April: A month of awareness and action

As the month of April unfolds, our county is bustling with numerous awareness campaigns and initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and support. From National Crime Victims' Rights Week to National Public Health Week, Blue Envelope Autism Awareness Month, National Library Week, and many more, there's a lot happening in and around the county. In this newsletter, I will highlight some of the key initiatives and share ways you can get involved in making a positive impact within our community.

Additionally, as we continue to navigate the various awareness campaigns and initiatives taking place this month, it's crucial that we also keep an eye on the broader landscape of federal policies and funding. We are diligently tracking executive orders and federal funding shifts to evaluate their potential impacts on the local services we provide. By staying proactive and informed, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that we can continue to serve our community effectively and efficiently. To learn more, click HERE.

Finally, I'm excited to do a deeper dive into the inner workings of the Jefferson County Public Health department as part of my 'Getting to Know Jeffco' series. In this edition, I'll be spotlighting the incredible work of the JCPL and the vital role they play in keeping our community healthy and safe. I hope you find it both informative and engaging. As always, your feedback and support are greatly appreciated as we continue to serve and strengthen Jeffco together.

Jefferson County Celebrates National Library Week

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring April 6 - 15 as National Library Week! This annual celebration honors the incredible impact that libraries, librarians, and library staff have in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The library continues to contribute a wide selection of materials focusing on patron interest, creative technologies, digital literacy services, school and workforce readiness programming that helps our young people develop skills for early adulthood, small business support and financial literacy initiatives. These efforts, and many more, have enhanced the lives of Jefferson County residents by providing them with even more opportunities to connect, discover and create. During this week, Jeffco residents are encouraged to visit their nearest Jeffco Public Library and celebrate the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day!

National Crime Victims' Rights Week & 32nd Annual Courage Walk

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring April 6 - 15 National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Jeffco. This week is dedicated to learning about victimization, the effect victimization has on individuals, families, friends, and the community, and promoting laws, policies, and programs to help victims of crime. This week, we honor the strength and resilience of crime victims and survivors across our nation. Their courage inspires us to advocate for justice, healing, and support. While National Crime Victims' Rights Week is a national event, we are particularly proud to honor the strength and resiliency of victims and service providers in the Jeffco community, especially Sheriff Marinelli, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, District Attorney Alexis King, and her team.

On Saturday, April 12, join Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the 32nd annual Courage Walk. The Courage Walk is a time to honor the strength and courage of survivors in the aftermath of crime, and a time to speak out in unison for crime victims' rights and services for today and in the future. Registration begins at 10 am and the walk kicks off at 11 am on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. For more information, click HERE.

Blue Envelope Autism Awareness Month

Jefferson County Commissioners proclaimed April 2025 to be Blue Envelope Autism Awareness Month in Jeffco. The proclamation intends to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), promote understanding, and advocate for individuals with autism in our community. The Jeffco Sheriff's Office is excited to be the sponsoring agency for the Blue Envelope Program, which promotes safe and effective interactions between first responders and individuals with conditions or disabilities that may impact communication. Awareness is just the start; acceptance is the goal. Let's move beyond tolerance to truly valuing autistic perspectives. To learn more about the Blue Envelope Program, click HERE.

Celebrating National Public Health Week in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Commissioners declared April 7 - 13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Jeffco. This week, we focus on the critical importance of public health and the dedication of the professionals working tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of all. Achieving health for all means addressing systemic barriers and ensuring equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support. It's about protecting everyone from diseases, promoting wellness, and creating safer environments where we live, work, and place. A special thank you to the Jefferson County Public Health team, who help communities prepare, prevent, and recover from health threats, all while caring deeply for the people they serve.

Jefferson County Public Health Department

Jefferson County Public Health is one of two organizations connected to Jefferson County, but operates somewhat independently. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) appoints members to the Jefferson County Board of Health (BOH), which then serves as the governing agency for the department. While the BCC sets policies and makes decisions that affect the county as a whole, the JCPH Board of Health is responsible for making policies and decisions that promote health and prevent disease within Jeffco. The Public Health department then implements the policies and programs established by the BOH, under the direction of the JCPH Director, Dr. Sarah Story.

The JCPH has several key responsibilities including prevention and control of contagious diseases, investigating health and safety hazards, protecting the environment, preventing foodborne illnesses, linking people to healthcare services, and promoting healthy lifestyles. To learn more about the department, view the latest health news, receive air quality alerts, or to view information on the county's public health initiatives, click HERE.

JCPH Celebrates Public Health Champions

I was honored to attend the 2024 Public Health Champions event and to read the proclamation declaring April 7 - 13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Jeffco. This year's Public Health Champions of the Year awards theme was "Our Health, Our Future: Recognizing Champions of Hope in Public Health." There were four awardees who were recognized for demonstrating the power of collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to making a real impact. The four awardees include:

• West Metro Fire: ARM Car
• Shawn Marzan, STRIDE Community Health Center
• Jeffco Public Schools Nurses
• Jefferson County Communities That Care

Here is a video highlighting each of the champions and their outstanding contributions:

Federal cuts to Public Health

The Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) department received some shocking news last week concerning federal funding for programs dedicated to COVID vaccine programs, disease prevention efforts, and mental health services.

We do not yet know the full scope of the reductions in funding or the full impact. Last week JCPH received formal notice from the state health department (CDPHE) of a pause in some of the federal pass-through funding that Jeffco receives from them. The funds affected relate to COVID recovery and are used for pandemic and infectious disease preparedness, including some of our immunization efforts. In total, these funds equate to approximately $1.5 million - $2 million in promised funding and will affect some of our staff who are funded with these grants.

The state health department has assured Jeffco that we can and should be reimbursed for costs we've incurred through March 27, and we are working to determine the full scope of the impact to JCPH. The BCC will continue to monitor the situation and I will update you once we know more. To learn more about the local impact, I recommend this 9news story or this Colorado Public Radio story.

Measles on the rise in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has confirmed a third case of measles in Colorado. Last week, the health department and Pueblo County announced that an adult in Pueblo County has tested positive for measles. This person had a history of international travel to an area where measles is spreading. Since then, two more cases of measles has been confirmed, raising community transmission concerns.

With measles now present in Colorado, the JCPH department urges residents, healthcare providers, and schools and childcare facilities to take steps now to prevent the spread of this illness locally. Here are some suggestions on what residents can do:

• Understand your family's immune status against measles, including your vaccination status.
• If you've been vaccinated in Colorado you can view your records on the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS)
• Make sure your family is protected by staying up-to-date with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.
• Call or message your healthcare provider if you think you or your child may have measles or exposed to measles.

The most effective way to prevent measles is through immunization. Also, stay alert and be familiar with the signs and symptoms of measles. For more information and up-to-date information, please visit the JCPH website.

Jefferson Center selects new CEO

One of my County Commissioner assignments is to serve on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. The JCMH provides high-quality mental health, substance use services, behavioral healthcare and counseling in Jefferson County. Last week, the Board selected Sarah Alquist as the new President and CEO. Sarah will join the JCMH team on May 12. She brings a deep passion for behavioral health, a heart for service, and a wealth of experience. As our community's mental health needs grow and the field becomes increasingly complex, I am confident that Sarah will lead JCMH with a fresh perspective, collaboration, strategic vision, and an unwavering focus on person-centered care.

Join the BCC for our first Virtual Town Hall

We will be hosting our first Virtual Town Hall of the year in a few weeks. We hope you’ll join us on Monday, May 19 from 6-7 p.m. This is a great opportunity to engage with the Board of County Commissioners and other county staff. You can join online to either just listen in, or you’re welcome to bring any questions you might have. Get the latest updates on that at Jeffco.us/Townhalls. Pre-registration will open in April.

Passport-palooza coming in May!



The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's office is bringing back Passport-palooza! Join them from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. This is a very popular event. It’s a one-day, no-appointment-needed passport processing event. If you’re applying for a new passport, renewing one that’s expired by more than five years, or getting a passport for your child, this is the perfect time to do it. For more information, click HERE.

Engage Jeffco Podcast

This year we recently launched the first ever Jefferson County Podcast – called Engage Jeffco. Our Public Affairs team is working on this podcast to take a more in-depth look at county topics. If you’re interested in learning more about county initiatives, ways to get involved, and the people who make this county function, you can follow that podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more information, click HERE.

Sustainability Champions Award Nominations Open

Nominations are officially open for our local Sustainability Champions. Every year we like to recognize those in our community who are making a real difference for our community and the planet. The award categories are:

• Sustainable Business Award
• Educator of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Future Leader Award
• Eco-employee Award

Nominations close on April 30 and winners will be announced in May. If you have a person or business in mind, please help us recognize their efforts. You can find the nomination form link by clicking HERE.