Financial stability constitutes an ongoing concern for many people in Mesa County, likely including some of your employees.

Several teams at Mesa County Public Health focus on improving the economic stability of the community, in turn addressing one of the social determinants of health. These are the conditions in the environment that affect health and well-being.

For Mesa County Public Health, economic stability means helping people access resources that allow them to meet their health needs.

“Improving the quality of life for people in Mesa County is a top priority for our team. We work to support local families and help them become more economically stable,” said Michelle Trujillo, manager of Grand Valley Connects. The resource hub provides services to individuals and families in Mesa County.

This time of year, one way to boost your employees’ financial stability is to make them aware of tax refunds and credits that can put money directly into their pockets. According to the organization Get Ahead Colorado, many people are eligible for tax credits, but nearly a quarter of them miss out.

The federal child and dependent care tax credit helps parents pay for child care while they are working or looking for work.

The federal earned income tax credit gives people who earn lower incomes money back. The federal child tax credit helps families make ends meet. People don’t need to earn a lot of income to receive it, but do need to file a tax return.

The 2024 Taxpayer Bill of Rights refund is available to anyone of any income level who lived in Colorado last year, but they must file a state tax return. Eligible Coloradans will receive a refund of $800 for a single filer or $1,600 for two qualifying individuals filing jointly.

Trujillo said Grand Valley Connects joined with MarillacHealth, Get Ahead Colorado and the Community Resource Center to offer help for Mesa County residents this tax season. A tax outreach specialist is stationed from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Monday through April 15 in the lobby of the health and human services building located at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction.

The specialist can let your employees know which tax credits they are eligible for and answer their questions. No appointment is needed, and help is available in English and Spanish.

Get Ahead Colorado also help employees file their taxes securely and for free. Visit the website located at www.getaheadcolorado.org for additional resources.

By sharing these resources with your staff, you can help them improve their financial well-being, which contributes to their overall health.