County

Minding your mental health

Did you know?
Mental illness affects one in five Americans?
Nearly half of those affected do not seek treatment?
Mental health problems are real, common and as treatable as many physical  illnesses?
May is mental health month and for the next four weeks we are taking this opportunity to present information about some mental health problems we all may deal with at some point in our lives. Caring for your mind, as well as your body, is good for your overall health and key to your success at home, at work and at school.
Mental health problems include more than depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, ADHD or other diagnoses you may be familiar with. These problems also include workplace stress, anger management, substance abuse and family and relationship problems, just to name a few. For those who choose to seek help for these problems, the results can be dramatic. These people are usually able to return to a high level of functioning and lead a fulfilling life.
For those who do not seek treatment, however, the outcomes are not as good. This is evidenced in part by increased medical costs, billions of dollars in lost workplace productivity each year and high suicide rates.
Unfortunately, the barriers to seeking treatment are sometimes difficult to overcome. There may be a lack of confidence that mental health problems are valid, treatable health conditions; this can be addressed through education. There may be a lack of resources or reduced access to resources because of cost. This is especially true in rural areas, and various funding cuts over the past several years have dramatically impacted access. Collaborating with community partners, applying for grants and creative utilization of resources help alleviate this barrier.
Finally, there continues to be a stigma in our society attached to mental health problems, which is both hurtful and dangerous to those wanting to get help. The media offers our greatest hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion.
The message that Mental Health month hopes to promote is that mental health problems are common and treatable. It’s important to get the facts about these problems and to be aware that help is available. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand and minding both results in fulfilling and productive lives.
Gina Toothaker is a LPC CACIII for Colorado West Regional Mental Health, Inc., and program director for Rio Blanco and Moffat counties.

By gina toothakerSpecial to the Herald TimesRBC I Did you know?n Mental illness affects one in five Americans?n Nearly half of those affected do not seek treatment?n Mental health problems are real, common and as treatable as many physical  illnesses?May is mental health month and for the next four weeks we are taking this opportunity to present information about some mental health problems we all may deal with at some point in our lives. Caring for your mind, as well as your body, is good for your overall health and key to your success at home, at work and at school.Mental health problems include more than depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress, ADHD or other diagnoses you may be familiar with. These problems also include workplace stress, anger management, substance abuse and family and relationship problems, just to name a few. For those who choose to seek help for these problems, the results can be dramatic. These people are usually able to return to a high level of functioning and lead a fulfilling life.For those who do not seek treatment, however, the outcomes are not as good. This is evidenced in part by increased medical costs, billions of dollars in lost workplace productivity each year and high suicide rates.Unfortunately, the barriers to seeking treatment are sometimes difficult to overcome. There may be a lack of confidence that mental health problems are valid, treatable health conditions; this can be addressed through education. There may be a lack of resources or reduced access to resources because of cost. This is especially true in rural areas, and various funding cuts over the past several years have dramatically impacted access. Collaborating with community partners, applying for grants and creative utilization of resources help alleviate this barrier.Finally, there continues to be a stigma in our society attached to mental health problems, which is both hurtful and dangerous to those wanting to get help. The media offers our greatest hope for eradicating stigma because of its power to educate and influence public opinion.The message that Mental Health month hopes to promote is that mental health problems are common and treatable. It’s important to get the facts about these problems and to be aware that help is available. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand and minding both results in fulfilling and productive lives.Gina Toothaker is a LPC CACIII for Colorado West Regional Mental Health, Inc., and program director for Rio Blanco and Moffat counties.

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
5 hours ago
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The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
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It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
11 hours ago
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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