El Paso County Public Health South will be closed until further notice, due to water damage. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
El Paso County Public Health News
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Join El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) as we observe National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to bring together mental health advocates, mental health organizations, survivors, allies, and community members nationwide to help prevent suicide.
This month, EPCPH promotes kindness throughout the community to increase a sense of belonging, decrease feelings of isolation, and reduce the risk of suicide. Research shows that "kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships."
National Immunization Awareness Month: What’s the MMR Vaccine?
August 22, 2023
August is National Immunization Month and it’s a great time to think about what immunizations are recommended for you and your children. If you are a parent, you may already be considering your child’s immunization status as they return to the classroom. Many children fell behind on routine childhood immunizations (check vaccine schedules here) during the COVID-19 pandemic but catching your child up on those vaccines can be a simple process. For parents and families who are seeking these resources, routine childhood and adult immunizations help protect you, your family, and your community.
Surviving the summer: tips for heat and sun safety
August 14, 2023
Heat-related illness affects hundreds of people in Colorado every summer. Here are some tips to help you have fun in the sun while staying hydrated and protected from harmful rays.
August is National Breastfeeding Month
August 2, 2023
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 – 7. This year's theme, This is Our Why, helps shine a light on why this work is essential and centers the conversation on the babies and families who need our support.
International Self-Care Day: carving out time for health and wellness day
July 24, 2023
It's no secret that life can be stressful, and the past few years are certainly a testament to that. It is extremely important to set aside time to take care of yourself. International Self-Care Day, celebrated each year on July 24, emphasizes the importance of self-care as the cornerstone of wellness. On this day, individuals are encouraged to make self-care a part of their everyday routines and turn it into a priority. Though it may seem like a trendy concept, it is a habit that has great health benefits.
El Paso County Public Health again offers immunizations at Backpack Bash
July 18, 2023
Every child deserves to start the school year with everything they need to be successful. That includes routine childhood immunizations that keep children, and their classmates and teachers, healthy and strong.
Biking to work has big health benefits
June 27, 2023
Want to improve your health? Bike to Work Day is a wonderful opportunity to see if bicycle commuting works for your schedule and lifestyle. Biking to work is an easy way to regularly fit in a workout, improving your physical and mental health. It can also help you save money, benefit the environment, and (with a well-planned route) allow you to escape the stressful traffic of a morning and evening commute.
June is National Safety Month
June 9, 2023
This June, El Paso County Public Health joins the National Safety Council (NSC) and organizations across the nation to raise awareness during National Safety Month and highlight efforts to prevent injury and death.
Family Health & Fitness Day
June 8, 2023
Research has shown that parks, trails and other outdoor activities provide a connection to nature, which relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships and improves mental and physical health. Park and recreation agencies are vital to connecting community members to programs, services and facilities that improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life.
Swimming Safety
May 22, 2023
Summer is here, and in Colorado, it starts the busy swimming season! Swimming is a great way to stay physically active, have fun and relax while enjoying the company of friends and family. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) wants to remind swimmers to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick while enjoying the pool, hot tub/spa, or water playground.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 1, 2023
Focusing on connection
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Public Health emphasizes the benefits of social connection for mental health and ways to build and strengthen connections with one another. Research shows that building connections with others and feeling well-connected to the community increases a sense of belonging, enhances emotional well-being, and lowers levels of social isolation or loneliness.
Dispose of prescription drugs on April 22 in observance of DEA Drug Take Back Day
April 11, 2023
On Saturday, April 22, El Paso County Public Health’s (EPCPH) Fountain Valley Communities That Care (FV-CTC) is partnering with Fountain Police Department and Security Fire Department 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 medications.
Local governments and governing bodies recognize 2023 National Public Health Week
April 3, 2023
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 have issued proclamations to recognize the work of public health staff to protect and promote community and individual health.
Easy ways to get healthier this National Nutrition Month
March 21, 2022
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.
Get heart-healthy this February!
February 14, 2023
February is American Heart Month and there is no better time to start building healthy habits! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in El Paso County; it claimed 1,372 lives in 2021. It’s also a leading cause of death nationwide for both men and women. The great news is that heart disease is largely preventable.
Health tips for the new year
January 3, 2023
Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change. It’s the perfect time of year to reflect on areas of your life you’d like to improve, and with a few simple steps, you can set yourself up for success.
Fountain City Council recognizes El Paso County Public Health Director Susan Wheelan with the Spirit of Fountain Award
December 16, 2022
At its Dec. 13 regular meeting, Fountain City Council recognized El Paso County Public Health Director Susan Wheelan with the first Spirit of Fountain award.
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.