February 2025 Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest news from Healthy Jeffco Alliance partners and community!
Dear Healthy Jeffco Alliance,
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As we embrace the start of 2025, we want to acknowledge the feelings of uncertainty many of us are experiencing as changes happen on a national level. Rest assured, the Healthy Jeffco Alliance remains committed to its vision of fostering connected and thriving communities where health and opportunity are possible for all. Our network, made up of people, organizations, and businesses, is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where all voices are not only heard, but truly valued. The Alliance will continue to prioritize community perspectives in everything we do, always seeking ways for organizations and individuals to collaborate more effectively.
Alliance in Action
Upcoming Meetings
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Meeting: Monday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m.
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Meeting:
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Tuesday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m.
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Tuesday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Jeffco Assessment and Planning Network
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Meeting: Wednesday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Interested in engaging with the Alliance or taking part in team meetings?
The Collaborative Funding and Culture of Connection teams have completed their work together and will no longer be holding meetings. The work of the Technology Team – focused on improving people’s experience getting and connecting to services and care in Jefferson County – will be furthered by Triad Bright Futures. Read more about their work to create a robust screening, assessment, and referral system that works to address physical, social-emotional, behavioral, and social determinants of health. Please connect with Lisa Duran for more information or to get involved.
Community Efforts Advancing Health Priorities in Jefferson County
TOMORROW | Parent and Caregiver Feedback Opportunity
It’s Tax Season! Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Are you a parent or caregiver in Jefferson County? Family Connects Colorado – a free nurse home visit program for new parents – is holding a virtual feedback session on February 25th, from 12-1 p.m., to gather insights from parents and caregivers about maternal mental health and seek feedback on their upcoming campaign. Participants who attend an entire session will receive a $50 electronic gift card. Learn more and register for the session here.
Understanding health care systems and insurance coverage is essential for accessing necessary care. Doctors Care in Littleton offers regularly scheduled courses for community members looking to learn more about these topics. Visit the Doctors Care website to find available courses.
Get Ahead Colorado helps Coloradans get the most out of their taxes with information on tax credits, free tax filing services, and connections to free tax help. Many Coloradans are eligible for tax credits like the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), the federal and state Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but eligible people sometimes miss out. Visit GetAheadColorado.org to learn more and share resources with others in our community.
Health System Literacy Courses with Doctors Care
All people—regardless of where we live or who we are—should have the opportunity to access needed care. Resilience1220 provides free counseling services to youth ages 12-20 in the mountain communities west of Denver. Check out the Resilience1220 website to learn more about events being held this month.
February Events with Resilience1220
Updated Scheduling Options at STRIDE Community Health Center
Access to medical care improves economic security and our mental health. STRIDE Community Health Center is now offering appointments to new and existing clients within three days. Additionally, appointments will be available within 2 weeks for routine visits, procedures and follow up appointments. Rather have your visit at home? STRIDE is now offering telehealth appointments via phone or video. Learn more by visiting the STRIDE website.
Funding Opportunities from the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council
Improving mental and behavioral health is a key health priority in Jefferson County. The Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council (GROC) is doing its part. The council received $11.2 million from opioid settlement dollars to address gaps and opportunities in opioid misuse prevention, treatment and recovery. Learn more about GROC’s funding opportunities.
How Communities and Organizations are Enhancing Heath Care Access Together
When we are equipped to navigate the health care system and have access to medical care that is affordable and acknowledges cultural differences, we are more likely to use those services and have better health outcomes. However, adequate access to appropriate physical and mental health care remains a challenge in Jefferson County. In 2023, 20.5% of Jeffco residents reported needing mental health care but did not receive it (Colorado Health Access Survey). Additionally, according to the 2022 American Community Survey, 13% of Jefferson County residents identifying as Hispanic/Latino did not get needed general care from a doctor in the past 12 months compared to 7.7% of residents identifying White/Non-Hispanic. Having health insurance can help, but not everyone is insured. See the chart below to see how insurance coverage varies by people's characteristics such as race/ethnicity, education and income.
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In Jefferson County, efforts to enhance health care access are ongoing. Since 2023, one Healthy Jeffco Alliance team has been focusing on identifying ways to increase access to medical care, specifically culturally inclusive medical care, in the county. The team identified important barriers such as lack of understanding of health care systems, understanding payment options and insurance and not feeling welcomed or respected in healthcare settings. These barriers can lead to people traveling further for health care services and delays in treatment, as indicated by qualitative data from the 2023 Jefferson County Health Assessment.
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Currently, this team is implementing and evaluating collaborative solutions. In addition, individual organizations such as Signal Behavioral Health, Lutheran Hospital and STRIDE Community Health Center are implementing their own solutions and sharing successes and challenges. No one organization or community can make these changes alone – only when we work together can we make the biggest impact. Together, we can create a health care environment in Jefferson County that is accessible, respectful and effective for all residents, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.
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Are you involved in work that supports access to health care in Jefferson County? Fill out the Alliance’s Access to Care Survey. This survey aims to gather information on initiatives in Jeffco related to this topic, aiding the Alliance in aligning future efforts.
Source: American Community Survey, Table S2701, 2021 1-year estimates (chart from 2023 Jefferson County Health Assessment)
Share your community spotlights and events!
Is there a community spotlight or event you would like us to share on our website and in our upcoming newsletter? We're always looking to share information about events, programs, initiatives and other exciting work supporting connection and collaboration in Jeffco communities.