The importance of pubic health
By Paula Buser,
Special to the Daily Record
As we observe National Public Health Week April 7-13, rural communities face unique health challenges. I appreciate having this opportunity to share our local public health initiatives that promote preventive care, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide access to services and resources to promote overall wellness in our community.
A few examples are access to our vaccination services to protect children and adults from preventable diseases, public health outreach programs that provide resources to educate our residents about healthy lifestyles. Additionally, initiatives promoting tobacco cessation and substance abuse prevention are crucial in supporting individuals struggling with addiction.
Mobile health clinics, school-based programs and local partnerships with schools, hospitals, business owners, local media and community organizations have resulted in increased awareness and access for services leading to more engagement in the programs we offer.
Specifically, in Fremont County, many of the Fremont County Department of Public Health and Environment’s efforts focus on:
● Food Safety: Supporting local restaurants through inspections and education to ensure safe food handling practices.
● Substance Abuse Prevention & Tobacco Cessation: Providing community programs that help individuals quit smoking and avoid substance misuse.
● Impaired Driving Resources: Educating the community on the dangers of impaired driving due to alcohol or substance use and providing resources to help prevent related incidents.
● Clinical Services: Offering vaccinations, preventive testing, and other essential health services to residents.
● Disease Surveillance & Investigation: Monitoring and investigating reportable diseases to prevent the spread of infections within the community.
● Environmental Health: Ensuring a safe water supply, proper waste disposal, and access to recycling programs to promote a healthier environment.
● Emergency Preparedness & Response: Supporting the community in planning for and responding to public health emergencies, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.
● Vital Records: Issuing birth and death certificates to ensure proper documentation for residents.
● Medication Disposal & Naloxone Access: Providing safe medication disposal kits and access to naloxone to prevent overdoses and promote community safety.
This Public Health Week, let’s recognize and support our FCDPHE professionals and their ongoing efforts to make Fremont County healthier and stronger. We also encourage you to learn about public health resources available from FCDPHE and share them with others and prioritize prevention by getting regular check-ups, staying up to date on vaccinations, and encouraging healthy habits in your family and community.
Learn more about our programs and services at www.fcdphe.com or by stopping by our offices at 201 N. Sixth St. in Cañon City.
When we invest in public health, we invest in our future!
Paula Buser is the director of Fremont County Department of Public Health and Environment.
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