As the Executive Committee of the Board of Health, we would like to begin by recognizing the commitment and excellent service provided by the San Juan Basin Public Health staff. Their work has been exemplary across the health district for many years, and most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Any dialogue about the dual-county partnership does not take away from that.
On Thursday, April 28th, the SJBPH Board of Health met in a work session. The goal of this work session was to come together as a unified Board to present recommendations for the future of San Juan Basin Public Health on how to best serve the constituents of La Plata County and Archuleta County. No decisions were made in this work session.
The Board of Health will create a report outlining the recommendations and provide it to the County Commissioners of both counties. The Boards of County Commissioners will be making the decisions respective to their communities.
Any decision to end the relationship between the two counties will require a lengthy, transparent and planned transition process. This process will not begin until the Boards of County Commissioners submit their intent to separate and the date to begin the process. It is expected that the process, as required by state statute, be one year.
Throughout the transition process, SJBPH will operate as business as usual. No services or staff will be affected. The Board of Health supports both counties in their quest for local control and an arrangement that best meets their unique needs.
The Board of Health is extremely proud of the high-quality service and ongoing dedication to the communities this organization serves — and their work continues. SJBPH is a mission-driven, transparent, and fiscally sound local public health agency and will be responsive to the needs of both counties as they determine their next steps.
Sincerely,
Karin Daniels, SJBPH Board Chair
Shere Byrd, SJBPH Board Vice-Chair