by Sarah Gray | Nov 15, 2023 | News
The Mesa County Board of Public Health voted in favor today of entering into an At-Will Employment Agreement with Xavier Crockett to be the next Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health.
“We’re excited to welcome Xavier Crockett as our new Executive Director,” stated Stephen Daniels, Board of Public Health Chair. “Xavier’s experience in public health, his creativity, and management skills provides remarkable tools to serve the public health needs of Mesa County residents. In addition, he demonstrated the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Mesa County health community.”
The search for a new Executive Director began in August. The search yielded candidates from across the country. The process included multiple interviews with the Board of Public Health. He also met with the management team and leaders in the health community.
The Board has significant respect and appreciation for the work of Todd Hollenbeck during the transition to a new Executive Director. “The Board feels that Todd provided a steady hand, exceptional competence, and effective leadership during a challenging time,” said Daniels.
Crockett is currently the State Health Protection Director at the Georgia Department of Public Health following a decade of healthcare experience. Crockett is finalizing his Doctorate of Public Health through Walden University with an expected completion by the end of this year. He also received a Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Emergency Management from Philadelphia University.
“I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health. Together, we embark on a journey to shape the future of health and well-being in Mesa County, fostering innovation, collaboration, and a stronger, healthier community.”
Crockett will start on December 11, 2023. He will join the team during an exciting time, including the Community Health Needs Assessment process and the expansion of services at the Regional Laboratory. His local and state level experiences have prepared him for funding and implementing programs based on the needs of Mesa County. Crockett is also a trained epidemiologist and will lead with data-based decisions and evidence-based practices.
by Sarah Gray | Nov 14, 2023 | COVID19, News
The community is encouraged to test for COVID-19 before holiday gatherings and free testing kits are available.
“With the holidays approaching and COVID-19 numbers increasing in our community, now is the time to make sure you have these tests on hand,” said Julie Hartshorn, COVID-19 Outreach Educator.
The free tests are available for pick up during regular business hours inside the Health and Human Services Building while supplies last. There is a limit of two boxes per person, which includes four individual tests.
The rapid tests are easy to use and take less than 30 minutes to learn the results.
Testing for COVID-19 is important because you learn quickly if you are actively spreading COVID-19 to others and can start the recommended isolation. You can also begin treatment to reduce the severity of your illness.
“If you have symptoms, you can test and know right away before gathering with loved ones who may be more vulnerable to serious illness,” said Hartshorn.
WHERE TO GET TESTS
- Kiosk inside Health and Human Services Building
- 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction
- Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon.
WHEN TO TEST
- If you have symptoms. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
- After exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wait five full days to test after being exposed.
- Before gathering with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
- Call the Info Line at Mesa County Public Health at 970-248-6900.
by Sarah Gray | Nov 3, 2023 | News
The Mesa County Community Services campus begins its new hours of operation on Monday, November 6th, 2023. The new hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – noon.
This change impacts the Workforce Center (512 29 ½ Road) and the Health and Human Services Building (510 29 ½ Road).
The new hours give community members earlier access to the most popular services, such as the Public Health Clinic and Economic Assistance. The public is encouraged to ask questions about hours for any services that are by-appointment only.
View a map of Grand Valley Transit routes that go to the campus.
Widely-Used Programs and Services
Human Services (970) 241-8480
Public Health (970) 248-6900
Workforce Center (970) 248-0871
- Business services including the business center, candidate screening, recruiting assistance and on-the-job training.
- Job seeker services including the Career Development Program, workshops and the resource room.
by Sarah Gray | Jul 21, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
Due to fire restrictions in place, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory starting on Friday, July 21. Agricultural burning will only be allowed through a permitting process at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, along with local fire chiefs, and the Bureau of Land Management enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The hot and dry conditions have increased the fire danger concern in the county. These restrictions are in place until further notice.
Instead of burning, consider these alternatives:
- Compost leaves and grass clippings yourself. This can improve water retention in your yard or garden.
- Rent or borrow a wood chipper for your tree and shrub trimmings. Chipped branches can also be good mulch.
- Use the services at Mesa County Organic Materials Facility. Head to their website for hours and accepted materials.
For information on current air quality conditions and to learn if it’s okay to burn, visit the Air Quality page.
by Sarah Gray | Jul 19, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
If you’re struggling, or know someone who needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text CO to 741741.
BACKGROUND
The annual suicide report is prepared in collaboration with Mesa County Public Health, the Mesa County Coroner, and the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition. The group collects and analyzes data to understand suicide trends and key findings. The report is used for planning and implementation of prevention activities across Mesa County.
“This report was initially intended to help understand the scope of suicide death and crisis in our community,” said Mesa County Public Health Data Analyst Shae Lynn Watt. “Today, we hope it also paints a picture of prevention efforts across Mesa County, and helps readers find an access point for their own role in suicide prevention.”
Suicide prevention is not limited to mental health experts. It is happening through a variety of ways in Mesa County, including offering affordable quality childcare, resource connection and navigation, grief groups administered by multiple organizations in the community, and medication take back days. There is also a wide variety of free training available. Community members are encouraged to choose a training that fits their needs so they can be more prepared next time someone in their family, friends, or workplace needs support.
View the complete annual report here.
KEY FINDINGS
- The suicide death rate in Mesa County remains higher than both the state of Colorado and the United States.
- Suicide death is most common among working age adults, 25-64, but hospital visits for suicidal ideation and attempt are most common among youth and young adults under 25.
- Drugs or alcohol were involved at the time of death in nearly 75% of suicide deaths.
- Those who die by suicide have often made previous attempts. In 2022, one in four people who died by suicide had a known previous attempt.
SUICIDE PREVENTION IN ACTION
Innovative programs and activities are underway in Mesa County by healthcare, government, business, and nonprofit organizations.
- Mesa County has a family loss coordinator based out of the Coroner’s office who offers support to families who have experienced a suicide loss. In 2022, the coordinator supported more than 160 people.
- We continue to see a partnership grow between gun shops, the VA hospital suicide prevention program, and the Gun Shop Project program. Every gun shop in Mesa County has free gun locks available for purchasers to reduce the likelihood that the gun might lead to a firearm death.
- Grand Valley Connects was established in 2022 at Mesa County Public Health to help with resource navigation. They receive more than 50 referrals per month from people in our community who need help getting connected to resources and providers.
- The Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition continues to work towards its goal of reducing suicide by 20% by 2024.
