Public Health Matters - January 22, 2024

1. HHS Home Test to Treat Program Expands Nationwide:
   The federal government has expanded the Home Test to Treat program, a virtual community health program that offers free COVID-19 health services. Services available to eligible participants nationwide include at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions, and at-home treatments. With its expansion, the Home Test to Treat program will now offer free testing, telehealth sessions, and treatment for both COVID-19 and for influenza (flu) A and B. It is the first public health program that includes home testing technology at such a scale for both COVID-19 and flu. Home Test to Treat, a collaboration among the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and CDC, was launched as a pilot in select locations in 2023. If you would like to find out more information, please refer to the FAQs (test2treat.org).
2. Radon Assistance:
   In Colorado, it is estimated that nearly half of homes have radon levels above the recommended limit, and more than 500 lung cancer deaths in the state each year are attributed to radon. Children can be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of radon due to their higher respiratory rate and relative proximity to the ground. Even pets can be susceptible to negative health effects from radon exposure. Please check out the free radon test kit and Financial assistance to reduce radon in your home | Department of Public Health & Environment (colorado.gov)
3. Recall/Outbreak Information:
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a List of Multistate Foodborne Outbreak Notices | CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have Additional Information about Recalls | FDA and Public Health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks | FDA
4. Mental/Behavioral Health Resources:
   1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Number: This simple 3-digit phone number 988 will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Lifeline (988lifeline.org) provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress along with prevention and crisis resources. Please help SPREAD THE WORD (or NUMBER in this case).
   2. Veterans’ Crisis Line: Home (veteranscrisisline.net)
      1. The Coffee Break Project: Mental Health Resources for Agriculture | The Coffee Break Project | Rocky Ford
      2. COMET: CU Anschutz Department of Family Medicine Practice-Based Research Networks HPRN COMET
   3. Emergency Preparedness Resources:
      1. Ready.gov: Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov
      2. Crowley County Code Red Emergency Notification System: Community Notification Enrollment (coderedweb.com)
      3. Otero County Code Red Emergency Notification System: Community Notification Enrollment (coderedweb.com)

Richard Ritter, Executive Director
Otero County Health Department
13 West 3rd Street, Room 111
La Junta, Colorado 81050
719-383-3045 (Office)
719-383-3060 (Fax) rritter@oterogov.org
Health Department | Otero County (colorado.gov)