July 2025 Newsletter
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment
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| From the Public Health Director | |
I'm excited to share with you our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the many initiatives that bring Public Health to life across Larimer County. From data and statistics to the real work being done every day, this report reflects our commitment to promoting health and providing everyone the opportunity for a healthy life.
You'll also see our programs and services represented at both a strategic and operational level. We’ve included information about our organization, how we are governed by the Larimer County Board of Health, which provides high-level strategy and policy direction. I deeply appreciate the Board of Health’s ongoing support. Additionally, the report outlines our agency values, as well as a summary of our financials, including revenue and expenditures.
Public health is a collective effort, we can’t do it alone. It truly takes a community to move governmental public health forward. As we head into the heart of summer, I want to extend a sincere thank you to our community partners and public health staff for your dedication to keeping Larimer County healthy and resilient.
Wishing you a relaxing and restorative summer. I hope you find time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it's hiking, fishing, biking, or camping in the beautiful spaces that surround us.
In health,
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As summer heats up, we remind everyone to stay safe in and around the water. LCDHE inspects public pools regularly to help ensure they meet health and safety standards, but there are many steps those visiting pools should also take to stay safe. You can help prevent swimming-related illnesses in the following ways:
- Shower before and after you swim
- Don’t swim if you're sick or have diarrhea
- Avoid swallowing pool water
- Check baby swim diapers often and change as needed
- Encourage children to use the bathroom during pool breaks
Along with protecting your health, keep safety in mind by watching young swimmers closely, using life jackets when needed, and following pool rules.
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Samples of the mosquito population have tested positive for West Nile virus throughout the county in recent weeks. This marks the beginning of heightened risk for residents, especially as warmer weather leads to increased mosquito activity throughout the region. So far this year, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Larimer County.
When summer brings you outdoors, protect against mosquitoes.
The more you make mosquito bite prevention part of your summertime routine, the easier it will feel - and the more you’ll be protected against West Nile virus.
People ages 55 and older are at higher risk for serious symptoms if they get West Nile virus. If you’re 55 or older, there are several ways you can protect yourself from mosquito bites that can spread West Nile virus.
Add one more effective step to your routine to protect yourself from West Nile virus:
- Regularly use EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants for long walks, gardening, and other time outside.
- Avoid scheduling outdoor activities during peak biting times around dawn and dusk.
For more ways to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, visit larimer.gov/westnile.
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Perinatal Well-being Summit
Mind, Body, Baby: Connecting Providers for Perinatal Well-Being
This September, the Larimer County Perinatal Wellbeing Coalition is hosting a special summit bringing together professionals from across the county who are dedicated to perinatal health.
The summit is a unique opportunity for practitioners such as mental health providers, nurses, doulas, midwives, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, researchers, and program administrators, to connect, explore key issues affecting individuals and families during the perinatal period, and share valuable resources and ideas.
Keynote Speakers, Courtney Kuepper, LCSW, PMH-C and Benjamin Smith, M.D. will be speaking on the topic of Innovative Care & Treatment Trends in Perinatal Substance Use. Breakout sessions will cover a variety of issues related to perinatal care and support.
Details
Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Timberline Church - 2908 South Timberline Road, Fort Collins
Breakfast will be provided. This event is offered at no cost.
For more info and to Register:
https://www.larimer.gov/pwcsummit
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Summer is the Smart Time for School Vaccines
Summer is the perfect time to check school vaccinations off your to-do list. We encourage families to schedule vaccine appointments now before the back-to-school rush begins. Early action is especially important if your child will be attending summer camp or traveling during the break.
Routine childhood vaccination rates began to decline during the COVID-19 pandemic and still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. This leaves many communities vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio.
For the fourth year in a row, vaccine coverage among Colorado kindergartners remains below the levels needed for community-wide protection:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): 88%
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis): 87.4%
- Polio: 87.6%
- Varicella (chickenpox): 86.8%
These rates fall short of the 95% threshold needed to prevent disease from spreading in schools and communities. Vaccines like MMR, DTaP, polio, and varicella are required for school and child care in Colorado, and staying current is more important than ever. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider to make sure they’re up-to-date with recommended vaccinations.
To view your or your child’s immunization history in Colorado, visit the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS).
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With several days of high temperatures in the forecast this summer, we urge everyone to stay cool, hydrated, and alert for signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms can range from muscle cramps and dizziness to dangerous heat stroke. If someone shows signs of confusion, nausea, or has a body temperature over 103°F, call 911 immediately.
Heat-related deaths are on the rise across the United States, with more than 2,300 reported in 2023, one of the hottest years on record. Whether you’re working or playing outside, it’s important to be prepared and protect yourself from the dangers of extreme heat.
“Adults 65 and older, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or high blood pressure are especially vulnerable during heat waves,” said Dr. Paul Mayer, Larimer County Medical Officer. “But heat can affect anyone, especially early in the season when our bodies haven’t had a chance to adjust.”
To stay safe: drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, wear lightweight clothing, and avoid strenuous activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Never leave kids or pets in parked cars. Visit larimer.gov/heatsafety for more tips and resources.
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