by Alli Howe | Jun 1, 2023 | News
Local and State Situation
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, (CDPHE), Mesa County is seeing an increase in syphilis cases. In 2022, the county reported 43.8% more cases than the average from 2019 to 2021. The number of syphilis cases statewide has also been steadily increasing over the last five years.
Testing and Treatment Available
Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) provides testing and treatment for syphilis. Our nurses are experts in current recommendations. They can also provide education on prevention of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Call 970-248-6900 to schedule an appointment in our Public Health Clinic. We accept all types of insurance and have a low-cost screening program as well. We can work with people who are uninsured or underinsured, so don’t let cost be a barrier.
Background
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread by sexual contact. It can cause serious health problems without treatment. Treatment is simple and effective.
by Sarah Gray | May 24, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
Four of our Board of Public Health members have submitted resignations. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is grateful for their guidance and support during their terms.
“These wonderful professionals served the community well. We wish them gratitude and best wishes as they move forward,” said Executive Director Jeff Kuhr.
New Board of Public Health members will be discussed and appointed during a public meeting this afternoon at 3 p.m. Information about the meeting is posted on the Board of County Commissioners meeting page. These new, interim board members will serve while the county goes through the standard process of accepting applications from the public for board members. We anticipate this process could take 2 to 3 months. Per the Board of Public Health bylaws, board members should include, as often as possible, representatives from partnering agencies or representatives with a public-health-related background.
“We are working to ensure a smooth transition that does not impact Public Health services or the great work the agency does,” said Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland.
Kuhr added, “We are committed to working together with the new board to continue the mission of Mesa County Public Health.”
Operations continue as normal at Mesa County Public Health. Once the new Board of Public Health is selected, we will post information about them on our website.
by Sarah Gray | Apr 28, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
After more than three years, the national public health emergency for COVID-19 will officially end on May 11, 2023. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is grateful for community support as we navigated this historic pandemic together. Our team is looking ahead to the next steps.
“We have learned a lot in the last three years about how this virus operates and how to keep it controlled,” said Executive Director Jeff Kuhr. “COVID-19 is not gone, however we are now able to manage it in a way that’s similar to other diseases, like influenza.”
SUCCESSES DURING PANDEMIC
MCPH started its COVID-19 testing on March 5, 2020. As demand increased, the testing site moved to the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Some days, more than 600 tests were administered. The team provided about 85,000 tests before the testing site closed on March 28, 2022.
On December 31, 2020, our team administered their first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Less than a month later, the mass distribution site opened at the Grand Junction Convention Center. In the beginning, our team, along with hundreds of volunteers, served almost 2,000 patients daily. The vaccine site moved back to the Community Services Campus on May 19, 2021.
The 5-Star Program allowed businesses, including restaurants, to operate while using enhanced sanitation and safety measures. The designation helped promote businesses who were following public health guidelines, and helped people who were concerned about in-person interactions to make decisions about where to shop. The program was pioneered in Mesa County and adopted across the state. By allowing businesses to stay open, the program created an estimated $13 million positive economic impact in Mesa County.
WHAT TO EXPECT MOVING FORWARD AT MCPH
MCPH will continue to provide guidance about the best ways to stay healthy. Our team monitors disease levels in our community and provides support for businesses if they experience an outbreak.
COVID-19 vaccines will remain available at the Public Health Clinic. Insurance will likely cover the cost of these vaccines. For those without insurance, once the federally supplied vaccine stock is depleted, there will be a charge. However, don’t let cost be a barrier. For families without insurance, our clinic can provide vaccinations at low cost. The mobile vaccine bus service will end on May 11.
We have a limited supply of rapid COVID-19 test kits still available for the public at the Health and Human Services Building. After May 11, you’ll be able to purchase home rapid test kits at various retailers. There is the possibility insurance will cover some of the costs.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions, or are looking for guidance about these changes, reach out to our InfoLine Team at 970-248-6900 or visit health.mesacounty.us.
“We are turning a page, which comes with a lot of questions and even uncertainty for some. We at Mesa County Public Health are here to support the community during this transition,” said Kuhr.
by Sarah Gray | Apr 27, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
What’s New for COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Public Health Clinic is now taking appointments for the second bivalent COVID-19 booster. People who are 65 or older and have received a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster at least four months prior are eligible. Those with weakened immune systems can get a second bivalent booster as long as their last shot was at least two months ago.
“This is good news for those who are most vulnerable to the worst impacts of COVID-19. We have heard from people in the community who are eager to receive another round of protection,” said Clinical Services Manager Allison Sanchez.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the second booster for these two groups earlier this month.
What is the Bivalent Booster?
The bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine is a combination of two versions of the vaccine. While the initial COVID-19 vaccines targeted the original strain of the coronavirus, this booster is formulated to also fight against the Omicron variants.
The COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are still the best tools we have to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.
Recommendations for Others
The CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages 6 years and older receive a booster COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received a booster do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received. Our Public Health Nurses can provide guidance for parents.
How to make an appointment
To schedule an appointment, call 970-248-6900.
by Sarah Gray | Apr 18, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory until 9 p.m. tonight. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not recommended during this advisory period. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for parts of Mesa County and other areas across the Western Slope. Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible.
Instead of burning, consider these alternatives:
- Take yard waste to the Mesa County Organic Materials composting facility at Mesa County Solid Waste, 3071 U.S. Hwy. 50. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. For more information, call (970) 263-9319.
- 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.
For information on current air quality conditions and to learn if it’s OK to burn, visit the air quality page.
by Sarah Gray | Apr 12, 2023 | News
Media Contact: Sarah Gray 970-697-4611 sarah.gray@mesacounty.us
Residents can learn about current community initiatives on the new Healthy Mesa County website. It’s a way for Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) to showcase the exciting work underway with our partners to improve the overall health of the community.
“We have over 50 partners we work with on different initiatives to address concerns in Mesa County. Our collaborative approach helps us find solutions that make sense for our community,” said Heidi Dragoo, the Research and Planning Program Manager.
The Healthy Mesa County website started as a community wellness initiative in 2013. The site underwent a complete rehaul to better reflect the work that is underway.
The five main focus areas on the website include:
- Community Transformation
- Spanish Advisory Group
- Suicide Prevention
- Trails
- Substance Use Prevention
For example, Community Transformation highlights community and resident leaders developing solutions that lead to connection and a sense of community in Clifton.
Click here to explore the new website and learn more about each focus area.
These priorities have been identified through the Community Health Needs Assessment. It is conducted every three years in partnership with local hospitals to understand the health status of the community. The data provided from the assessment reveals the strengths of the community, as well as opportunities to build on resources to make residents, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods more resilient.
“Our ultimate goal is to give every Mesa County resident the opportunity to thrive. This information helps us identify areas of action so we can work together with our partners to strengthen those foundations in the community. We want people to have the opportunity to make choices that lead to a better quality of life,” said Dragoo.
Residents are encouraged to visit the new, user-friendly website to learn more about current initiatives and become involved. The website also features an events calendar, which will be updated regularly.
