Author - The Durango Herald

Concerned about an older person? Senior Reach program offers help

During the holidays, we naturally reach out to others – with a hug, a gift or an act of service. This warm spirit of giving often extends beyond our family circle and into the community. We ...

DATE: Dec 24, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Wiki technology helps people with disabilities tell their stories

Twenty-five years ago, if any wiki existed, it was a lyric from a Sheb Wooley song. Today, wiki technology shapes the way many of us access information. In the future, it may be the way peop...

DATE: Dec 10, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Flu vaccine is a safeguard for community’s health

December through February is the typical peak for the influenza virus, and with the vaccination taking effect after about two weeks, now is the time to protect your health as well as our com...

DATE: Dec 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Disabilities advocates can find allies in both parties

This has been a season of taking sides, whether rooting for (or against) candidates in debates or cheering your chosen World Series favorite to victory. Every ballot cast was taking a side –...

DATE: Nov 12, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Fluoridated water integral to everybody’s health

Just when you think you’ve recovered from the sugar crash of Halloween, the parade of pumpkin pies, sweet potato casserole and cranberry dressing show up to prolong your sweetened holiday st...

DATE: Nov 5, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

It takes all of us to keep high school graduation rates up

Great news – the high school graduation rate in the United States has risen again! It is at an all-time high of 83.2 percent (U.S. Department of Education), and an analysis of pe...

DATE: Nov 5, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Local Wellness Center groups support people’s overall health

A woman walks through a Durango grocery store aisle with a wellness advocate at her side, like a culinary field guide. The advocate examines the woman’s favorite brand of cereal ...

DATE: Oct 15, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

The right to vote belongs to all citizens in this country

Citizenship is the chance to make a difference to the place where you belong – Charles Handy There’s no such thing as second class citizenship. That’s like telling me you can be ...

DATE: Oct 8, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

You may be surprised by how affordable health insurance can be

In addition to raking leaves and collecting brush, a top priority on your fall chore list should be a review of your health insurance. Changes in family size, income, tax credit ...

DATE: Oct 1, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Local nonprofits do great things while taking care of business

Money, money, money. We all need it, right? Like most nonprofit organizations, United Way of Southwest Colorado generates revenue each year through a variety of sources. In the ...

DATE: Sep 17, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Nation honors the crucial role Direct Support Professionals play

Americans are excellent at honoring things. We have a large number of holidays to honor historic figures who contributed significantly to our society (including lumping all 43 U....

DATE: Sep 10, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Working for health equity through public health

An important factor in one’s health, something not often considered, is a lack of hope or power to control one’s personal, neighborhood or work environment. A growing body of evi...

DATE: Sep 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: Creating Community