By Chandler Griffin
San Juan Basin Public Health
San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce the Public Health Resource Series, consisting of presentations that highlight the health resources available to residents of Archuleta County.
This event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on select Thursdays at Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, 811 San Juan St., throughout November and December.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented strain on the communities of southwest Colorado and highlighted the importance of community health,” stated Liane Jollon, executive director of SJBPH. “We’re conducting outreach to residents across our jurisdiction so they’re aware of the many public health resources available at their fingertips. This series will allow residents to meet with the public health workers serving their community to ask questions and find out more about the programs available.”
The Public Health Resource Series began on Nov. 4 and continues on Nov. 18.
The current schedule for the Public Health Resource Series can be found below with descriptions. Additional outreach events in Archuleta and La Plata counties are being planned for future dates and SJBPH will inform the community as those are confirmed.
Spanish interpretation services will be available at all events. SJBPH requests that all participants wear a mask for these presentations, to protect the health of all in attendance (unless they meet criteria for a mask exception as indicated in the latest public health advisory). To learn more, community members can visit https://sjbpublichealth.org/public-health-resource-series/ or contact the SJBPH health educator, Katheryn Maloney, at (970) 585-6121 or kmaloney@sjbpublichealth.org.
Nov. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
• HCP Program: Karen Maletich, Maternal Child Health (MCH) nurse care coordinator.
Navigating health care can be a challenge. Join us to learn more about care coordination services, including the HCP Program providing coordination for children and youth with special health care needs. Find out about getting help with accessing care, applying for Medicaid and public assistance, and locating resources for transportation, housing, food and other needs.
Dec. 2, noon to 1 p.m.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Jenny Howell, WIC program manager.
A healthy foundation starts with good nutrition. Meet the WIC manager to learn more about the program, a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5. Join us to find out about the benefits of WIC, program eligibility and how to enroll.
• SafeCare: Julie Goodman, SafeCare supervisor.
Parenting is an incredibly rewarding experience, yet it also presents many challenges. Come meet our SafeCare supervisor to learn about the support available to parents of children 5 years and under. SafeCare works with families in their homes to build new and existing skills, ensure home safety, address child health needs and support positive parent-child interactions.
Dec. 16, noon to 1 p.m.
• Radon Awareness: Brian Devine, environmental health director, and George Hicks, environmental health specialist.
Did you know that the geology of southwest Colorado leads to an increased risk of radon gas in your home? Radon exposure is the nation’s second-leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause in people who have never smoked. Take action and join us to get your free radon test kit and learn how you can address radon gas levels in your home.
Dates and presenters for 2022 are to be determined.
