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 1pm on select Thursdays at Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library (811 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs) 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 will begin this Thursday, November 4, from noon to 1pm. Residents can join us to meet with Emma Tomlinson, the SJBPH Health Coverage Guide, to learn more about the Health Insurance Literacy program and answer any questions related to open enrollment for insurance for 2022. Community members will also have an opportunity to meet Francilia Pena, the SJBPH Clinic Outreach Coordinator with Women’s Wellness Connection. Pena will review resources available for prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer, including free cancer screenings, diagnostic testing, and health navigation for women who are uninsured, underinsured, or low-income.
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.
Public Health Resource Series- Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library (811 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs)
November 4, 2021, Noon to 1pm
Health Insurance Literacy Program: Emma Tomlinson, Health Coverage Guide
Do you have questions about insurance enrollment or how to pick the best plan for you? Join the Health Coverage Guide to learn more about the plans and insurance resources available to you. We will review the Health Insurance Literacy Program, a free public service to provide information, assistance, and guidance in understanding affordable health insurance options and the application process.
Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC): Francilia Pena, Clinic Outreach Coordinator
Everyone should have access to healthcare with prevention and early detection of breast and cervical cancer allowing them to live healthy and prosperous lives. Join us to learn more about Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC), providing well woman exams including free breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic testing, and health navigation for women who are uninsured, underinsured, or low-income.
November 18, 2021, Noon to 1pm
HCP Program: Karen Maletich, Maternal Child Health (MCH) Nurse Care Coordinator
Navigating healthcare 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.
December 2, 2021, Noon to 1pm
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 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 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.
December 16, 2021, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
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.
San Juan Basin Public Health is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties. For over 70 years, San Juan Basin Public Health has improved the health and environment of the Southwest Colorado community.
Chandler Griffin is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health District. SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties.