Ad
Southwest Life

Disability misinformation in social media

A recent study showed that social media isn’t the best place to get information about mental health and neurodiversity. That probably doesn’t surprise you. But thanks to the Journal of Socia...

An early spring means earlier risk from animal-borne diseases

An early spring means more time outside. It also it is the season for diseases spread by rodents, insects and wildlife. The good news is that a few simple steps can help lower your risk. Spr...

What you think you know about nonprofits might be holding our community back

There’s a quiet tension that lives inside the nonprofit world and it has nothing to do with the work itself. It lives in the assumptions people bring to the table – donors, community members...

Community Connections looks to the future

Winston Churchill is attributed with saying, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Changing often sounds exhausting, so perhaps perfection isn’t a realistic goal. But ...

National Public Health Week: ‘Ready, Set, Action’

National Public Health Week, April 6 to 12, is a reminder that good health does not happen by accident. It is built over time – through science, thoughtful policy and the everyday choices pe...

Disability issues in the Colorado Legislature

We live in a divided world. I’m referring to the divide between Coloradans who are entirely unaware of the Legislative General Session and those who follow legislation like a sports fan foll...

New septic rules take effect in March: What homeowners should know

Septic systems and private wells are an essential part of La Plata County’s rural infrastructure. Many of our residents rely on private wells for drinking water and septic systems to manage ...

Family voices are being heard at the Capitol about important programs

Most of us currently living grew up in an era when access to public education is the norm. And for many of us, our schools included children with disabilities and learning disorders. So, we ...

La Plata County Healthy Homes program targets radon risk during national awareness month

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soil. It seeps into houses through cracks ...

Where should people with disabilities live? Anywhere

Where should people with disabilities live? For most of United States history, the answer has been simple: somewhere else. That was our answer when institutional care was the sole option for...

Open enrollment deadline nears for 2026 health insurance coverage

Colorado’s health insurance open enrollment period is heading into its final stretch, with Jan. 15 as the last day to enroll in coverage for 2026. Residents who still need health insurance s...

When neighbors know where to turn, communities grow stronger

In rural communities like ours, we pride ourselves on looking out for one another. Yet, when it comes to navigating health and social services – especially for people living with limited res...