You are here

Home

Health Promotion and Prevention Programs


Table of Contents

Back to top

Communities That Care

The legalization of marijuana in Colorado has raised concerns that, for youth, the perception of risk associated with marijuana use may be diminished as it become more widely normalized. This effect in combination with other identified risk factors can lead to or exacerbate additional problem behaviors to include other drug use and social/emotional challenges negatively affecting our youth. 

Good public health practice is to work upstream to prevent problems before they occur by assessing (and reducing) risk factors and assessing (and increasing) protective factors and will use LOCAL data, LOCAL resources, and LOCAL community members as the driving force behind evidence-based processes to achieve outcomes that assure Fremont County Youth, now and in the future, will lead healthy, happy and productive lives.

For more information, visit: www.communitiesthatcare.net

Communities That Care - Stakeholders Program Brief
Back to top

Baby and Me - Tobacco Free

Baby and Me Tobacco Free is a smoking cessation program that helps pregnant women quit smoking and not begin again after the delivery of their baby. Participants receive smoking cessation information at four prenatal education sessions and take a carbon monoxide breath test to verify smoking status. If a woman quits smoking before delivery, she is eligible to take a breath test monthly and receive $25 worth of diapers or wipes each month for up to one year as long as she doesn't start smoking again. Participants have the option of enrolling one partner as a support person who is also eligible for $25 worth of diapers or wipes each month as long as they stay tobacco free.

Click here to sign up for the program.

Back to top

Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation

Tobacco is still a problem. More than 480,000 people die each year from tobacco. Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death in this country and in the world. Tobacco use is a major factor in four out of the five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease and stroke. It causes about a third of heart disease and cancer, and most emphysema.-CDC  Click to learn more about tobacco’s toll on America. Steps are being taken to fight back against the dangers of tobacco in Fremont County.

At the Fremont County Department of Public Health & Environment, the Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation program is funded by Amendment 35 grants. FCDPHE is dedicated to:

  • Serving as a community partner in tobacco cessation, prevention and education for all ages and populations served in Fremont County.
  • Utilizing evidence-based programs and practices to assist those who wish to quit using tobacco products
  • Preventing youth from initiating use of tobacco, vape, ECIG, or other nicotine containing products
  • Provide education and resources to policy makers, employers, early childhood educators and health care providers in the community
  • Protecting the overall health of the community burdened by tobacco use.

Tobacco use is not a habit. It is an addiction. Nicotine is what keeps people addicted. It is in all tobacco products. It makes quitting hard. The average person tries to quit about seven times before they succeed! Quitting can be difficult, but not impossible.

For Adults

  • Colorado QuitLine – Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or sign-up online. Get one-on-one support from an expert quit coach. There is a chance to get free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as patches or gum.
  • SmokeFree – This website is loaded with information from how to quit, navigating challenges many face when quitting, how to stay smoke free, and helping others quit. With tools from online coaching, text message programs for 24/7 support, and mobile applications, consider using this resource to help make the next quit attempt your last!

For Teens and Young Adults

  • Colorado Youth QuitLine – Available to anyone over the age of 12. Completely free, enrolling online can be done in five minutes. With a text message program to help deal with cravings, chat function to talk to a coach online, and complete confidentiality, this resource is fantastic to help all teens in quitting tobacco or vaping.
  • SmokeFree Teen – this resource is teen focused and expands services to include DipfreeTXT, how to quit vaping, and incorporates social media, like Instagram, to help support teens.
  • This Is Quitting – By texting DITCHJUUL to 88709, or visiting https://truthinitiative.org/thisisquitting teens and young adults will receive tailored messages and appropriate recommendations about quitting. Parents and other trusted adults can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to receive tips on how to support teens and young adults in quitting.

For Moms/Expecting Moms

  • Baby and Me Tobacco Free – Are you an expecting mom, new mom, or family member? Do you use tobacco? Earn free diapers for quitting! Call Christina Taylor at (719) 276-7450, or Click here to sign up for the program.
  • SmokeFree Women – Aside from getting involved with Baby and Me, Tobacco Free, this is an additional support to help moms and women for the start of a stronger, healthier, and more confident you.
  • Colorado QuitLine – Offers a program specifically for pregnant women, allowing you to have the same quit coach for each of your coaching calls. They also offer a financial incentive to pregnant women for completing coaching calls.

For Seniors

  • SmokeFree 60+ – It’s never too late to quit. There are numerous benefits of quitting at all ages. Seniors can learn how to quit, living a healthier life to support their quit, and find best ways to gain immediate support to ease stresses of quitting.

For Veterans

  • SmokeFree Vet – You’ve served our country, now it’s time for the country to serve you. By accessing this resource, veterans have access to online coaching, and text coaching by texting VET to 47848, as well as countless articles and tools that are specific to veteran experiences and how to claim victory in tobacco free lives!

For LGBTQ+

  • This Free Life – This campaign, designed to prevent and reduce tobacco use, provides authentic, credible messages from tobacco-free members of the LGBTQ+ community. The campaign encourages young adults in the community to draw inspiration from their peers. Use text programs, mobile applications, social media, and other tools to help LGBTQ+ young adults achieve their best through tobacco-free living.

For Smokeless Tobacco Users

  • My Last Dip – This website offers many resources for people trying to quit smokeless tobacco, or chew.

Vaping Information

While more is being learned about vaping each day, it can be agreed, vaping is not healthy for teens or children. The following links can be used for teens, young adults, and adults to learn more about the products and why it is important to never start vaping.

Already vaping? Visit our visit one of the many links under the “how to Quit” section of this page to find the best way to fight back against nicotine addiction.

Visit the links below for more information.

Tobacco Free Colorado

Enough with the Puff

Tobacco is Nasty

Protecting Children, Pets, Friends, and You!

Where you smoke matters. Smoke fills the air. It also lingers, binding to carpet, furniture, blankets, and even toys. Learn how to stop secondhand and thirdhand smoke in their tracks. Click on the links below for more information.

For more information or any questions with regard to cessation, please contact our Tobacco Cessation Specialist at (719) 276-7450

Back to top

Pregnancy-Related Depression

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby. “Baby blues” symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days.

How Many Women Experience Depression?

Depression is a common and serious illness. A CDC study shows that about one 1 out of 10 women in the United States experience symptoms of depression. Using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), CDC research shows that nationally, about 1 in 9 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Estimates of the number of women affected by postpartum depression differ by age and race/ethnicity. Additionally, postpartum depression estimates vary by state, and can be as high as 1 in 5 women.

Depression doesn’t feel the same for everyone. How often symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they may feel can be different for each person.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
  • Feelings of irritability or restlessness.
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
  • Loss of energy.
  • Problems concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions.
  • Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much.
  • Overeating or loss of appetite.
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
  • Aches or pains that do not get better with treatment.

How often postpartum depression symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they feel can be different for each person. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms for depression, but may also include:

  • Crying more often than usual.
  • Feelings of anger.
  • Withdrawing from loved ones.
  • Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby.
  • Worrying that you will hurt the baby.
  • Feeling guilty about not being a good mom or doubting your ability to care for the baby.
  • Risk Factors for Depression
  • Experiences that may put some women at a higher risk for depression can include
  • Stressful live events.
  • Low social support.
  • Previous history of depression.
  • Family history of depression.
  • Difficulty getting pregnant.
  • Being a mom to multiples, like twins, or triplets.
  • Being a teen mom.
  • Preterm (before 37 weeks) labor and delivery.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications.
  • Having a baby who has been hospitalized.
  • Depression can also occur among women with a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Treatment

Depression is treatable and most people get better with treatment. If you think you may be depressed, the first step to seeking treatment is to talk to your health care provider. You can ask your health care provider for a referral to a mental health professional or visit CDC’s Resources to find help in your area. See CDC’s depression treatment to learn about seeking treatment for depression.

How Depression Affects Fathers

According to a 2010 study using data from 1993 to 2007, approximately 4% of fathers experience depression in the first year after their child’s birth. By a child’s 12th birthday, about 1 out of 5 fathers will have experienced one or more episodes of depression. Younger fathers, those with a history of depression, and those experiencing difficulties affording items such as a home or car were most likely to experience depression.

Depression is common and treatable. If you think you have depression or postpartum depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.

https://psychology-tools.com/epds/

For local resources contact Christina Taylor 719-276-7458

Pregnancy Related Depression or Anxiety Survey

1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 dads will experience some type of pregnancy related depression or anxiety (PRDA). We want to hear your voice! Nobody understands the experiences, feelings and needs of PRDA like those who have lived it. We would like to learn from you about what was helpful, what wasn’t, and what you wish was available.

Fill out the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3CHV7L9

Back to top

Healthy Communities Program

Effective July 1, 2020, Fremont County Department of Public Health and Environment will no longer provide the Healthy Communities Program for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

Questions concerning Health First Colorado can be addressed by Health Colorado, Inc. at 1-888-502-4186 or your county Department of Human/Social Services whose number may be found at https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/contact-your-county.

Questions concerning CHP+ can be addressed by calling CHP+ Customer Service at 1-800-359-1991 or by visiting https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/child-health-plan-plus.

For Fremont/Custer County Residents

If you live in Fremont or Custer County, our Healthy Communities program may be able to assist you in basic non-medical issues for clients aged 0-20 years and pregnant women on Medicaid (MCD) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

Access To Care:

We may be able to help you:

  • Find a doctor, dentist, specialist, or other service accepting Medicaid or CHP+ health insurance
  • Find clothing, food, shelter, employment services, and other resources in your community
  • Help coordinate transportation to and from medical offices and your home
  • Help you understand when it is best to go to your healthcare provider, or urgent care center, or Emergency Department
  • Help you with basic questions about your Medicaid or CHP+ benefits
  • Help you apply for Medicaid or CHP+ health insurance and determine if you may qualify for these benefits
  • Help you setup an account on your computer for Colorado PEAK to apply for benefits, or make future changes such as updating your address, phone number, or reporting a newly born baby

How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid or Children’s Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Health Insurance programs?

You should start out by going to Colorado Peak to create an account and complete an insurance screening form. Once you complete an online application, it will tell you if you qualify for Medicaid or CHP+, and if you do not, it will show all of the available Health Insurance plans you do qualify for at this time, and the amount of money the government will subsidize for you.

How can I make an appointment to have someone help me complete my Medicaid or CHP+ Health Insurance application at Fremont County Health Department?

To reach the Fremont County Family Health Coordinator, call (719) 276-7458

Quick Links:

How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid or Children’s Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Health Insurance programs?

You should start out by going to Colorado Peak to create an account and complete an insurance screening form. Once you complete an online application, it will tell you if you qualify for Medicaid or CHP+, and if you do not, it will show all of the available Health Insurance plans you do qualify for at this time, and the amount of money the government will subsidize for you.

Can the Fremont County Health Department Healthy Communities Program update my address, phone number, or make other changes to my benefits?

Unfortunately our program cannot make these changes for you. You have two options to report changes to the County. The best option is to go to Colorado Peak and create an account. Once you have an account, you can make these changes directly. You can also contact your DHS County technician by phone, but this can sometimes take a long time and require multiple phone calls. If you need help finding your technician’s contact phone number, you can call the main phone number on the back of your health insurance card.

I currently have Medicaid and just gave birth. I need to report the birth of my baby so they are added to my account and can go see a doctor and dentist. How do I make sure my baby is added?

You have several options for this. The fastest and easiest way to add your baby is to go to Colorado Peak and create an account if you don’t have one. Once you have created an account, or if you have one already, log in and report the addition of a new baby. These changes will happen very quickly. You can also contact the Fremont/ Custer County Family Health Coordinator to report the addition of a new baby and we can assist you in having them added.

For Healthcare Providers

If you are a healthcare provider for Fremont or Custer County, our Healthy Communities program can help you contact Medicaid or CHP+ patients regarding referrals to a specialist, an unnecessary Emergency Department visit, or a missed appointment in your office.

Back to top

HCP

HCP previously was called the Health Care Program for Children With Special Needs. Now we're known simply as HCP.

HCP programs are located within local public health agencies throughout Colorado and have nurse-led teams with special knowledge of the complexities that families of children and youth with special health care needs experience.

To contact your local public health agency, call the HCP coordinator at (719) 276-7457

What is HCP?

Who can receive HCP services?

HCP provides services to children and youth with special health care needs from birth to 21 years living in Colorado, who have or are at risk for physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions.

HCP services are tailored to fit the need of individual families.

HCP has no diagnosis or income restrictions.

Most services are free and no family is ever turned away due to their inability to pay.

Back to top

Breastfeeding Resources

(WIC) Health - Women, Infants, and Children Nutritional Program
Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends)
Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1st birthday)

3224-A Independence Road, Canon City, CO 81212
Phone (719) 275-1580 or 275-1589
http://www.uaacog.com/program/wic-clinics
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

St. Thomas More Birth Center
Maria Telfer - Lactation support
1338 Phay Ave
Canon City, Colorado 81212
719-285-2043
https://www.centura.org/locations/st-thomas-more-hospital/medical-services/birth-center

Canon City Pregnancy Center
508 Greenwood
Canon City, Colorado 81212

La Leche League - Breastfeeding
For more information contact
Jennille 719-372-6547 or Angela 719-372-6547

Office On Women’s Health
Call the OWH HELPLINE: 1-800-994-9662
Monday — Friday 9 a.m. — 6 p.m. ET,
https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/

Labor Standards & Statistics

Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics 1-303-318-8441
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/labor
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/NursingMothers

Find a Pump

WIC- Women, Infants, and Children Nutritional Program
Offering supplemental food assistance for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infants and children under five. Also offering nutrition education and support for those families including information, breast pumps and encouragement.
3224-A Independence Road, Canon City, CO 81212
Phone (719) 275-1580 or 275-1589 Fax (719) 275-2907
Medela
https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/breastfeeding-insurance

Pumping Breast Milk, Breast Massage, Hand Expression

Back to top

Breastfeeding Friendly Employers

Breastfeeding moms face logistical obstacles to being successful. As an employer, you have the opportunity to be supportive and help your staff provide the ideal nutrition for their babies. Breastfeeding friendly employers have healthier work forces and overall better morale.

Benefits to the Bottom Line

Providing support for nursing women at work is good for your business. Family-friendly practices can produce a 3 to 1 return on investment due to:

  • Lower health care costs due to healthier babies and moms
  • Reduced rate of absenteeism due to infant illness (among both mothers and fathers)
  • Lower turnover rates
  • Improved employee productivity and loyalty
  • A more family-friendly image in the community

Being a breastfeeding friendly employer is a strategic way to attract, retain, and engage mothers with infants. This is one of the fastest growing segments in the American workforce.

Employer Responsibilities

Colorado and federal laws and accommodations are in place to protect breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding Laws and Accommodations
Employer Assessment Earning the Breastfeeding Friendly Designation for your Organization/Employer/Worksite
Public Spaces Agreement Form Becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Public Space

See below the different breastfeeding friendly organizations in Fremont County:

Organization City
Fremont County Public Health Cañon City
St. Thomas More Hospital Cañon City
Fremont County Department of Human Services Cañon City
Back to top

Fremont County Breastfeeding Coalition

Fremont County is a county where breastfeeding is the norm.

FCBC is a volunteer organization comprised of physicians, nurses, public health, health managers, lactation consultants, and community members, who are passionate and dedicated to breastfeeding success in Fremont County. We meet once a month for an hour (lunch provided). This coalition is growing rapidly. The vision of FCBF is to work on projects and ideas that are important to the coalition (and the community) to normalize and de-stigmatize breastfeeding within Fremont County. Join today!

Back to top