Garfield County Public Health supporting National Public Health Week

PRESS RELEASE
April 5, 2018

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County Public Health (GCPH) is reminding its citizens that wellness is the result of an ongoing effort to make healthy choices for a better lifestyle. GCPH is supporting the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) National Public Health Week, which runs from April 2-8, by highlighting some of the health risks that face the people of Garfield County.

The county, which is home to more than 58,000 citizens, is known as the healthiest community in the state, having received the governor’s “Healthy Community Award” in 2017. This year’s public health week theme is “Healthiest Nation 2030 – Changing Our Future Together.” The movement’s goal is to make our nation the healthiest on Earth, in just one generation’s time. Currently, Americans rank 34th in life expectancy worldwide.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a long, healthy life free from preventable disease and injury. In fact, that’s what public health workers strive toward every, single day,” an official APHA statement noted. “To truly become the healthiest nation by 2030, we must also take momentous steps toward achieving health equity.”

Garfield County is focusing on key health-related topics, to help raise awareness of potential risks and associated preventative measures that can be taken.

  • Have your home tested for Radon. Roughly 40 percent of homes in Garfield County have tested above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) radon action limit. Test kits are provided free of charge at GCPH. Call (970) 665-6383 to request a testing kit.
  • Get tested for HIV and hepatitis C. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to either HIV or hepatitis C, free testing is available at GCPH. All baby boomers should have at least one hepatitis C test. Call (970) 625-5200 (Rifle), or (970) 945-6614 (Glenwood Springs) to schedule a test.
  • Get your immunizations – GCPH offers routine childhood, adult, and travel vaccinations (for those traveling outside the US). We offer these services in both Rifle and Glenwood Springs, as well as in Carbondale twice a month, all by appointment. Call (970) 625-5200 ext. 8116 (Rifle), or (970) 945-6614 ext. 2030 (Glenwood Springs) for an appointment.
  • Hantavirus exists in Garfield County. Hantavirus can be fatal, so avoid exposure to rodents such as deer mice. During spring cleaning, wear gloves and a mask, maximize ventilation by opening doors and windows, and avoid stirring up dust by watering down areas you intend to clean with bleach and water.
  • If you are pregnant or have young kids, assistance is available. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) distributes vouchers for free, healthy foods; provides breastfeeding support and pump rentals; and offers nutrition education and counseling. Call (970) 625-5200 in Rifle, or (970) 945-6614 in Glenwood Springs for more information.
  • Free fluoride varnishes area available for kids and pregnant mothers. GCPH provides free fluoride varnishes. Call (970) 625-5200 in Rifle, or (970) 945-6614 in Glenwood Springs for more information.

GCPH works to promote health and prevent disease, through a variety of programs and initiatives. Public Health partners with Garfield Healthy Communities Coalition, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), suicide and child fatality prevention services, injury prevention, and more.

Look for ways that you can get involved with public health week and GCPH.