Public Health

What Is Public Health Nursing?

Public Health Nursing (PHN) improves the well-being of communities by promoting health and preventing disease, disability, and premature death among all residents of Las Animas and Huerfano Counties. PHN improves the quality of neighborhood life by working in partnership with community residents to create the conditions that ensure healthy lives.

Vision: Public Health Nursing strives to promote healthy people in healthy communities.

Community Partner

Serving as a voice for all, public health nurses work in partnership with consumers, local organizations and other health care professionals to look at the total needs of an individual or community. They work together with community members focusing on the strengths in a community, developing solutions, and overcoming obstacles. From beginning to end, these highly specialized nurses link communities with care for improved community health.

Problem Solver

Public health nurses are part of the first line of defense against disease and illness. Using proven practices, they develop strategies for improving health conditions by examining the overall health needs of families. These health professionals find, track, and treat diseases before crisis arises. In a time of disease outbreak, like measles or hepatitis, public health nurses are ready to immunize to prevent future disease outbreaks.

Care Coordinator

Public health nurses link clients and their families with support services to meet individual needs. A connection forms between the client and nurse which helps to assure continued participation in care and treatment. The results are powerful; teen pregnancy and infant mortality are reduced, pregnancy outcomes improve and babies are born healthier, and individuals are in better control of high blood pressure or diabetes.

Health Educator

Whether it's in a school conducting classes for those who cannot make it in to the clinic, public health nurses are providing prevention education on how to become healthier, stay healthy, and take control of one's health. They teach new parents skills to become better mothers and fathers. When dealing with more sensitive issues like HIV diagnosis, these caregivers go beyond traditional education and become gentle listeners and counselors.

Public Health Nursing Services

Tuberculosis

We offer tuberculosis (Tb) testing Monday through Wednesday by appointment only for $10. Call 719-846-2213 to schedule an appointment in Trinidad or 719-738-2650 to schedule in Walsenburg.