News Article

CDPHE offers free test kits as well as low-income mitigation assistance

Denver, January 8, 2024 — Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed January 2024 National Radon Action Month and encourages Coloradans to reduce their risk of radon-induced lung cancer. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment strongly urges Colorado residents to test their homes for radon using a free radon test kit.

Positive West Nile Virus Case in Huerfano County

Huerfano, CO— Public Health officials announced Huerfano County’s first equine case of West Nile virus.

The first case of equine WNV case in Colorado in 2023 was confirmed on July 28 by the Colorado State Veterinarian. 

As students head back to school this month, public health officials urge parents and guardians to get children back on track and caught up on their vaccines as soon as possible. Many vaccines are required for school and child care entry in Colorado, including measles, whooping cough, mumps, polio, and varicella (chickenpox).

On May 11, 2023, the public health emergency (PHE) declaration ended. Among other policy implications, the end of the PHE will impact health policy measures associated with access to COVID-19 testing and treatment. The following is a breakdown of key policy changes related to vaccines, testing, and treatment, along with key information on what will remain the same when the public health emergency ends. This is not an exhaustive list of all policy changes.

Does the end of the public health emergency mean COVID-19 is over?

This year's theme is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health."

Feeling like we belong, being a part of our communities, and fostering cultural connections supports our health and the quality of our lives. As we celebrate NPHW, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier, safer, and stronger when we support and stay engaged with one another. As we adjust and adapt to new social norms, we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect, prioritize and influence the future of public health.

Public Service Announcement
CONTACT: Kimberly Gonzales, Executive Director
MEDIA LINE: 719- 846-2213
EMAIL: kgonzales@la-h-health.org

Boil Water Advisory Issued for City of Walsenburg –
5th Street and Areas North of 5th Street

If you are in need of water, please contact Huerfano County Dispatch at (719) 738-1044.

CDPHE offers low-cost test kits to protect families (including pets!)

DENVER, January 5, 2023 — Gov. Jared Polis has proclaimed January 2023, National Radon Action Month, and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment urges Colorado residents to test their homes for radon using a low-cost radon test kit.

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.