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A Note from the Public Health Director
As we welcome the longer days and warmer weather of spring, it’s a natural time to reflect on both renewal and preparation. This season invites us outdoors, reconnects us with our community, and reminds us of the important steps we can take now to stay healthy in the months ahead.
April is a meaningful month in public health. We recently celebrated Public Health Week, a time to recognize the dedication of our staff, partners, and community members who work every day to protect and improve health across Larimer County. From ensuring access to preventive services to responding to emerging health concerns, this work is ongoing, and it is made stronger through collaboration and trust.
At its core, public health is about helping all people live healthier lives in every season. Thank you for being part of that effort and for helping build a stronger, healthier Larimer County.
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Since 1994, National Infant Immunization Week has highlighted the importance of protecting children under two from vaccine-preventable diseases. When more people in our community are vaccinated, it becomes much harder for diseases to spread, helping protect those who are most vulnerable.
Following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule helps babies, children, and teens stay ahead of serious, preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and respiratory viruses such as RSV, Influenza, and COVID.
We are here to help. LCDHE can help families with infants reach their immunization goals by providing low- to no-cost vaccines for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicaid. Visit larimer.org/immunizations to learn more.
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We recently celebrated National Public Health Week with a series of meaningful activities that highlighted both our work and our community connections. This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, encourages all of us to reflect on the progress we’ve made while taking meaningful steps toward a healthier future. It’s a reminder that good health doesn’t happen by chance; it takes collective action, strong systems, and community partnership to build and sustain healthier communities.
Earlier this month, the Board of Health and County Commissioners issued a joint proclamation recognizing the importance of public health and the contributions of our team. Throughout the week, staff participated in community service opportunities and self-care activities, reinforcing both our mission and our well-being. We also gathered at The Lyric for a special event featuring guest speaker Beth Seymour, Managing Director of CSU’s ACT Human Rights Film Festival, who shared how the arts help communities connect and thrive. In addition, we partnered with the Colorado School of Public Health to host a joint networking event at CSU, strengthening connections with students and faculty and investing in the future of public health.
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| Proclamation with the Board of Health | | A morning walk during Public Health Week | | Proclamation with the County Commissioners | | |
As we get back outside and into nature, it’s not uncommon to come across a wild critter on a trail or in your yard. Skunks, raccoons, bats, foxes, and other mammals can carry rabies. There are also other diseases endemic to Larimer County that can be spread from animals to humans (known as “zoonotic” diseases), including tularemia, West Nile virus, brucellosis, plague, and salmonellosis. You can learn more about these diseases here.
The Communicable Disease Team with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment investigates incidents of animal bites and exposures and recommends and arranges for post-exposure treatment when necessary. If you, your pet, or a family member have an encounter with a bat or other wild animal, contact LCDHE at 970-498-6666 for assistance in evaluating the situation.
Avoiding contact with wild animals is the best way to prevent the spread of zoonotic infections. It’s important to:
- Teach children to enjoy wildlife from a distance and not to touch wild animals, even if they appear friendly or seem like they need help.
- Help your pets avoid interacting with wildlife and check with your veterinarian to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Report animal bites, animals acting suspiciously, and dead animals to NOCO Humane’s Animal Control at (970) 226-3647 ext. 7.
On a recent episode of Healthier Together: Larimer County’s Public Health Podcast, Environmental Health Specialist Jessica Royer joined us to talk about animal-borne diseases and how best to protect ourselves and our local wildlife. Listen here!
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Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 this year, is a reminder that the health of our community is inseparable from the health of our environment. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, highlights how everyday actions can improve both our environment and our health. At LCDHE, we believe protecting the places where we live, play, and work is both a responsibility and an investment in public health.
Like every year, we’re putting that belief into action! Our Air Quality team will attend the Sustainable Living Association’s Earth Day Fort Collins event to promote electrification and share ways to improve air quality. Our Nicotine Awareness and Tobacco Prevention team will participate in CSU’s Earth Day to highlight the
| | Our Air Quality team at the 2025 Earth Day event | | |
connection between environmental sustainability and the impact of tobacco and nicotine waste. The team will share resources and promote safe vape disposal, focusing on engaging college students in conversations about environmental responsibility, prevention, and community health.
Visit our website to learn more about our Air Quality and our Nicotine Awareness and Tobacco Prevention programs. We hope you find inspiration to take action this Earth Day and together contribute to a healthier Larimer County.
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Our Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic is now offering HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a safe and highly effective medication that can reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% when taken as prescribed. Expanding access to PrEP is an important step in preventing new HIV infections, reducing stigma, and ensuring people have the tools they need to protect their health. While HIV rates in Larimer County remain relatively low, new infections continue to occur across Colorado each year, making prevention tools like PrEP an essential part of protecting community health. By offering PrEP locally, we’re making this critical prevention option more accessible.
April is also Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and encourage routine testing and prevention. STIs are common and often go without symptoms, making regular screening an important part of a person's health care. With services like testing, treatment, and now HIV PrEP available at our clinic, we’re working to make sexual health care more accessible, supportive, and stigma-free for our community. To learn more about our SRH program and other clinic services, visit www.larimer.gov/clinicservices.
You can also listen to this recent episode of Healthier Together: Larimer County’s Public Health Podcast, where Meg Vertovec, Senior Nurse Practitioner, discusses STIs and how to take care of your sexual health. She answers common questions, addresses the anxiety people often feel when seeking out sexual and reproductive healthcare, and discusses the importance of reducing stigma and promoting reliable information.
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Healthier Together: Larimer County’s Public Health Podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work, people, and partnerships that keep our community healthy.
In the April 2nd episode, we sat down with Jenna Robinson, Executive Director of SAINT Volunteer Transportation, to discuss the role that transportation plays in health and wellbeing.
SAINT Volunteer Transportation provides free rides for seniors and people with disabilities throughout Fort Collins and Loveland. They help those who are not able to drive maintain their independence and self-sufficiency by providing connections to healthcare, social services, community spaces, and more.
“Many of our riders have quite the toolbox of transportation options, which is really necessary. Having as many different opportunities and options in the community for individuals is really important to make sure everyone can stay as active as they want and need,” Jenna shared.
This month we celebrate National Volunteer Week April 19-25. It’s an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities, and be a force that transforms the world. SAINT is one of many organizations doing impactful work in our community who rely on volunteers. You can learn more about the benefits of volunteering and find opportunities to get involved at larimer.gov/volunteerism.
New episodes of Healthier Together are released every Thursday and are available wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more at larimer.gov/healthier-together.
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