Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) shares the many ways we work across sectors and with community partners to improve health outcomes and the overall quality of life for residents.

Still, the connection with such economic development partners as the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and local chambers of commerce might not have been obvious. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted how these partnerships can be essential to promoting overall community health.

Small businesses employ almost half of American workers. When the pandemic forced measures to limit crowds and reduce capacity, traditional lifelines through economic security or other relief funds were difficult for some to access.

A National Academy of Sciences study found the majority of businesses planned to seek funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. However, many businesses anticipated problems with accessing the program, such as bureaucratic hassles and difficulties establishing eligibility. Businesses that were able to obtain some financial relief find those funds are now exhausted as we enter what health experts believe will be our most challenging period yet.

A local program supporting local businesses was born through partnerships. The Variance Protection Program was launched in July.

Mesa County was among the first in Colorado to begin the reopening process, but residents said they weren’t yet comfortable with a transition from staying at home to interacting with groups of people.

We also heard from businesses that had found innovative ways to ensure customer safety. They were increasing cleaning, checking employees for illness, requiring the use of face coverings and rearranging furniture to create more space. They wanted a way to showcase their work and welcome customers back.

The Variance Protection Program highlights best practices and the local businesses that implement them.

Consumers who might have been apprehensive about shopping in person were assured safety measures were in place. Businesses got advice from MCPH about how to navigate these challenging times — along with certification the measures they put in place would be effective in slowing the spread of illness. Consumers were more comfortable, and businesses were more confident they were doing their part. It was a win win.

The collaboration between MCPH and the business community might be more prominent during the pandemic, but the two have long worked together to protect community health. The Blue Ribbon Award, for example, is presented to retail food establishments that go above and beyond to ensure the highest quality food safety measures are consistently in place in their facilities.

The Variance Protection Program has received statewide attention and could be expanded to other areas. The Mesa County program will provide a roadmap of sorts for other areas to follow as they reopen businesses and protect public health.

We can balance community and economic health through partnerships. MCPH is proud to be a community partner.