February Weld County Faith Partnership Newsletter

Weld County, Colorado sent this bulletin at 02/01/2020 08:00 AM MST

February 1, 2020

Our mission is to serve as an advisory liaison between the faith-based
community and the Weld County Commissioners. Established in 2008.

Assistance for home heating costs available for Weld County residents

United Way of Weld County is partnering with Weld County to spread the word about Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a federally funded program that helps families, individuals, seniors and those with disabilities pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. LEAP is not intended to cover all costs of home heating for qualifying participants, but rather to help alleviate some of the energy burden associated with the colder winter months.

According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, LEAP provides assistance during the winter (November 2019 through April 2020) with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating tools aiming to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado’s colder months.

If you know of someone who could use this type of assistance have them contact: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/leap or call HEAT HELP at 1-866-432-8435

You can contact Margie Martinez at United Way Weld County 970 304-6192 for printed brochures.

Hepatitis A Outbreak in Colorado

In October 2018, Colorado became part of a national Hepatitis A outbreak primarily affecting people experiencing homelessness, substance use issues, and recent incarceration. As of January 15, 2020, the outbreak has spread into 18 counties, including the nearby counties of Adams, Boulder, and Denver. Colorado has reported 334 cases, with a 71% hospitalization rate, and 2 deaths. There have been no cases in Weld County.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is liver disease caused by a virus. Symptoms can last up to 6 months and include yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, joint pain, dark urine, pale colored stools, and fatigue. The virus can live on hands and other objects anywhere from hours to day and is spread when a person unknowingly ingests a trace amount of poop from an infected person. The best prevention is vaccination and hand washing.

Public Health Response

In response to the outbreak, the Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment is focusing prevention efforts on increasing education and vaccination among these high-risk populations. If your organization is interested in hosting a free hepatitis A vaccine clinic, please call 970-304-6410. For more information visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/hepa.