JeffCo Health Board Update: 4/7/2021

During the past year, a virus that has changed all our daily lives, amplified the visibility of public health. In the public health field, individuals work to promote healthy living, prevent disease and injury, and determine ways to bring the greatest health benefits to the most people. Public health is the art and science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. The work of public health is important in all our lives however, often this work is done behind-the-scenes.

The pandemic has raised greater public awareness of disease surveillance, one aspect of public health. The language and terminologies of public health have become part of daily conversation. All of us have a better understanding of flattening the curve, quarantine, incubation periods and social distancing. Now we are learning about immunity and building protection through vaccination.

Public health awareness is about making the invisible more visible. I appreciate the opportunity to share glimpses of the work Jefferson County Health Department is performing. We are a small rural health department which comprises three nurses, a clinic coordinator, and a part-time preparedness coordinator. When asked what challenges we have faced during the past year as public health workers, there was consensus that there was not enough time to devote to our public health duties that are not related to COVID-19 response.

Currently, Jefferson County’s public health staff nurse position is in transition. Kim Franchi accepted the position of Maternal Child/Epidemiology nurse over eight years ago in hopes of giving back to her community and continuing to work in Maternal Child Nursing. She has given back in many ways. Implementing home visits with new and expecting mothers, providing immunizations, blood pressure checks and health education are just a few. Kim will soon retire and although she will be greatly missed, we wish her happiness in life’s next adventure.

Tonna O’Neill was recently hired as the Maternal Child/Epidemiology nurse. Tonna brings a familiar face to our department as she grew up in Jefferson County and has provided nursing service for Jefferson County Public Health in the past. She loves being able to help the people of our community and desires to make a positive impact. She enjoys participating in the epidemiology and research that are used to provide interventions to protect the health of the entire community.

Jefferson County Health Department is unique in employing a County School Nurse. This position has been occupied by Erin Ritchie for the past six months. She loves being able to work in her community and enjoys educating students and staff on health issues. Beginning this job amidst a pandemic presented challenges in building relationships within her school settings due to restrictions imposed by our COVID response. However, she has seen the resilience of this community and is happy to have been able to help move through this challenging time.

Molly Carey also grew up in Jefferson County and has worked for the health department in the position of clinic coordinator for almost fourteen years. Molly also serves as the secretary for the Board of Health and volunteers on the Boulder Ambulance. She enjoys working with people and being able to help accommodate their needs.

Jesse Hauer has worked as the Public Health and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for almost eight years. Jesse willingly shares two decades of emergency management experience and knowledge to support Jefferson County. He enjoys working with the staff and residents of Jefferson County. Learning about the many services public health offers their community has been a fulfilling part of his job.

This year marks my thirty-eighth year in nursing. The past six and a half years I have spent working for Jefferson County Health Department. I find great satisfaction in serving the people who raised me and having the opportunity to influence those who will care for me as I age. One of the greatest challenges I have faced this year is the inability to offer human solace and comfort in ways I ordinarily would. My experience did not prepare me for that.

I have been encouraged to witness the creative ways we have learned to connect with one another. It is heartening to watch the best in people be brought out even in these very difficult times. As we move forward with hope in the future, I look forward to providing more insight into the many elements of public health. It is my intent to promote healthy practices, healthy people and healthy places right here in Jefferson County.