July-August 2007

On July 1, Colorado will celebrate the one-year anniversary of becoming the nation’s 13^th smoke-free state. In just a year’s time, the health benefits of our state’s cleaner indoor environments have already been experienced by millions of residents, employees and visitors.

A recent study by the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership found that air pollution in hospitality venues, including bars and restaurants, has improved by nearly 70 percent since the smoke-free law took effect. Air quality in bars, taverns and restaurants all improved from an EPA rating of “unhealthy” to “good,” meaning that the air pollution poses little or no health risk.

Due to the alarming research data behind secondhand smoke exposure, smoke-free ordinances are becoming more prevalent each year in the U.S. and countries across the globe. In the last year, Arizona, Nevada and Ohio have adopted smoke-free initiatives. Thanks to lawmakers, health organizations and concerned citizens around the country, one in every two Americans now lives in a place with smoke-free workplaces. For more information about Smoke-Free Colorado as well as free signs, visit: smokefreecolorado.org.

San Juan Basin Health Department Closed July 4th

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, San Juan Basin Health Department will be closed Wednesday, July 4th.

Promoviendo La Salud Offers Screening Clinics in July & August

Promoviendo La Salud, a program of San Juan Basin Health, will offer the following health screening clinics for Latinos:

• In Durango, Thursday July 26^th, and Thursday August 23, 8-11 am, appointment suggested, but not required.  (4^th Thursday of every month)
• In Pagosa, Tuesday July 10 and Tuesday August 14, 8-10, no appointment needed.  (2^nd Tuesday of every month)

San Juan Basin Health Department is located at 281 Sawyer Drive in Bodo Park, Durango or in Pagosa Springs at 502 S. 8^th Street. Call 247-5702, ext. 207 for more information.

Back to School Immunization Clinic on Friday August 3^rd by Appointment

San Juan Basin Health is offering a Back-to-School Immunization Clinic on Friday, August 3^rd from 10:30-5:30 in addition to its regular Monday clinics.  The 2007-08 school year requirements have changed and impact kindergartners, 6th and 10th graders.  These students must receive their appropriate immunizations BEFORE school starts!  Parents can schedule appointments with their pediatrician or San Juan Basin Health. Please call 247-5702 to schedule an appointment for this special Friday clinic or one of San Juan Basin Health’s regular Monday clinics.

Dental Clinic Faces Loss of Funding ~ Help with Diners Cards!

Unfortunately, Southwest SmileMakers mobile dental clinic is nearing the end of its current funding. San Juan Basin Health hopes to continue to provide this needed service in our community and SmileMakers’ staff greatly appreciate the support of local dentists and contributors as well as the support of local restaurants who have generously participated in the SmileMaker’s Diners Cards (still available at Maria’s Bookstore and Magpies for the reduced cost of $35). The Diner’s Cards are painless way of helping out as cardholders gain the benefit of a 25% discount at local restaurants for a party of up to six --- perfect for summer get-togethers or visiting family.

What If? Colorado Campaign – Individuals Encouraged to Submit Videos

Through a statewide “What If? Colorado” campaign, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will work with local health departments, including San Juan Basin Health Department to inform Coloradoans of measures they can take to prepare for emergency situations, what pandemic influenza is and how to prepare for it, as well as specific actions they can take to promote the health and safety of themselves and their families.

In order to engage citizens in this campaign, Colorado Residents are invited to participate in an enlightening and educational activity. Residents over the age of 18 will be encouraged to submit video “auditions” for consideration to be included in the “What If? Colorado” House, where residents will live together this fall for several days and face a variety of challenges designed to engage and inform them on a multitude of emergency preparedness and influenza issues. Auditions will be accepted online at www.WhatIfColorado.com, at special events around the state, including Durango, and through standard “snail” mail submissions. For more information about the campaign, visit the website at: www.WhatIfColorado.com or contact Sherri at 247-5702, ext. 1744.

Local Tobacco Prevention Program Wins State Award

Durango School District’s Tobacco Prevention program recently received statewide recognition. Program Coordinator Jenny Pritchard and 9R District Nurse Jaynee Fontecchio-Spradling accepted the "Outstanding Program Award" at the 2007 Healthy Schools Leadership Retreat Awards Luncheon on June 12th in Boulder. Their Multi-district Tobacco Prevention Initiative grant program is an example of an outstanding effort in promoting systemic change in tobacco prevention as their goals and objectives include all three school districts in La Plata County: Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio. These districts are working together toward the ultimate goal of having consistent tobacco prevention policies in all three districts especially in regards to non-punitive consequences for tobacco use. Consistency in policy will create a universal tobacco prevention message to the students with a positive youth development focus. For more information, contact Sheree at 247-5702, ext. 1526.

Grant Received to Implement “The Nurturing Program” for Families

San Juan Basin Health Department has received a grant from Colorado Children’s Trust Fund to implement the Nurturing Program for families in both La Plata and Archuleta counties. The project will be a collaborative partnership between San Juan Basin Health Department, the Family Center, La Plata County Human Services, and Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center. The Nurturing Program is research based and more information can be found at www.nurturingparent.com. You can call for more information or refer families to 247-5702, ext. 205; or in Pagosa Springs, contact Lily at 749-5541.

Air Quality: Public comment is being taking until July 13^th on the Four Corners Air Quality Task Force Report which can be found at: www.4cornersair.org. The States of New Mexico and Colorado convened the Four Corners Air Quality Task Force to work on the air quality issues and challenges facing the Four Corners region.

Plague Surveillance: the Environmental Division has implemented a quick, thorough response plan for suspect investigation/reported die-offs and have successfully isolated positive flea specimens early this season.  This early detection has led to early prevention in the form of increased awareness and communication with the public especially in areas where plague is particularly active.

Food Protection: ServSafe and Food Protection courses will be coming up this fall with entirely new classes. Make sure to schedule your staff as food safety is a priority for all of us. For more information, call 247-5702, ext. 223.

Southwest SmileMakers’ School Program a Success ~

Southwest Smile Makers Dental Clinic would like to thank all the nurses, teachers, and parents who helped make this past school year a success. More than 400 elementary students were screened in just 9-R schools by our dental hygienist. Over half of those students and their families followed through with preventative treatment, receiving a dental cleaning and sealants right there in their own school. Through our regular monthly dental clinics at San Juan Basin Health Department, an additional 600 children were also able to receive preventive dental care.

San Juan Basin Health’s partnership with the La Plata County Senior Center in providing seniors an opportunity to improve their health, balance and strength has been a resounding success. They will soon be starting their third session.

The Colorado Women’s Cancer Control Initiative (CWCCI) continues to provide free screenings to women over the age of 40 who meet certain income guidelines. Those screenings are available through Planned Parenthood 247-3002 and through San Juan Basin Health Department in Pagosa Springs 264-2409 ext 25, and in Durango 247-5702 ext. 202. 

Positions at San Juan Basin Health Department

Please check our website www.sjbhd.org for current job openings with San Juan Basin Health.

Jane Looney, Communications; jlooney@sjbhd.org

San Juan Basin Health Department; 247-5702 ext. 1605