The simple act of dining out is an ingrained part of community life, but behind every satisfying meal is a critical layer of public health oversight. In El Paso County, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) plays an essential and active role in ensuring the safety of food served in restaurants and other retail food…
The holidays are here—festive lights, warm gatherings and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re hosting, contributing to a potluck, or dining out, the last thing you want is a case of food poisoning. Fortunately, protecting your celebration is easier than you think. It comes down to four key principles endorsed by the FDA: Clean, Separate,…
October is more than just a month for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters; it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month: a time when we focus on a serious illness that affects many. In October, it’s common to wear pink ribbons to show awareness of breast cancer, and as a reminder to take proactive steps to stay…
Kids are always on the move! They run, jump, and explore the world around them. Sometimes, accidents happen. But lots of injuries can be prevented if we know what to watch out for. The first weeks of September, 2025, is National Childhood Injury Prevention Week, dedicated to learning how to keep kids safe. During this…
August is National Traffic Awareness Month, a special time dedicated to making sure we all understand how important it is to be safe on the road. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or walking, we all share the road. Think about it: Every day, people travel from one place to another. We’re going…
Get ready to make a splash, because July 11th is National Swimming Pool Day! For many of us, pool days with family and friends are some of the best summer memories. There’s just something about the water that kids (and adults!) absolutely love. From a simple kiddie pool in the backyard to a thrilling wave…
This Mental Health Awareness Month, El Paso County Public Health is excited to launch the Mental Health Moments toolkit, in partnership with the Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup. National data shows that 1 in 5 youth will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life. In El Paso County, youth participated in a…
As we head into summer, it’s a good time to ask whether you are prepared for a wildfire in your area. May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. While wildfires are now a year-round concern, the summer season brings the highest danger. As warm weather returns, vegetation begins to dry out, setting the stage for potential…
On Saturday, April 26, El Paso County Public Health’s (EPCPH) Fountain Valley Communities That Care (FV-CTC) is partnering with Widefield Parks and Recreation, Security Public Library and Fountain Library to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Drug Take Back Day, which provides residents with the opportunity to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription…
Sleep Awareness Week is celebrated annually to promote awareness of sleep health and emphasize its importance for overall well-being. Sleep habits have a significant impact on mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect health by impairing attention, alertness, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. For individual safety and the safety of others, it’s essential to…