Commissioners question funding, authority as federal and state guidance diverge Federal vaccine changes “big win,” public health director says; two bats test negative for rabies Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Makala Sheridan Smith praised recent federal changes to childhood vaccine recommendations during the Sept. 15 Board of Health meeting,[Read More…]
Tag: Rio Blanco County Public Health
“When in doubt, stay out”: Precautionary public health advisory issued for blue-green algae in Kenney Reservoir
A precautionary public health advisory was issued after press time this week after visible cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, were identified in parts of Kenney Reservoir. As of Wednesday, no cyanotoxins had been confirmed, according to the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health[Read More…]
County Beat: Nov 16 meeting report
PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE Public Health staff workloads are “at the highest level we’ve seen” according to Director Alice Harvey, who updated the RBC Commissioners in Rangely this week. She said the department was spread thin between testing, vaccination clinics, answering phone calls, contact tracing and other pandemic-related work, in addition[Read More…]
COVID-19 spreading in RBC
RBC | “We have seen evidence at this point of community spread,” Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Alice Harvey told community stakeholders Monday during a pandemic response meeting. “These are not isolated cases.” Just prior to press time Wednesday, RBC Public Health released an urgent message, notifying residents of[Read More…]
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE…
RBC Public Health offered flu vaccines via drive through clinic in both Meeker and Rangely this year, with spectacular turnout. 104 people were vaccinated in Meeker and 56 were vaccinated in Rangely. A flu shot is especially important this year. Overloading hospital systems with sick patients from the flu and/or[Read More…]
Hello, Goodbye…
Practicing social distancing, Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Alice Harvey, Public Health Nurse Kelly Christian, and WIC Educator Mary Dillon pose for a photo at Christian’s farewell potluck on July 22. Christian recently accepted a position with Rangely District Hospital to the delight of her former patients and co-workers. [Read More…]
For parents and guardians: what to do when school is closed
RBC | Rio Blanco County Public Health released an informational letter addressed to parents in the county this week. The letter address the importance of social distancing practices, offers specific recommendations, contact information and more resources from the Center for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.[Read More…]
Officials urge caution after norovirus outbreak in Mesa County
RBC | If you’re headed to Mesa or Garfield counties to shop, socialize or relax during the upcoming holiday anytime soon, take some precautions so you don’t bring home more than you bargained for in the form of a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus. An outbreak of norovirus—a virus which typically[Read More…]
