DIRECTORS' CORNER

National Groundwater Awareness Week

Did you know that of the 15 inches of rain that fall annually in our Jeffco foothill and mountain communities, only one inch goes back into the groundwater system? Since groundwater is a significant source of our water supply in Jefferson County — particularly for those mountain community residents who get their water from groundwater wells — it is vital that we all work together to conserve water and protect the quality of what we have.
March 10-16, 2019, is Groundwater Awareness Week, and JCPH is calling on residents to take action:

If you live on a property that relies on water from a private well, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from contaminated water by testing your water annually. Testing bottles and more info is available from CDPHE.
Everyone can take steps to conserve the water we have. Pledge to save water and “Do More with Less!"

Thank you all for helping to conserve and protect one of our most precious resources.

Sincerely,
James Rada
Director of Environmental Health Services
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Measles Vaccine Doesn't Cause Autism, Says 10-year Study of ¹/₂ Million People

The latest evidence unequivocally denying any link between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella — a two-dose course that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is 97 percent effective — came last week in a paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more from the Denver Post.

Cigarettes All Over Again? Colorado Has the Highest Youth Vaping Rate in the Country

This in-depth piece published in the Colorado Sun explores the youth vaping problem in Colorado and how steps are being taken to combat it.

JCPH Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

With the new year in full swing, Jefferson County Public Health is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The organization is focused on promoting and protecting health through education, partnerships and prevention for Jefferson County residents. Read more in the Golden Transcript.

Edgewater Raises Age for Sale of Tobacco to 21

On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, the Edgewater City Council voted unanimously to raise the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products in Edgewater from 18 to 21. This ordinance requires that all tobacco retailers examine identification to confirm the customer is at least 21 years of age before selling any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Raising the minimum sale age is a proven strategy for reducing youth access to, and initiation of, tobacco by making it more difficult for youth to obtain these products. Edgewater is the fifth community in Colorado to raise the age of sale to 21, joining Aspen, Avon, Basalt and Carbondale. Additionally, all outdoor parks, recreation and public transportation waiting areas will now be smoke- and vapor-free.

DATA ROUNDUP: NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

17 percent of adults in Jefferson County eat less than one serving of vegetables each day.

1 in 10 Jefferson County residents are food insecure.

34 percent of adults in Jefferson County eat less than one serving of fruit each day.

Do You Know Your Local Farmers?

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is one of the best ways to stay healthy — but it’s not always easy. For many families in Jeffco, healthy food isn’t affordable or the nearest grocery or corner store is just too far away. That’s where urban farms come in! Urban farms can provide families nutritious, affordable fruits, veggies and other healthy foods closer to home. There are currently more 50 urban farms in Jefferson County. Find one near you!

GET INVOLVED

Sign Up for Policy Pulse, JCPH's New Policy Newsletter!

Jefferson County Public Health is launching a new, policy-centric newsletter called Policy Pulse. JCPH’s Tobacco, Healthy Beverage and Food Systems Initiatives are launching this newsletter to help keep community members engaged across local coalitions and up to date on initiatives around health policy within their municipalities. Our first issue is coming soon, and new issues will be sent out every other month. Sign up here!

Join Us for the March Board of Health Meeting

This month’s Board of Health meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 4 p.m. at Jefferson County Public Health (645 Parfet St., Lakewood, CO 80215). The agenda is available here.

PARTNER PROFILE

The Action Center

The Action Center’s mission is to provide an immediate response to basic human needs and promote pathways to self-sufficiency for Jefferson County residents and those experiencing homelessness. The Action Center provides comprehensive services, meeting both basic needs, such as food and clothing, and providing pathways that help break the cycle of poverty in our community. 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.

March 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 3