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Connections Newsletter: Connecting the People Who Help People

New in this issue:

• Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo celebrates 145 years of service
• Happy anniversary!
• Order free COVID tests
• The Belonging Project: "Bolder" by Janelle Mullen

Celebrating 145 years of service

The former Administration Building on what is now the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo campus

Next week, ​the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo will​ host a special celebration for staff and administrators in honor of the hospital's 145th anniversary. The hospital opened its doors to 11 patients on Oct. 23, 1879. Today, the hospital is the fourth largest hospital in the state. This would not be possible without the more than a thousand ​dedicated employees, including doctors, nurses, health care techs, social workers, nutrition services staff, housekeeping, maintenance, public safety, administrators and more​. They consistently show compassion and dedication to ​our patient​s, and make it possible for CDHS to serve Coloradans with mental illness using our people-first approach​.

Happy anniversary!

Renee Najera in Housekeeping proudly displays her five-year service coin. 

In recognition of CDHS employees' contributions and commitment to Coloradans, the Years of Service program celebrates staff members at Years 1, 3 and 5 and thereafter in five-year increments in their careers with the State. To everyone celebrating a work anniversary in October, thank you for everything you do to empower Coloradans to thrive. And a special congratulations to all CDHS employees celebrating milestone anniversaries this month!

For more information on the Years of Service program, please visit the Employee Rewards and Incentives Program intranet page, where you will find a Years of Service program guide, or email CDHS_LEAD@state.co.us.

To share a photo of yourself with your Years of Service certificate, ribbon or coin, email the Learning, Engagement and Development team at cdhs_lead@state.co.us.

Order free COVID tests

Order free COVID test kits at COVIDTests.gov.  You'll need to provide your name and address for free shipping. Sharing your email is optional for confirmation and delivery updates from the U.S. Postal Service. Any requests for additional information may be from a scammer.

Stay healthy this fall and winter

Protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)!

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine and an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. You can get both vaccines during the same visit. While most people who get RSV will only have cold symptoms, it can be more severe in infants and young children, as well as older adults. RSV vaccines and immunizations are available, so ask your healthcare provider if it is right for you, especially if you are pregnant, have a young child, or older than 60 years. Learn more about CDC vaccination recommendations.  Recommended vaccines and immunizations can reduce the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death. The sooner you get them, the sooner you will be protected! You can find a vaccine provider, or learn about ways to get free or low-cost vaccines on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website.  If you test positive, take care of yourself and protect those around you. COVID Paxlovid and other treatment options can reduce the severity of symptoms and length of illness. Learn more.  All respiratory viruses, including COVID Follow these precautions from the CDC. Follow this general guidance from the CDC.

The Belonging Project: exploring lived experiences with mental health and trauma

This month, The Belonging Project is exploring how mental health and trauma impact our lives. We all have challenges — but a traumatic experience can make them heavier and harder to carry. In the poem “Boulder,” Janelle Mullen, a barbering Instructor at the Campus at Mount View, shares what trauma feels like and how it has impacted her life.

Weekly inclusion practice: rethinking poverty

Bengali laborers haul clumps of sod during an excavation. (Photo credit: United Nations/John Isaac)

Every Oct. 17, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty highlights poverty as a human rights issue. This year's theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment,” explores a hidden dimension of poverty — social and institutional mistreatment. The United Nations describes this as facing negative attitudes, being blamed for one’s situation, and being treated with disrespect.

Influencing positive outcomes starts by building empathy through developing a meaningful understanding of poverty. This week, challenge your knowledge about the experience of poverty by playing the game Spent. 

Time to paws

Meet Huffy. "He was my therapist and best friend for 17 years, helping me heal from cancer, divorce and the inability to catch fish!" says Craig Ondrasek, Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health. "Two of his pleasures were lying in front of the speakers and grooving to '70s rock, and trying to get his giant stuffed playmate, Sheila, out through the doggy door!"

Email the communications team to share your own pet pics and give your coworkers a fun reason to "paws." 

Welcome, new CDHS employees!

Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services

Cynthia Cain, Anna Mosco, Melissa Widger

Office of Children, Youth and Families

Christine DaLee, Tanya Devine, John Fichthorn, Frances Lumu, Kathleen Pangelinan, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Mary Sanchez

Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health

Kevin Hall, Michelle Selsemeyer

Office of Economic Security

Amanda Dubon

Administrative Solutions

Christopher Gabiana, Gerald Garcia

Have feedback or news to share?
We'd love to hear it! Email the communications team.