At Mesa County Public Health, our teams are all connected to a bigger picture. We’re not only working to make the community healthier and safer today, but also improving systems that lead to sustained change over time. Reflecting on the agency’s achievements in 2022 shows how public health powers your life and business.

The agency works every day to promote a safe and healthy environment both for individuals and the workplace.

The disease surveillance and emergency response team monitors and works to control the spread of infectious diseases. In 2022, the team investigated 33 outbreaks in addition to COVID-19. For outbreaks at businesses, the team works closely with facilities to monitor situations and provide support. The team also provides guidance on disease control, including prevention and cleaning protocols.

The program also keeps the Grand Valley safe during public health crises. Last year, the county’s medical cache was restocked with 40 pallets of personal protective equipment.

The environmental health program works to ensure the health and safety of food, water and air in Mesa County. In 2022, the team performed 537 inspections, including those at restaurants, body art parlors, swimming pools and schools. In addition, 3,500 water samples were processed.

“We work with businesses that you visit every day to make sure they are operating safely and you and your family can swim, grocery shop, eat, get a tattoo, or go to school without getting sick or injured,” said Sally Born, environmental health manager at Mesa County Public Health.

Two programs at Mesa County Public Health focus on increasing high-quality child care and ensuring educational opportunities for the youngest generation.

“This allows parents to go to work, support their families and provides children with a safe and healthy place to learn,” said Heather Nara, early childhood services manager.

In 2022, the early childhood services team performed 232 licensing inspections and 67 health inspections. The program also reimbursed $161,000 to child care centers for healthy meals served in their facilities.

The Mesa County Partnership for Children & Families issued $518,000 in grants to providers. The team also helped create 127 new child care slots, and through coaching reached 1,400 children.

Several programs work to improve economic stability through child and family support and health care, which helps residents maintain a steady income.

The nurse-family partnership program advocates for first-time moms. In 2022, the team made more than 3,000 home visits in serving more than 250 families.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides access to nutritional food for families. The team served about 2,800 families every month last year.

The public health clinic provides preventive care for the community. This helps keep employees healthy and able to work.

In 2022, the clinic provided nearly $1 million in services, including immunizations and reproductive health care for men and women. The staff also administered 15,000 COVID-19 vaccines.

“The impact of one person receiving services in our clinic stretches far beyond the individual and helps create a healthier community,” said Allison Sanchez, public health clinic manager.

By offering these services and resources, Mesa County Public Health gives local residents the opportunity to thrive both at home and at work.

We’re grateful to serve the community and local businesses and look forward to another year of doing just that.