Easy ways to get healthier this National Nutrition Month
March 21, 2023
March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to reflect on how we eat and what we can do to improve our nutrition. National Nutrition Month was created 50 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help increase awareness about the importance of good nutrition in maintaining your health. Making healthy food and drink choices, improving eating habits, and adding more physical activity into your lifestyle can help improve your overall health and prevent many chronic diseases—such as diabetes and heart disease—down the road.
Community conversation on the dangers of fentanyl and substance abuse
November 4, 2022
On Oct. 27, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) partnered with Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) and-Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (FFC8) to provide a Fountain Valley Community Conversation: Dangers of Fentanyl & Substance Abuse. The event, which was hosted in person at Public Health South and live-streamed on the Facebook pages of EPCPH, WSD3 and FFC8, was a huge success!
Board of Health Recognizes September 2022 as National Preparedness Month
Sept. 28, 2022
At its Sept. 28 meeting, the El Paso County Board of Health proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. To highlight the importance of preparation and planning for disasters that affect public health and safety in our communities, the Board was joined by El Paso County Public Health Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) staff, who have worked tirelessly to prepare for disasters ranging from floods, tornadoes, wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, extreme weather, power outages, terrorism, crime and future pandemics, even while addressing current emergencies.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness
September 1, 2022
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it represents a time to listen, offer help and reduce stigmas around suicidal thoughts and seeking support. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) joins community members and organizations nationwide to raise awareness about the importance of suicide prevention, amplify resources and expand opportunities to get involved in youth suicide prevention.
Bivalent COVID-19 boosters offer additional protection
September 16, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized an updated COVID-19 booster, called a bivalent booster. The updated COVID-19 boosters are made to protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 as well as providing broader protection against newer and more recently circulating variants.
El Paso County Board of Health proclaims September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
August 29, 2022
At its August 24 meeting, the El Paso County Board of Health proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. To highlight the importance of collaboration and the ongoing work to prevent youth suicide in our communities, the Board was joined by several partners and staff members who have worked tirelessly on this critical issue.
El Paso County Public Health names co-medical directors
August 15, 2022
A highly skilled pair of doctors will bring complementary strengths and more than 50 combined years of public health and medical expertise as the new co-medical directors for El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH). Both begin their new roles the week of Aug. 15.
El Paso County and Colorado Springs Vaccine Consortium honored for innovation in public health
July 28, 2022
The El Paso County and Colorado Springs Vaccine Consortium was honored with the 2022 Bronze Innovative Practice Award by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The award celebrates local public health agencies for developing innovative initiatives to meet the needs of their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The designation as a Bronze Innovative Practice demonstrates a high level of innovation and reflects collaborative, adaptable and resilient initiatives.
CDPHE identifies first monkeypox case in El Paso County
July 22, 2022
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has identified the first case of monkeypox in El Paso County. CDPHE is the lead agency on this investigation and is completing the contract tracing associated with this case. El Paso County Public Health’s role is to vaccinate any high-risk exposures identified by CDPHE as part of their investigation.
El Paso County Public Health Makes Childhood Immunizations Available at Backpack Bash
July 28, 2022
On July 30, the El Paso County Public Health Immunizations program will again offer routine childhood and COVID-19 vaccinations during the Backpack Bash, an annual, collaborative, citywide effort to provide access to backpacks, school supplies, and resources for families in need in El Paso County.
Colorado continues to promote the statewide crisis line at 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
July 12, 2022
On July 16, 2022, anyone in the United States can start using the 988-dialing code, the suicide and crisis lifeline.
Reduce your risk of exposure to rabies by avoiding wild animals
May 16, 2022
As the weather gets warmer, and we’re all spending more time outdoors, the chances of people and pets encountering a wild animal increase and with that the concern for rabies increases as well.
Be an advocate for youth in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month
May 10, 2022
Young people’s mental health is a critical aspect of their overall health and well-being. The Youth Suicide Prevention Workgroup, convened by El Paso County Public Health, partners with many community allies, working to help people recognize and address youth mental health concerns, increase help-seeking behaviors among youth, de-stigmatize mental illness, and build the framework for supporting those needs.
What you need to know about fentanyl and opioids
April 4, 2022
Opioids are an important tool for doctors and health care providers to manage pain in patients, whether for one-time events like surgeries or for chronic conditions. But when these medications are used inappropriately, it can lead to addiction and increase the risk of overdose and possible death.
Local governments and governing bodies recognize 2022 National Public Health Week
April 4, 2022
National Public Health Week is an annual recognition of the work conducted by public health agencies across the country. In El Paso County, local municipalities and the El Paso County Board of Health has issued proclamations to recognize the work of public health staff to protect and promote community and individual health.
Public health leaders honored in Women’s History Month celebration
March 29, 2022
El Paso County Public Health’s Director Susan Wheelan and Joyce Salazar were among the leaders recognized across numerous community events for their leadership, innovation and tireless dedication to improving the health and well-being of the people of El Paso County.
Public Health recognized for excellence in financial reporting
March 29, 2022
For the third straight year, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada recognized El Paso County Public Health with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the highest form of recognition by the association in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
Celebrating WIC during National Nutrition Month
March 23, 2022
The Women, Infants & Children program offered through El Paso County Public Health helps families by providing nutritious foods, education on healthy eating, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
Improving population health in El Paso County through community action
March 18, 2022
El Paso County Public Health’s public health planner works hand in hand with community partners to gather information and data related to health issues within El Paso County, which is then used to inform and build an effective community-driven health improvement plan.
When Does a Pandemic Become Endemic? Have We Reached the Endemic Phase?
March 4, 2022
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, there are positive signs it is waning. This doesn’t mean it will disappear; however, it is more likely we will adapt and learn to make it a manageable part of our lives.
El Paso County Public Health updating COVID-19 dashboards
Feb. 23, 2022
These changes reflect the current phase of the response and are part of continuous efforts to ensure data visualizations are as relevant, timely and accurate as possible.
El Paso County Public Health encourages radon home testing in January
Jan. 14, 2022
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and El Paso County has been designated as an area with high radon potential, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.