Learn about diseases for free at library
The Community Health Action Coalition will host the free event, “What’s Bugging You? Infectious Diseases: Real Risks, Real Treatments, Real Prevention” from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Durango Public Library, 1900 East Third Ave.
Topics of discussion will include: diseases of the Southwest, emerging infections, immunizations and global health with emphasis on malaria. Light refreshments will be provided.
To register, visit www.chaclaplata.org or at the door.
For more information, visit the website, email Pattie Adler at pattie@chaclaplata.org or call 799-0218.
Exchange program helps cover loans
The Colorado Health Service Corps recently awarded $2.6 million in student loan repayment funds to 50 new health-care professionals who will, in exchange, practice in some of Colorado’s most medically underserved communities for the next three years.
These local professionals received an award: Joshua Borgstadt, who is employed at Pagosa Springs Medical Center in Pagosa Springs, and Richard Jacobsen, who is employed at Axis Health System in Durango.
The state health department oversees the Colorado Health Service Corps in its effort to recruit and retain health-care professionals for those communities with the greatest need. Primary care physicians, psychiatrists and general dentists may be eligible for educational loan debt forgiveness of as much as $90,000. Physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and licensed mental health professionals may be eligible for as much as $50,000. Dental hygienists may receive as much as $20,000.
The corps is accepting new applications for the program from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30. To participate, health-care professionals must be employed in an outpatient primary care practice in an urban or rural area of Colorado with a Health Professional Shortage Area designation.
For more information, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/colorado-health-service-corps.
Projects to improve kids’ dental health
Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation announced funding awards for projects working to improve children’s oral health in local communities.
Eleven organizations have received awards ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 per grant, including Axis Health System and Improving Oral Health for Undeserved Kids in La Plata County of Durango.
Through statewide requests for applications, 56 grant requests for more than $618,000 in funding were submitted. People and organizations were required to describe how their projects target one of the foundation’s three drivers of success: increasing the public’s awareness of and support for oral health, improving access to evidence-based dental care and securing decision-makers’ buy-in to the importance of oral health.
Funding priority was given to applicants who showed innovation, had an implementation plan, strived to reach underserved children and have the potential for sustainability.
The projects selected for funding can take no more than one year to complete.
For more information, visit www.deltadentalcofoundation.org.
Heart Safe La Plata will teach you CPR
Heart Safe La Plata, a local nonprofit organization, will offer these CPR classes at the Durango Fire Protection District’s Station 1, 142 Shepard Drive:
Adult CPR/AED class will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 3.
A CPR Pro class will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10.
For more information, email classes@heartsafelaplata.org, call 385-3260, or visit www.heartsafelaplata.org.
Tai chi certification workshop available
A two-day instructor certification workshop in “Tai Chi for Energy” will be held Sept. 4 and 5, with a one-day workshop to update current “Tai Chi for Health” certification on Sept. 6
Th fee for the workshop is $225. Training will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5. On Sept. 6, training will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat soft-soled shoes suitable for exercise.
The training will be led by Maureen Miller, master trainer and owner of Camden Tai Chi in St. Marys, Georgia.
Research shows the practice of tai chi helps to reduce stress while improving fitness, muscular strength, balance and flexibility.
This workshop is approved for continuing education hours through several boards and licensing agencies.
For more information, visit www.tchi.org. To register, email Meredith Page at page3@bellsouth,net.
Education center to celebrate mission
Southwestern Colorado Area Health Education Center will host its fifth anniversary celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Animas River Cafe inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio.
The center strives for improved quality and accessibility of health care. The event will celebrate the center’s accomplishments and endeavors in health education and programming for students, professionals and community members.
To RSVP by noon Monday, call 375-3250 or email karen.rider@swcahec.org.
Herald Staff
