Zero Emission Vehicles

On January 17, 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order outlining initiatives and strategies aimed at supporting a transition to zero emission vehicles. He cited public health and environmental benefits as important outcomes of a cleaner electric grid.

DATA ROUNDUP: HEART DISEASE

In 2017, 1,239 people in Jeffco died from cardiovascular disease

In 2017, 9,661 people in Colorado died from cardiovascular disease

In 2017, 854,390 people in the U.S. died from cardiovascular disease

Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Jefferson County, Colorado and the U.S. Several health conditions, your lifestyle, your age and family history can increase your risk. During American Heart Month this February, know your risk for heart disease and make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing the disease.

GET INVOLVED

Reminder: 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.

PARTNER PROFILE

Mountain Resource Center

Mountain Resource Center (MRC) is a nonprofit, community-based organization that delivers high quality health and human services in west Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin and Park counties. MRC can help individuals and families connect with services including family education, workforce and adult education, financial coaching, veteran services and public benefits assistance. They also have a food pantry and resale store. Learn more.

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.

February 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 2