SLV Public Health Partnership

08/23/2023

West Nile Virus is a higher risk in the next few weeks than it was earlier in the year, even though mosquitoes may seem less irritating this time of year. Please read the press release below.

For immediate release
August 23, 2023
FIRST 2023 WEST NILE VIRUS CASE IN SLV
The first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the San Luis Valley for 2023 was recently reported in Alamosa County. Public Health Officials are warning folks to continue taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, as this is the time of year when WNV is most likely.
There has been a sharp increase in reported cases of WNV over the last week across Colorado. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported 74 cases as of August 22, including 5 deaths.

As mosquito season continues, health officials recommend taking the following steps to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus: Limiting activities outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active. Using an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. Eliminate sources of standing water near your home, which can become a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. Mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.
If you think you or a family member is sick with West Nile virus, consult a health care provider, especially if you develop a fever with severe headache or confusion following a mosquito bite.
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08/22/2023

Remember: DON'T WAIT for an official warning to protect yourself. If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood, you may want to stay indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illness, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and making you feel ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.

08/02/2023

Did you know you can check the air quality in your area on the Purple Air map?

Real time measurement of air quality on a public map. Useful to community scientists or air quality professionals alike, PurpleAir sensors are easy to install, requiring only a power outlet and WiFi.

07/26/2023

Protect your family from mosquito bites. Risk of severe illness increases as people get older, and people who have ever received an organ transplant should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

There are plenty of animals that can kill a human in Colorado – black bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, bison, moose, even bighorn sheep, to name a few. Granted, deaths caused

06/27/2023

APPLY NOW for a FREE battery backup system for your life-sustaining medical equipment. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED, SO DO NOT WAIT. Be ready for when the power goes out. *** PLEASE SHARE*** https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/surviving-in-place/battery-back-up-program/life-sustaining-medical-equipment

06/22/2023

CDPHE wants your ticks! We have about 30 different species of ticks in Colorado, the most common are the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick. You can help us track ticks, their geographic distribution, and tick-borne diseases in our state by visiting cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/tick-borne-diseases.

Learn about tick-related infections, and how to remove ticks at cdc.gov/ticks/index.html.

06/16/2023

Ths skeeters are out.

Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts in areas where mosquitoes are active can reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus. Also, be sure to regularly drain standing water around your home and install or repair screens on windows and doors.

06/15/2023

Stay safe and healthy this summer!

06/13/2023

Colorado Medicaid recipients who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment can apply to receive a power backup system. DON'T DELAY - Get more information and apply here:
https://www.ucdenver.edu/centers/center-for-inclusive-design-and-engineering/community-engagement/surviving-in-place/battery-back-up-program

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has recognized the importance of being prepared for a power outage emergency for individuals utilizing life-sustaining medical devices. With funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and in collaboration with The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE), we will be distributing Battery Backup Power Supply Systems to eligible Health First Colorado members, assisting them in having the necessary equipment to be better prepared and in maintaining their health, safety and independence.

If you are interested in getting a Backup Power Supply System, please complete the application, found here. Once received, the application will be reviewed, information verified, and a determination made if the applicant qualifies. There is a limited supply and a final decision will be made on eligibility and the availability of devices. All applicants will be notified of their results within two months of receipt of the application. All questions should be directed to Julia Beems at 303-315-1284 or [email protected].

Home backup battery power supplies are devices that store energy in a battery system and can provide power to your home during power outages or emergencies. They can be charged from various sources such as solar panels, your vehicle, or most commonly, the wall outlet in your home.

05/11/2023

♥ PLEASE SHARE! ♥ Do you or someone you care for use electricity-dependent equipment to help you breathe better? The SLV Oxygen Task Force needs your input to help our community be better prepared for power outages, specifically with regards to oxygen use. Please complete this short anonymous survey. The survey will close on May 26, 2023. https://www.slvphp.com/blog/oxygen-survey

05/10/2023

SLV COVID-19 Update - May 10, 2023
(English and Spanish)
SAN LUIS VALLEY - The national COVID-19 emergency response officially ends this week, on May 11th. Recommendations for staying home when you have COVID-19 remain the same. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended that you stay home and away from others for at least 5 days after your symptoms began. If you think you have been exposed or have symptoms, get tested. Immunocompromised individuals and those who have frequent contact with them may need to take extra precautions.

Free COVID-19 test kits can still be obtained through local public health agencies. Local public health agencies have discontinued active case investigations and writing work excuse letters.

The no-cost COVID-19 Community Test Site at Conour Hall on the ASU campus will remain in place through May 20, 2023.

Local public health authorities would like to publicly thank and acknowledge the dedication of the staff who have provided vaccinations on the mobile vaccine unit. Since the bus began operating in the San Luis Valley, they have provided over 5,000 vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 at no cost to local residents.

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be recommended. For questions, contact your health care provider or your local public health agency.

Español
Actualización de COVID-19 SLV
10 de mayo 2023
VALLE DE SAN LUIS - La respuesta de emergencia nacional COVID-19 termina oficialmente esta semana, en mayo 11. Las recomendaciones para quedarse en casa cuando tiene COVID-19 siguen siendo las mismas. Si da positivo por COVID-19, se recomienda que se quede en casa y lejos de los demás durante al menos 5 días después de que comenzaron sus síntomas. Si cree que ha estado expuesto o tiene síntomas, hágase la prueba. Las personas inmunocomprometidas y aquellas que tienen contacto frecuente con ellas pueden necesitar tomar precauciones adicionales.

Todavía se pueden obtener kits de prueba gratuitos de COVID-19 a través de las agencias locales de salud pública. Las agencias locales de salud pública han suspendido las investigaciones activas de casos y han escrito cartas de excusa laboral.

El sitio de prueba comunitarios de COVID-19 sin costo en Conour Hall en el campus de ASU permanecerá en su lugar hasta el 20 de mayo de 2023.

Las autoridades locales de salud pública desean agradecer y reconocer públicamente la dedicación del personal que ha proporcionado vacunas en la unidad móvil de vacunas. Desde que el autobús comenzó a operar en el Valle de San Luis, han brindado más de 5,000 vacunas contra la gripe y el COVID-19 sin costo alguno para los residentes locales.

Se siguen recomendando vacunas contra la COVID-19. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con su proveedor de atención médica o su agencia local de salud pública.

04/28/2023

Health Fair in Alamosa on Old Sanford Road today until 11 am. ttps://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=613229014165563&id=100064354105690&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f