Public Health Alliance of CO Media Resources

U.S. Nominee Is Elected to Lead World Bank

WASHINGTON—The World Bank named Jim Yong Kim as its next president, maintaining a seven-decade U.S. lock on the post after the first challenge by candidates from other countries.

Dr. Kim said after his election on Monday that laying the groundwork for job creation would be his top priority, as the institution faces pressure to shift from making loans to supporting broader economic concerns.

"In every single country I've been to, they are really hoping private-sector growth can happen quickly so that jobs can be created," he said, in a telephone interview from Lima, Peru, where he was concluding a "global ... Click here for more!

Colorado Home Visiting Program Receives $3.7 million to improve early childhood health and development for at-risk kids

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment received $3.7 million from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to support expansion of evidence-based home visitation programs for at-risk children. Colorado is one of 10 states splitting nearly $72 million in awards released April 3 by the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program created by the Affordable Care Act.
These grants recognize states that have made significant progress in establishing home visiting programs and expanding capacity to reach more children. Home visiting programs provide health, child protection, early education and social services based on a family’s needs. Nurses, social workers or other professionals evaluate families in their homes and connect them to services that can improve children’s health, development and ability to learn.
 “Caring community professionals working with at-risk families can make a real difference in the lives and futures of Colorado kids,” said Dr. Chris Urbina, executive director and chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “This Affordable Care Act investment allows us to continue our successful collaboration with dedicated community members to reach more children.”
Colorado has identified 15 urban and rural at-risk counties that could benefit most from the program. The department will use this Affordable Care Act funding to support state and local groups working to improve the health of mothers and babies, prepare children for school, reduce child maltreatment, improve parenting and improve coordination of community services and resources.
The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program in Colorado is a collaboration among federal, state and local partners. Colorado partners include:
·        Invest in Kids – This nonprofit organization works with local communities to improve the health and well-being of low-income children and families by identifying, introducing, implementing and ultimately ensuring the success of research-based, proven programs. This includes the Nurse-Family Partnership, a nurse home visitation program for first-time, low-income mothers and their children.
·        Colorado Parent and Child Foundation – The foundation promotes two evidence-based home visiting programs, Parents as Teachers and Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, that support high quality early childhood education programs, facilitate family initiatives to inspire parent involvement and school readiness,  and provide parents with child development and school readiness information.
·        Irving Harris Program in Child Development and Infant Mental Health (University of Colorado, The Children’s Hospital) – This program implements the Healthy Steps program, delivered during pediatric primary care well-child visits and augmented by home visits to support parenting and child development.
·        Head Start State Collaboration Office – This office supports the Early Head Start Home-Based Program to bring services to low income pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Investments in Public Health and Prevention Save Lives and Money

Even though America spends more than $2 trillion annually on health care—more than any other nation in the world—tens of millions of Americans suffer every day from preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer, which rob them of their health and quality of life. A series of research reports funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) provides valuable new information for policy-makers and other public officials who are looking for ways to help Americans stay healthy and get the economy back on track.

Read the full article here.

Gov. Hickenlooper delivers FY 2012-13 proposed budget to JBC

DENVER ­— Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today delivered the FY 2012-13 proposed budget to the Joint Budget Committee.

“As you will see, the budget reflects the ongoing work of closing the State’s structural budget gap and funding the demands of numerous federal and State Constitutional requirements,” Hickenlooper wrote in a letter to the JBC. “The proposal also contains several proposals to protect the most vulnerable Coloradans, promote economic growth, continue needed reforms in education and modernize State government.”

The FY 2012-13 proposed budget is $20.09 billion, of which $7.39 billion is from the General Fund. These amounts represent growth rates over the last fiscal year of 1.7% ($342.6 million) in total funds and 3.2% ($227.1 million) in the General Fund.

“The General Fund budget (financed by income and sales taxes) is the area of the budget that is most reflective of the overall economic condition of the state,” the governor’s letter said. “Though there has been a partial recovery from the recent recession, the revenue picture remains unsettled and we expect only modest General Fund revenue growth in FY 2012-13.”

 Demands for State services and benefits over the past five years have increased substantially and reflect the pressures of a growing population and a weak economy. Specifically:

• · Medicaid enrollment has increased by 281,000 (72%),
• · Children’s Health Plan+ caseload has increased by 11,000 (19%),
• · K-12 student enrollment has increased by 52,000 (6.8%),
• · Higher Education enrollment has increased 33,600 (20.5%), and
• · Annual State Park visits have increased by 766,000 (6.5%).

The largest areas of increase in spending in FY 2012-13 are in mandatory areas of the budget. The new General Fund resources for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) accounts for more than 81.7 percent of the statewide General Fund increase. This is even after HCPF made $31.9 million of Medicaid budget reductions.

“As the economy has weakened, more people are eligible for the program and we are obligated to finance those costs,” Hickenlooper wrote to the JBC. “Please note that while new federal health care rules prevent our ability to restrict eligibility to save money, many of the expanded health coverage populations from recent years are not paid with General Fund dollars. Rather, those expansions are covered by the hospital provider fee established by House Bill 09-1293.”

Meanwhile, though the state is experiencing a modest decline in the incarcerated population at the Department of Corrections (DOC), the expected caseload is higher than previously estimated and thus new funds are needed. The combined increases to HCPF and the DOC, account for 91.9 percent of the net General Fund increase in FY 2012-13.

With respect to the total funds budget, absent the increase to HCPF, the overall FY 2012-13 State budget would decline from initial FY 2011-12 levels.

Though the overall budget is increasing, it reflects reductions both large and small across most State departments, including significant reductions to K-12 and higher education. In total, the state’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting identified $679 million that could not be financed under currently available resources.

“Though this budget request reflects some difficult choices, we believe there are important policy changes and initiatives that merit your consideration and approval,” Hickenlooper’s letter said.

The proposed budget includes five key priorities:

• · Protect the Vulnerable. The Department of Human Services is requesting $4.9 million total funds ($2.4 million net General Fund) to provide services to 173 additional people with developmental disabilities. The proposed budget also suspends the Senior Homestead Exemption yet expands the existing Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate in 39-31-101, C.R.S, to help the state’s neediest seniors.
• · Economic Development. The proposed budget seeks to add to the state’s available tools with three initiatives: allocating $6 million to the Economic Development Council; allocating $3.1 million to fund the Governor’s Energy Office with Limited Gaming funds; and allocating $3 million from Limited Gaming funds to start an innovative loan program to promote film production and location within Colorado.
• · Education Reform. The proposed budget includes $7.7 million to begin implementation of Senate Bill 10-191; specifically, the request will fund three critical features of the educator effectiveness evaluation system called for in the legislation.
• · Modernizing Government. The proposed budget includes a request to modernize two specific areas: the Colorado Financial Reporting System (the State’s accounting system) and a consolidation of more than 30 data servers to two secure centers.
• · Long-term Budget Planning. For many years, the State has relied on year-to-year budgeting and spending decisions that are disconnected from the economy and available revenue. Before multi-year budgets can work, future spending and delayed obligations must be kept to a minimum and they must reflect the realities of revenue availability. To that end, it is time to take a fresh look at statutory schedules for new or increased spending.

The entire letter from the governor to the Joint Budget Committee about the FY 2012-13 proposed budget can be found online here.

Immunize for Good campaign features mobile web application to help parents track their child’s vaccinations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 11, 2011

DENVER--A new, free mobile web application called “Good to Go” helps parents track their children’s immunizations. The application is at immunizeforgood.com and is accessible from mobile phones with Internet access and computers. From the website on your mobile phone, click on the website’s vaccine schedule and the mobile website version is located at the bottom right of the screen. From any computer, click on the website’s “Good to Go Vaccine Schedule” icon and register to create a personalized immunization schedule.

The mobile web application is the latest addition to the Immunize for Good campaign launched in January by the Vaccine Advisory Committee of Colorado in partnership with the Colorado Immunization Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition.

The application delivers a condensed version of the CDC-recommended 0- to 6-year vaccine schedule and allows parents to create a personalized record tailored to each child's birth date. With the mobile web application, parents can review their child's vaccine schedule and track the vaccines their child has received.

The mobile web application also includes detailed information about each vaccine and the disease(s) it prevents, customized email reminders for each vaccine, and a progress bar that shows parents how they’re doing in their effort to keep their child protected from vaccine- preventable diseases. Parents also can print a list of their child’s current and recommended vaccines. The list includes a space for a physician’s signature so it can be used as proof of vaccination by school and child care officials.

Joni Reynolds, director of Public Health Programs for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said, “I am very appreciative of parents who take the time to make sure their children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases, because I know how busy they are. When designing the mobile web application, we focused on how we could help these busy parents by making this tool as simple and intuitive as possible.”

Erin Suelmann, executive director of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition, said, “The coalition is proud to be a partner in the Good to Go mobile web application campaign. Colorado is fortunate to have this tool to help parents more easily manage their children’s vaccinations.”

In addition to featuring the new Good to Go mobile web application, immunizeforgood.com offers accurate, up-to-date information about childhood vaccines and the diseases they prevent, recommended immunization schedules, and an animated video using simple, easy-to understand language to explain how vaccines work. The campaign also encourages parents to add their own video and written testimonials about why they choose to vaccinate.

CONTACT:
Lori Maldonado
Deputy Director, Communications
303-692-2028
lori.maldonado@dphe.state.co.us

Rocky Ford cantaloupe linked to Listeria outbreak

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept 12, 2011

DENVER – Today, Dr. Chris Urbina, chief medical officer and executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said, “People at high risk for Listeria infection should not eat cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford growing region. The department expects additional test results later this week that may help identify the specific source of the cantaloupe linked to the multistate outbreak.”

People who are at high risk for listeriosis are people age 60 and older; those with weakened immune systems from transplants or certain chronic diseases, immunosuppressive therapies or medications; and pregnant women. Healthy adults under age 60 rarely develop this illness.

 Eleven of Colorado’s 13 listeriosis cases now are linked to the multistate outbreak.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is coordinating the multi-state investigation with affected states, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also is working with local public health partners on the investigation.

 In general, CDC guidance about Listeria advises that people can decrease their risk of Listeria infection by avoiding deli meats unless reheated to an internal temperature of 165 F, refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood, and soft cheeses such as queso fresco and brie unless they are made with pasteurized milk.

 Consumers and food preparers should wash their hands before and after handling any melon. The surface of melons such as cantaloupes should be washed and dried with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting. Cut melon should be promptly refrigerated at less than 41 F / 5 C (32-34 F is optimal for cut melon storage.) Cut melons left at room temperature for more than four hours should be discarded.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal infection. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever and muscle aches, and also can include diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion and convulsions. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection of a fetus. Even with prompt treatment, some Listeria infections result in death. This is particularly likely in older adults and in people with other serious medical problems.

For more information click here for the CDC's listeria page.

New mom’s healthy weight is good for her and baby

Colorado’s Women Infants and Children program can help

DENVER—New mothers need to be aware that maintaining a healthy weight is important for both themselves and their babies. Colorado’s Women Infants and Children (WIC) program can help by assisting mothers in maintaining a healthy weight during and after pregnancy.

Read the full story here.

Colorado a national leader on Tdap vaccinations for teens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 25, 2011
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

DENVER—Colorado once again is a national leader in the percentage of teens receiving the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination, according to CDC’s 2010 National Immunization Survey for Teens. At 86 percent, Colorado was behind only New Hampshire in the percentage of teens receiving the Tdap vaccine.

The survey also found increases in Colorado for teens protected against meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV). CDC officials are very concerned about HPV immunization rates nationally, because they are lagging behind other vaccination rates. The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer.

The survey, which provides national estimates of coverage for adolescent vaccinations, began providing data on a national level in 2006. State data became available in 2008.

Joni Reynolds, public health director at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said having state data allows states to track their progress from year-to-year.

“Being a national leader for three years running validates our continued hard work in Colorado to improve teen vaccination rates. Adolescents are a challenging group because they visit their health care provider less often than their younger siblings,” she said.

The 2010 national survey of teens ages 13-17 found an increase in the percentage of teens in this age group who had received vaccines routinely recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds.

Specific nationwide findings since the last survey and Colorado comparisons follow:

• · Nationally, for one dose of the Tdap vaccine, coverage went up 13 percentage points to 69 percent. In Colorado, the Tdap rate increased 9 percentage points to 86 percent between 2009 and 2010.

• · Nationally, for one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine, coverage went up 9 percentage points to 63 percent. In Colorado, the rate increased 6 percentage points to 60 percent in 2010 compared to 2009.

• · Nationally, for girls who received the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine, coverage increased 5 percentage points to about 32 percent. The number of Colorado teen girls receiving the recommended three doses of HPV vaccine increased 8 percentage points in 2010 to 41 percent.

Dr. Melinda Wharton, deputy director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, “For the first time in history, we have the prospect of preventing most cervical cancer in an entire generation of women; we simply cannot afford to miss this opportunity.” 

Reynolds encouraged parents to talk to their child’s health care provider for a schedule of recommended vaccinations and checkups.

She also encouraged families who need help paying for vaccines to ask their health care provider about Colorado’s Vaccines for Children Program, http://www.coloradovfc.com, which provides free vaccines to uninsured children and many others with financial challenges.

The National Immunization Survey for Teens is a random telephone survey that collects teen immunization information from parents and caregivers, followed by verification of records with health care providers. The survey estimates the proportion of teens ages 13 through 17 years who have received the three recommended preteen vaccines, as well as three of the recommended childhood vaccines, at the time of the survey.

To view a copy of the survey, go to http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr

Colorado students invited to enter 2012 National Radon Poster Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011
Office of Communications
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

DENVER – Colorado students are invited to put their creative talents to work promoting awareness of radon, an odorless, colorless radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Kansas State University, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is sponsoring a radon poster contest for children ages 9-14 enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, Department of Defense or home school. Members of a sponsoring club, such as a scouting organization or art, computer, science or 4-H club also are eligible. There is no entry fee, and only one entry per student is allowed. The entry deadline is Oct. 31, 2011.

Poster topics must include one of the following subjects:

• · What is radon?
• · Where does radon come from?
• · How does radon get into our homes?
• · Radon can cause lung cancer.
• · Test your home for radon.

The Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will judge Colorado entries on content accuracy, visual communication of the topic, reproducibility and originality. Colorado winners and runners-up will be entered in the national contest. National winners will receive award plaques and gift cards in the amount of $1,000 for first place, $600 for second, $400 for third and $400 for a special online voting recognition. The winning posters will be reproduced and distributed nationally to promote radon awareness.

More information about contest entries, including specific artwork requirements, can be found at www.coloradoradon.info.

El Paso County Public Health Introduces New Logo

News Release

El Paso County, CO — El Paso County Public Health has introduced a new logo, along with its new name, to further emphasize the agency’s mission of protecting public health.

The agency changed its name from El Paso County Department of Health and Environment to El Paso County Public Health in January. The change was made to simplify the agency’s formal name, and bring focus to its mission of protecting public health and wellness for the entire community.

In light of the agency’s impending move to a new location this fall, El Paso County Public Health has taken this opportunity to transition to its new name and logo. These changes are timely, because the move will require agency materials to be updated to reflect the Citizen’s Service Center’s address on Garden of the Gods Road. The agency’s website and printed materials will be updated when necessary to make efficient use of resources. Read the full article here.

To visit the El Paso County Public Health website, click here.