History of Public Health in Larimer County

How Heat Impacts our Community

What's up in public health this week? Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the United States, and it's becoming more common across Colorado. Extreme heat can sneak up on anyone and can sometimes cause serious illness. In this episode, we explore how extreme heat impacts the body, our emergency medical system, and the wider community. First, we speak with Dr. Tyler Vaughn, an emergency physician who cares for patients at UCHealth emergency departments in northern Colorado and oversees UCHealth EMS, which serves much of Weld County and northern Larimer County. Dr. Vaughn explains how extreme heat affects the body, who is most at risk for heat-related illness, and what he's seeing in emergency departments and emergency medical services during local heat events. Next, Jared Olson, Population Epidemiologist here at the health department, shares local data and trends related to extreme heat. We discuss how heat impacts our community and the steps we can take to address it both as individuals and a community. Finally, Dr. Paul Mayer, Medical Officer here at the health department, discusses additional summertime public health concerns, including air quality, animal-borne diseases, and other seasonal risks. He also explains how to understand public health advisories, watches, and warnings so you know when to take extra precautions. Resources: * Learn more about heat safety: larimer.gov/heatsafety [https://www.larimer.gov/health/heat-safety] * CDC Heat Risk Tool [https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/] * Larimer County Office on Aging [https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa] Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org [healthiertogether@larimer.org].

A Board of Health Exit Interview with Dr. Bernard Birnbaum

What's up in public health this week? The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is governed by the Larimer County Board of Health (BOH), a group of five volunteers who are appointed by the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners to serve five-year, staggered terms. In this episode, we sit down with outgoing BOH member Dr. Bernard Birnbaum as he reflects on his 10 years of service to our community. After completing two five-year terms, Dr. Birnbaum shares what inspired him to serve, highlights memorable moments from his time on the Board, and discusses the important role public health plays in our community. Joining the conversation is our Executive Director Tom Gonzales, who helps explain the responsibilities of the BOH, how members work alongside the health department, and reflects on his time working with Dr. Birnbaum. Thank you, Dr. Birnbaum, for your years of dedicated service and commitment to improving the health of our community. Resources: * Learn more about the BOH [https://www.larimer.gov/boards/board-health] Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org [healthiertogether@larimer.org].

Practicing Health Equity

What's up in public health this week? Health equity is critical to our mission here at the health department. As we work to provide everyone in Larimer County the opportunity for a healthy life, identifying and addressing inequities is crucial. This week, our Health Equity Initiatives Coordinator, Devontay Tobe, joins us to discuss health equity and how it shows up in the work of the health department. Resources: * Learn more about the Larimer County Department of Health & Environment's office of Strategic Planning, Health Equity, and Partnerships [https://www.larimer.gov/health/strategic-planning-health-equity-and-partnerships] Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org [healthiertogether@larimer.org].

The Perinatal Nurse Support Program

What's up in public health this week? The health department recently launched a new Perinatal Nurse Support Program (PNSP). This program provides support for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by substance use. They work alongside families during pregnancy and early infancy, offering education, resources, care coordination, and encouragement. In this episode, Senior Public Health Nurse Kinsi Shriner and Maternal, Family, and Nutrition Programs Manager Leigh Ann Frost join us to discuss the need for the program in our community, the services it provides, plans for its first year, and how community partners can get involved. Resources: * Learn more about the Perinatal Nurse Support Program [https://www.larimer.gov/health/maternal-child-and-family-health/perinatal-nurse-support-program] * Participant interest form [https://form.jotform.com/261026093107044] * Care provider referral form [https://form.jotform.com/261024319161043] Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org [healthiertogether@larimer.org].

Ground-Level Ozone 101

What's up in public health this week? Ground-level ozone is Larimer County's most pressing air quality issue. This week, we're joined by Mike Silverstein and Kelsey Simpkins from the Regional Air Quality Council. Mike serves as their Executive Director and Kelsey is the RAQC's Communications and Program Manager. They explain how ground-level ozone forms, how it impacts our health, and steps we can all take to improve our air. Resources: * Sign up for ozone alerts: Text "BetterAirCO" to 21000 or visit simplestepsbetterair.org [https://simplestepsbetterair.org/] * Learn more about air quality planning and how you can get involved: raqc.org/aq-planning [https://raqc.org/aq-planning/] * Learn more about RAQC programs: * Simple Steps Better Air [https://simplestepsbetterair.org/] * Clean Air Auto Repair [https://www.cleanairautorepair.org/] * Engines Off [https://www.enginesoff.org/] * Accessible Bikes for Community [https://raqc.org/aq-planning/] Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org [healthiertogether@larimer.org].