DIRECTORS' CORNER

National Women's Health Week

When it comes to taking steps for better health, we know it's not always easy. Every woman has her own unique personal health goals, and everyone’s journey looks a little different. The most important thing is to know what your goals are and how you’ll get there.

May 12-18, 2019 is National Women's Health Week, and we encourage you to take a moment to think about where you are on your personal health journey. And whatever your goals may be, know that Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is here to help.

We offer a variety of resources and services, including support with immunizations, breast and cervical cancer screenings, breastfeeding, family planning, pregnancy and early childhood care, mental health, quitting tobacco, food and nutrition and much, much more. Just visit us online at www.jeffco.us/public-health or call us at 303-232-6301 to learn more.

Sincerely,
Margaret J. Huffman RN, ND, MBA
Director, Community Health Services Division
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

JCPH, Area Officials Urge Vaccinations

As the number of measles cases in the U.S. increases, so has the number of officials urging individuals to ensure their children and families are up-to-date on their immunizations. From The Arvada Press: "It’s a tremendous threat when you have a lower vaccination rate," said Margaret Huffman, Community Health Services Director at Jefferson County Public Health. "We are counting on people who can be immunized to be vaccinated."

Supporting a Man You Care About When He's Struggling

Depression, anxiety, stress and other challenges to our mental health affect men and women alike, but men are less likely to seek care when they need it. Read more.

Parent Invites Students to Help Design Sidewalk Near School

Parent, engineer and Jeffco Safe Routes to School coalition member Adria Lucerna shares how she took action to help make it safer for students to walk and bike to school. Read more.

New Health & Climate Index IDs CO’s Most Vulnerable Regions

How vulnerable are people in your county to the health effects of climate change? How ready is your county to address climate change? The Colorado Health Institute’s new Health and Climate Index sought to answer these questions.

DATA ROUNDUP: MENTAL HEALTH

About 20% of Colorado adults experienced mental illness in the past year

More than one-third of Jeffco adults reported having had poor mental health days in the past month.

Approx. 30 percent of Jeffco high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless for at least two weeks that they stopped doing regular activities.

May is Mental Health Month

When we talk about our health, we often first consider the health of our bodies, but the health of our minds is just as important. That’s why this May, for Mental Health Month, JCPH is encouraging every person to talk about their thoughts, emotions and mental well-being, and to seek care when it is needed. Learn more and find resources to help.

GET INVOLVED

Tobacco Health Equity Series — Engaging LGBTQ+ Communities

Please join the Tobacco-Free Jeffco Alliance on Wednesday, June 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at JCPH for a free dinner and discussion around LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly the disproportionate impact of tobacco on LGBTQ+ communities. You will leave the meeting with tools and knowledge to be an authentic ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ health equity in your organizations and communities. Learn more and RSVP here.

Join Us for the May Board of Health Meeting

This month’s Board of Health meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2019, beginning at 4 p.m. at Jefferson County Public Health (645 Parfet St., Lakewood, CO 80215).

PARTNER PROFILE

Colorado Crisis Services

If you don’t know where to begin getting help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern for yourself or someone you know — start here.
Colorado Crisis Services provides confidential and immediate support, 24/7/365. If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, call this toll-free number 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional.

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.

May 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 5