Author - The Durango Herald

Ability Summit to focus on issues of inclusion in S.W. Colorado

I spend a lot of time in this column asking the simple question, “What is community?” This week, I have a real example of community-building to share: the Ability Summit. Part of ...

DATE: Oct 11, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Understanding West Nile virus and how to protect yourself

Since 2002, 56 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in La Plata County. As public health specialists, our role is to investigate all laboratory-reported cases to determine severity o...

DATE: Oct 4, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Why are we not already more inclusive?

I talk a lot about inclusion. Social inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is Community Connections’ 10-year strategic goal, so inclusion is a frequent topic ...

DATE: Sep 13, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Creating Community Food-safety measures are good public health

Do you stop to think about all of the possible foodborne illnesses you could get when you go out to eat? Probably not. Most of us don’t, and if you did, going out to eat wouldn’t be nearly a...

DATE: Sep 10, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Building a healthier community by promoting mental health

In Southwest Colorado, we count ourselves fortunate to call this beautiful place our home. Our small communities are part of vital ecosystem that allows us to thrive in our daily lives and c...

DATE: Sep 6, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Language can reflect our biases

Most people have learned the “R” word is rude and is not an appropriate term to describe people with intellectual disabilities. But that word has a complicated history that corresponds inext...

DATE: Aug 9, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

20 years after court decision there’s still work to be done

July is a season of momentous anniversaries. Most of us recognized the anniversary of the birth of our nation on Independence Day. The United States grew from the principles of equality, lif...

DATE: Jul 12, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

In the event of an emergency, is your family prepared?

Although emergency preparedness and response may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about services that San Juan Basin Public Health provides, it is a crucial one. ...

DATE: Jun 28, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Community plans for emergency response with diverse populations

Passing the one year anniversary of the 416 Fire last week was a stark reminder of how overwhelming a community disaster can be. The distressing loss of life during Hurricane Kat...

DATE: Jun 7, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Keep your family (including pets) safe this summer

Despite the long, chilly spring, warmer days will eventually make their way to our region. Outdoorsy locals will head out to partake in their favorite summer activities including biking, hik...

DATE: Jun 6, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Graduation-rate disparity continues to be staggering

Congratulations to all our region’s recent and upcoming graduates – high school, college or otherwise! It’s one of the major transitions that happens in our lives, though why we’ve chosen to...

DATE: May 10, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

San Juan Basin Public Health adds SafeCare Colorado Program

There is often a gap between what we imagine about parenting and the reality of it. It can be stressful and challenging even for the strongest of heart, as most parents would agree. ...

DATE: May 3, 2019 | CATEGORY: Creating Community