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Health Department

Community Health

Avoid the Holiday Blues

The holidays can be a time of joy as well as a time of stress or depression. The Douglas County Health Department is here to help you navigate it with these empowering tips:

Take Charge of Your Plans: Embrace the power of saying no when needed.
Honor Your Feelings: It’s perfectly okay to experience a mix of emotions during the holidays. Remember that it’s okay not to feel joyful all the time.
Nourish Your Body: Delight in the special foods of the season while maintaining a balanced diet. Plan ahead to enjoy festive treats within your healthy eating patterns.
Prioritize Rest: Prioritize getting plenty of sleep and relaxation.
Stay Active: Keep up your regular physical activity to boost your mood and energy levels, making the holidays even more enjoyable.
Drink Mindfully: Enjoy your favorite beverages in moderation to keep your spirits high and your body feeling good.
Set Realistic Expectations: Let go of the pressure to create a perfect holiday. Focus on enjoying the moments that matter.

Reach Out for Support: If you ever feel overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Connect with someone who can listen by calling or texting 988, or chatting online at 988Colorado.com, available 24/7.

Holiday Food Safety

The Douglas County Health Department wants you to enjoy a safe and healthy this holiday season. Protect yourself against foodborne illness by following these steps:

Wash your hands before and after handling any food.
Keep surfaces that touch raw meat separate from all other food, and disinfect surfaces after contact with raw meat.
Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, and eat leftovers within 4 days.
Store your frozen turkey until ready to thaw, and do not thaw a turkey on the counter.
Use a thermometer to check that the thickest parts of your turkey is at least 165°F before serving.

National Flu Vaccine Week

December 2-6, 2024 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. There’s still time to get vaccinated against flu for anyone age 6 months and older. Vaccination is especially important if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications, including pregnant people and young children. Avoid serious illness and hospitalization by getting vaccinated.

Remember to wash your hands and stay home if you aren’t feeling well. If you haven’t been vaccinated this fall for COVID-19, flu, or RSV, it’s not too late. Learn more about vaccines to prevent respiratory illness and decide if they are right for you or your family.

Mental Health in Men: Your Input Requested

Did you know nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half will receive treatment? That’s why Douglas County has partnered with over 50 local organizations to improve well-being in our community.

Use this link to see if you qualify to participate in research about the well-being of Douglas County men aged 35-55. Those who qualify will participate in a 20-30 minute phone conversation and receive a $75 Amazon gift card.

All interviews are confidential.

Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation

Did you know… cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke cause nearly one in five deaths in the U.S. Cigarette smoking causes harm to almost every organ in the body. E-cigarettes (vapes) are not safe and contain harmful chemicals. Same with Oral nicotine pouches (such as Zyn) which are on the rise with middle and high school students in Douglas County.

The best way to prevent illness from cigarette smoke is to never start. No matter how long you have smoked, quitting can improve your health. No matter how many times you have tried to quit, there are proven treatments to help. Check out the following resources:

2Morrow – An app-based program with short daily lessons, online coaches, text support, and on-demand content for teens and adults who smoke or vape.
Baby & Me – Tobacco Free – Smoking cessation program for pregnant and postpartum women.
Colorado Quitline – Free coaching and support for users of any age. Call 1-800-QUITNOW for more information.
My Life My Quit – Free smoking and vaping resources specifically for youth. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to chat with a coach.
Tobacco Free CO – Online resource for individuals who are thinking about quitting, ready to quit, or want to support someone who is trying to quit.

Community Health Services

The Community Health Division of Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) focuses on building awareness of physical and behavioral healthcare conditions that most greatly impact the health and well-being of Douglas County residents. Topics include chronic disease prevention, healthy aging and fall prevention, maternal and child health, substance misuse, suicide prevention, STI/HIV/Viral Hepatitis (VH) prevention and education, and tobacco education and cessation.

In addition to education, the Community Health Division is responsible for providing clinical services to community members (immunizations, reproductive health visits, STI testing, etc.), through partnerships with community organizations. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a critical program for pregnant women and families with children under age 5 that is administered through this Division.

If you need help accessing medical assistance or Medicaid, visit Douglas County Human Services.

Community Health Services

The health department Community Resource Guide connects people to information, tools, & services that they need such as housing, food, and mental health services (en español).

Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic disease prevention is a public health priority identified in the Community Health Assessment and Public Health Improvement Plan. The Douglas County Health Department is committed to the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Chronic disease leads to a reduction in both quality of life and lifespan. However, many chronic diseases can be prevented through lifestyle modifications including maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and effectively managing stress.

Diabetes Prevention
Adams County Health Department is providing free classes in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) for residents already diagnosed with diabetes. Residents with pre-diabetes can participate in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), Journey to Wellness, also at no cost to Colorado residents. Contact the program or register:

Journey to Wellness Program Registration
This program is designed for people who live with prediabetes, have been previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or score a five or higher on the risk test for prediabetes. Classes encourage healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people 60 and older).

Diabetes Self-Empowerment Program Registration
The Diabetes Self-Management and Support (DSMES) program is for people living with diabetes. It empowers them with the skills and knowledge to make healthier life choices and manage their diabetes and other conditions.

Email: [email protected]
Diabetes Education Program: 720-266-2971
Program Coordinator Keri Howard, RDN, CDCES: [email protected]
NDPP Lifestyle Coach Alayna O’Hair: [email protected]

Maternal and Child Health

The Title V Maternal and Child Health Program (MCH) is a national program that supports local public health agencies to improve the health and well-being of families through prevention and early intervention strategies.

Douglas County Health Department has prioritized promoting social emotional wellbeing in Douglas County by ensuring children, youth, and families have the resources and supports needed to build individual and community resilience.

The health department commissioned a community scan to identify existing resources, gaps, and barriers to accessing resources. This scan informs our strategy to support families with children and youth with special healthcare needs. Read the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs: Landscape Scan to learn about successes and opportunities in Douglas County.

DCHD is collaborating with Douglas County Human Services, Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, and the Douglas County Early Childhood Council to support:

Douglas County’s Child Maltreatment Prevention Plan
Maternal Mental Health
Early Childhood System Initiatives

We are convening focus group and stakeholder meetings in 2023 and would love your voice! If you are a community partner, hospital, family, or individual who is interested in providing feedback into this work, please email [email protected].

The Douglas County Health Department supports healthy pregnancies. Learn about cannabis (marijuana) use during pregnancy.

Help is just a phone call or text away! Expecting and new parents who feel overwhelmed or are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as their loved ones, should reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) by call or text for support and resources. Help is just a phone call or text away.

The Douglas County Health Department Maternal and Child Health program works to improve the social and emotional well-being of families in our community by providing access to free books through two Little Free Libraries. Borrow or donate books by visiting one of the Little Free Library locations:

Douglas County Health Department in Castle Rock at 410 Wilcox Street
Douglas County Health Department in Lone Tree at 9350 Heritage Hills Circle

Nurse Family Partnership

Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) is a voluntary, community health home visitation program for women who are expecting their first baby. The program supports mothers of any age in having a healthy pregnancy and provides education needed for successful parenting.

The Arapahoe County Public Health Department began supporting Douglas County residents who are part of the Nurse Family Partnership in January 2023. You may complete an online form or contact their program directly:

Nurse Family Partnership Website
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-795-HLTH (4584)
Address: Altura Plaza, 15400 E. 14th Place, Suite 115, Aurora, CO 80011

Preventing Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco

Did you know tobacco use remains the No. 1 preventable cause of death and disease in the nation? On average, approximately 1 in 10 residents in both Douglas County (8.3%) and Elbert County (9.7%) reported currently smoking cigarettes in 2018 to 2020.

Your Douglas County Health Department is working to prevent tobacco-related deaths and diseases in our County. Our priorities are to:

Reduce tobacco-related health disparities and address root causes of tobacco use
Provide tobacco-free spaces and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
Prevent youth initiation of tobacco
Support individuals who want to quit

Visit our webpage to find resources for quitting and to learn more about vaping.

To report a public establishment that does not enforce a smoke-free policy, the sale of tobacco products to minors, or secondhand smoke in a public apartment building, complete the online smoking violation report form.

Substance Misuse Prevention

Did you know, 9 out of 10 people who abuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs began using before they were 18 years old? Those individuals who began substances before 15 years of age are seven times more likely to develop an addiction.

Substance use is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs, and misused prescription drugs. It also includes binge drinking.

Binge drinking is having five or more drinks on one occasion (for males) and four or more drinks on one occasion (females) within the past 30 days.

Did you know that in Douglas County, 15.8% of adults report binge drinking in the past 30 days and 13.5% of high school students had 5 or more drinks within a couple of hours on one or more days in the last 30 days?

It’s okay to ask for help!
No matter your age or your struggle, help is available. Find a treatment facility near you at FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357). This national helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

If you are struggling with opioid addiction (heroin or pain relievers), you can:

Additional resources for substance use are available:

Colorado’s Forward Together campaign offers substance use resources for youth.
Find a treatment facility near you at FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357), a free, confidential, 24/7 national helpline.

Learn more about fentanyl, opioid overdose, and naloxone.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is used to prevent death in individuals experiencing opioid overdose. Request Naloxone and Fentanyl test strips from the Douglas County Health Department.

Learn about medication take-back options and sharps disposal.

Suicide Awareness

Douglas County in 2020:

One in 10 adults (18 years and older) in Douglas County reported that their mental health was not good for 14 or more days during the previous 30 days.
The percentage of high school students who felt so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing usual activities almost every day for two or more consecutive weeks during the last 12 months was 30.9%.
Mental health-related issues were the leading cause of hospitalization (2,389.7 per 100,000).
Deaths by suicide were more common than alcohol-induced deaths in the County.

Read more on our Suicide Awareness Page.

Women Infants and Children (WIC)

Douglas County has established its own WIC program to support residents in Douglas and Elbert Counties. Please see our WIC Page for more information.

Clinical Health Services

If you received clinical services from Tri-County Health Department and are seeking medical records, contact Arapahoe County Public Health at 303-795-4584.

Family Planning and Sexual Health Services

Family planning and sexual health services include:

Annual Exams
Birth Control
Cervical Cancer Screening
Clinical Breast Exams
Long Active Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) Insertion/Removal
Pregnancy Testing
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), HIV, and Hepatitis C Testing

Douglas County residents may call the following providers for family planning and sexual health services:

Doctor’s Care:
609 West Littleton Blvd, Ste 100
Littleton, CO 80120

Call 303-730-1313 or visit the visit the Doctors Care website to learn more about their services for under or uninsured residents.

STRIDE Community Health Center
Call 303-7STRIDE (303-778-7433) or visit the STRIDE website to find locations near Douglas County.

Alternatives Pregnancy Center
23 Inverness Way East, Suite 101B
Englewood, CO 80112

Call 303-295-2288 in advance to schedule an appointment or use this online form to request an appointment. Alternatives Pregnancy Center also offers free pregnancy testing and limited pregnancy ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy, check fetal heartbeat, and determine due date.

Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention

The Douglas County Health Department is committed to providing person-centered, comprehensive care that supports overall health and wellbeing to its aging residents. The care continuum begins with outreach and education to support healthy aging.

The Douglas County Health Department is providing education on chronic disease, fall prevention and mental wellness to individuals, groups, and organizations through its Community Health Educators and in partnerships with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Community Resource team and South Metro Fire Rescue. If you or your organization are interested in scheduling a presentation, please reach out to [email protected].

Immunization Services

If you are looking for immunization records from Tri-County Health Department (TCHD), contact Arapahoe County Public Health at 303-734-4584.

STRIDE Community Health Center offers immunizations for qualified residents. Call 303-7STRIDE (303-778-7433) or visit the STRIDE website to find locations near Douglas County.

Doctors Care at 609 West Littleton Blvd, Ste 100, Littleton, CO 80120 also offers health care for under or uninsured residents. The cost for services is based on income and some services may have no cost. Immunizations are provided at no charge to individuals who are uninsured or on Medicaid. To learn more, visit the Doctors Care website or call 303-730-1313.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has an interactive map where you can search for local providers in any county that may provide free or low-cost vaccines. Please call ahead to confirm whether there are any costs for vaccinations. Use the map to search for providers for child vaccines, adult vaccines, and annual flu shots.

What vaccines do I need?
The CDC’s Child and Adolescent Vaccine Assessment Tool provides a list of vaccines your child or teen may need based on your answers to 7 simple questions. You can also refer to the immunization schedules below:

Where can I get travel vaccines in Douglas County?
The following organizations may be able to assist with travel vaccine needs:

Learn more about if vaccines are right for you and your family.

STI, HIV and Hepatitis C

STI Testing

In Douglas County, the rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea infection are increasing. Routine testing for STIs, and testing if you believe you may have an STI, are available at the following locations:

Alternatives Pregnancy Center (23 Inverness Way East, Suite 101b, Englewood, CO 80112) offers services to women. Men may be seen for treatment if their partner was diagnosed at Alternatives Pregnancy Center. Call 303-295-2288 in advance to schedule an appointment or use this online form to request an appointment.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers a free at-home test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C. Visit their website to order a free test, and complete and return within 30 days. Solicite una prueba the VIH en el hogar.

Stride Community Health Center provides STI testing. Call 303-7STRIDE (303-778-7433) or visit the STRIDE website to find locations near Douglas County.

Douglas County Health Department also offers rapid HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing in non-clinical settings. If your organization would like to schedule a testing event, please email [email protected].