Dear Community Members,
As we embarked on 2023, we look back on the last two years and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our citizens and the communities we serve.
The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. The Las Animas- Huerfano Counties District Health Department (LAHCDHD) would like to acknowledge and thank all of you for your support and for continuing to work alongside our department as we navigate a world with COVID.
As we shift toward a future that includes living with COVID, we do not know exactly what the health department’s role will be. Nevertheless, our mission at LAHCDHD remains the same: to ensure citizens of Las Animas and Huerfano Counties have access to preventive healthcare services, are provided public health education, and that their quality of life is improved. As we work towards our mission, we intend to build your trust and improve your sense of pride in our organization. We will continue to put the health outcomes of our community at the forefront of all decisions made here at the health department.
Decisions surrounding COVID, including getting tested, seeking treatment, and staying up to date on vaccinations are personal. Moving forward, we want to change the way we approach emergency and non-emergency public health concerns by improving the way we support you in making informed health decisions. This commitment includes sharing relevant health information and data in an easy-to-understand manner, prioritizing consistent and continuous communication of public health issues, and continuing our partnerships with local organizations to provide the community with needed resources.
As we progress into 2023, we will continue to support the efforts being made by our residents and community partners to improve individual and community well-being in all areas of public health. The health and safety of the citizens of Las Animas and Huerfano Counties have been, and will always be, the top priority of LAHCDHD.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season,
Kimberly Gonzales
Executive Director
Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department