Posts tagged Boulder County Public Health
Smoking ban on Pearl Street Mall has Teeth
0March 21, 2013
Enforcement of smoking ban on Pearl Street Mall begins April 1
The ordinance banning smoking on the Pearl Street Mall went into effect on Jan. 18, 2013. The ordinance bans all smoking between 11th and 15th streets on the Pearl Street Mall, and on the lawn of the Boulder County Courthouse. The maximum penalty for a first or second offense within two years is a fine of $500; a third and subsequent conviction within two years triggers the general penalty provision of a maximum $1,000 fine and/or maximum of 90 days in jail.
Boulder police officers who patrol on the Pearl Street Mall have been educating people about the smoking ban since it went into effect, and have not written any tickets while the signs were being manufactured. On Monday, April 1, the ordinance will be fully implemented, and enforcement will begin.
Signs were ordered after City Council approved the ordinance in December; however there was a delay in the sign manufacturing. The signs on the mall are custom enameled and take longer to fabricate. The enamel signs are more resistant to graffiti and other tampering.
The city is collaborating with several partners, including Boulder County Public Health and Downtown Boulder, Inc. (DBI), to create a coordinated educational campaign for downtown employees and visitors about the smoking ban on the mall. A celebration event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall, where county, city and DBI staff will be available to answer questions about the smoking ban and about free resources available for individuals who wish to quit smoking.
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Sheriff’s Office Accepting Expired/Unused Prescription Drugs for Destruction
0August 7, 2012
Public drop-off available in Boulder, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Boulder County, Colo. – Sheriff Joe Pelle is pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office can now accept expired or unused prescription drugs from the public for destruction.
The prescription drug drop box has been installed in the vestibule of the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, 5600 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, and will be available to the public during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).
The Sheriff’s Office has participated in periodic “prescription drug drop-off” programs coordinated in conjunction with Boulder County Public Health and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Unfortunately, these events only occur once or twice a year and typically at two or three sites countywide.
However, in cooperation with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. (NADDI) and Endo Pharmaceuticals, the Sheriff’s Office recently obtained a grant-funded secure drug drop box that will allow the public to safely dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs at their convenience.
Note: The Sheriff’s Office cannot accept liquids, hypodermic needles or other “sharps”, or any bio-hazardous materials.
The Sheriff’s Office will accumulate the materials and arrange for their safe and legal destruction in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Questions may be directed to Technician Debbie Trever or Technician Rachel Day in the Sheriff’s Office’s Property and Evidence Section at 303-441-3629.
The Sheriff’s Office plans to also continue its participation in the periodic “prescription drug drop-off” programs sponsored by Boulder County Public Health and the DEA.
-BoulderSheriff.org-
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Skeeters carrying West Nile virus are HERE!
0July 11, 2012
First mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile Virus in City of Boulder
The City of Boulder received notification today of the season’s first mosquito pool to test positive for West Nile Virus within city limits. The mosquito sample was pooled from three different traps that came from Tom Watson Park, Christensen Park and Stazio Ball Fields. The infected mosquitoes could have come from any of those sites, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are present at all three.
No human cases have been reported in Colorado so far this season; however, the city urges residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
Keep safe this summer and remember the four D’s:
1. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.
Mosquito activity this year has been lower than usual so far due to the dry conditions. However, the type of mosquitoes that have the ability to transmit West Nile Virus have been present in greater percentages earlier in the season than in previous years.
City residents can help minimize the spread of West Nile Virus by eliminating any potential breeding grounds from around their properties:
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Change water in bird baths every three days.
- Check and empty any outside items that collect standing water (flower pots, lawn ornaments and toys).
- Do not overwater lawns.
- Keep trash cans covered and clean.
For general information about West Nile Virus, visit Boulder County Public Health’s website or call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 877-462-2911 or the Boulder County Hotline at 303-441-1460.
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CU-Boulder student treated for meningitis
0October 17, 2011
A 21-year-old female student at the University of Colorado Boulder was diagnosed late on Friday with meningococcal meningitis according to county and university health officials. The student, who is a junior living off campus, is in stable condition at Boulder Community Hospital.
Boulder County Public Health officials are investigating the single case. No other cases of the disease have been confirmed by county or state officials at present.
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that causes infection of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease may be spread to others; however, this is uncommon.
“Most of those CU community members who have had close contact with this student have already been contacted and offered treatment by Boulder County Public Health,” said Dr. Don Misch, CU-Boulder assistant vice chancellor for health and wellness.
The risk to other people is minimal and is confined to those who have had close contact with the patient. Close contact includes kissing; sharing cigarettes, drinks, glasses or eating utensils; and being exposed to secretions from the nose or throat of the infected person.
“Others, particularly undergraduate students who have never been vaccinated for meningococcal meningitis or have not been vaccinated in the past five years, should consider getting the vaccination,” Misch said. “On a university campus, those at greatest risk in general for meningococcal meningitis are students living in residence halls, so these individuals should especially consider vaccination at Wardenburg Health Center or from their personal health care provider.”
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against this severe disease,” said Murielle Romine, Boulder County Public Health communicable disease control program coordinator.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, irritability, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, rash, disorientation and confusion. A person may be infected for one to 10 days, and most commonly three to four days, before showing any symptoms.
The last reported case of meningococcal meningitis at CU-Boulder was in March 2006. That student, a male, recovered fully.
Those who are interested in getting the vaccination can go to Wardenburg Health Center from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Wardenburg Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parents of all incoming freshmen receive a letter during the summer with information about the recommendation for immunization.
For more information on meningococcal meningitis and the vaccination, check the Wardenburg website at http://healthcenter.colorado.edu or http://www.BoulderCountyHealth.org, and click on Meningococcal Information.
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Boulder hospital takes in large drug stash
0September 30, 2011
More than 1,000 pounds of medications collected at pharmaceuctical drop off
More than 415 people dropped off 1,000-plus pounds of expired, excess and unwanted medications at the city-sponsored pharmaceutical drive-up and drop-off event on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital. Almost 47 pounds of controlled substances were also collected and will be properly disposed.
The event provided a convenient, local and safe place for residents to properly dispose of their medications, while also educating them about the potential environmental impacts of improper disposal. Until recently, pharmacies had advised patients to flush or wash unused medications down the drain. Recent studies indicate that these practices may be having an adverse affect on the environment, including streams, fish and other aquatic life, since municipal wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to completely remove trace chemicals and compounds.
The City of Boulder, Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder County Public Health and Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) appreciate the public’s participation in the event and remind residents not to allow water quality to “go down the drain” by flushing unused medications.
For those who could not attend the drop-off event, there are several other methods to properly dispose of medications:
· Pour liquid medications over cat litter, or some other absorbent material, and seal it in a plastic bag before placing it in the trash.
· Fill pill containers with household glue, remove all personal information from the container, and place it in the trash once the glue has dried.
· Cut trans-dermal patches into small strips, place them in a container and add glue, or mix them with used coffee grounds or cat litter.
For more information about the proper disposal of medications, visit www.boulderwater.net and click on “Pharmaceutical Disposal Information.”
The event provided a convenient, local and safe place for residents to properly dispose of their medications, while also educating them about the potential environmental impacts of improper disposal. Until recently, pharmacies had advised patients to flush or wash unused medications down the drain. Recent studies indicate that these practices may be having an adverse affect on the environment, including streams, fish and other aquatic life, since municipal wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to completely remove trace chemicals and compounds.
The City of Boulder, Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder County Public Health and Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) appreciate the public’s participation in the event and remind residents not to allow water quality to “go down the drain” by flushing unused medications.
For those who could not attend the drop-off event, there are several other methods to properly dispose of medications:
· Pour liquid medications over cat litter, or some other absorbent material, and seal it in a plastic bag before placing it in the trash.
· Fill pill containers with household glue, remove all personal information from the container, and place it in the trash once the glue has dried.
· Cut trans-dermal patches into small strips, place them in a container and add glue, or mix them with used coffee grounds or cat litter.
For more information about the proper disposal of medications, visit www.boulderwater.net and click on “Pharmaceutical Disposal Information.”
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Old drugs drop off scheduled in Boulder
0September 20, 2011
Pharmaceutical drop-off event at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital Sept. 24
The City of Boulder, Boulder County Public Health, Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), and Boulder Community Foothills Hospital are sponsoring a free pharmaceutical drive-up and drop-off event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, 4747 Arapahoe Ave. Expired, excess and unwanted medications may be dropped off for proper disposal at the hospital during the event.
Items that will be accepted include:
· Prescription medications
· Over-the-counter medications
· Pills
· Liquid medications
· Trans-dermal patches
· Inhalers
This event will allow people to properly dispose of their medications and prevent these items from being flushed down a drain. Boulder’s municipal wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to completely remove all of the chemicals and compounds found in various medications. As a result, trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can be released back into the waterways, where they may have an adverse impact on the environment. Recent studies have shown that these chemicals can affect aquatic life and even make their way into drinking water supplies.
For those who cannot attend the drop-off event, there are several other methods to properly dispose of medications:
· Pour liquid medications over cat litter, or some other absorbent material, and seal it in a plastic bag before placing it in the trash.
· Fill pill containers with household glue, remove all personal information from the container, and place it in the trash once the glue has dried.
· Cut trans-dermal patches into small strips, place them in a container and add glue, or mix them with used coffee grounds or cat litter.
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UPDATE: #BOULDERFIRE Boulder Community Hospital (mapleton) being evacuated
2October 29, 2010
Lets Get this thing stopped Boyz, before the winds pick up!!!
| 10/29 11:00 Evacuation updates |
| Boulder Community Hospital Mapleton and Maxwell facilities are being evacuated by 11:30 a.m. No patients should come to the either out patient facility. There are no evacuations scheduled at this time for Boulder Community Hospital on N. Broadway.
Boulder Humane Society @ 303-442-4030 and the Boulder County Fairgrounds @ 303-548-6530 have been notified and are preparing for displaced animals. |
| 10/29 10:45 Health advisory |
| October 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chana Goussetis, 303.441.1457, cgoussetis@bouldercounty.org Boulder County Public Health issues health advisory in response to fire Due to the possibility of rapid weather changes, it is difficult to predict the condition of air quality related to current the fire.
In general, if you can see or smell smoke, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility is decreased in your neighborhood to less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy. Children, Elderly, and People with Respiratory Conditions If you can see or smell smoke, children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside with the windows and doors closed. If it is hot outside, run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors. Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people. Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. Healthy Individuals When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and a runny nose. If you can see or smell smoke, you should limit outdoor physical activities and stay indoors if at all possible. Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can therefore be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung and may represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. Particulate matter can also affect the body’s immune system. Air quality updates are available at http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx. Updates on the wildfire are available at www.BoulderOEM.com To receive this advisory by email or text, follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/bouldercohealth. |
| 10/29 10:30 City neighborhoods under evacuation orders |
| Residences and businesses within the following City of Boulder area are being asked to evacuate at this time: from Canyon Boulevard on the south to High Street on the north from the fire location on the west to 7th Street on the east. Everbridge notifications are being made. Evacuees are asked to respond to the Coors Event Center at CU. |
| 10/29 10:30 A call center has been established for the #boulderfire Dome Fire. |
| A call center has been established for the Dome Fire. Affected residents can call 303-441-7730 for more information. Please do not call 9-1-1 with non-emergencies. |
| 10/29 10:14 Air support making drops |
| One plane is |
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Returning evacuees Fourmile Canyon wildfire: Sanitary, food, services from county. Red Cross closed.
0September 14, 2010
County implements recovery efforts for those affected by Fourmile Canyon wildfire
Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County is providing multiple resources as areas affected by the Fourmile Canyon wildfire continue opening to residents.
Sanitary and emergency response services
While reliable power utilities and water are still unavailable, the county is providing the following resources at nine community locations within the burn area to support residents:
- Portable toilets and wash stations
- Dumpsters for solid waste collection
- Drinking water and potable water for other sanitary purposes
- Emergency phone stations for local and emergency calls (set up by Qwest)
Note: Residents returning to the burn area will not be able to refill their household propane tanks until tanks have been inspected and certified by licensed vendors.
Additionally, the Boulder County Household Hazardous Waste center has expanded hours to receive household hazardous materials from inside the burn perimeter. There is no charge for this service. Location: Western Disposal, 5880 Butte Mill Road, Boulder (map). Hours, week of Sept. 13:
- Monday-Tuesday, noon-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
Mental health and grief counseling
Losing or incurring damage to a home can be disorienting, confusing and emotionally difficult for people. As a result, residents may desire some support and guidance in handling the uncertainties of what to do next and the grief associated with this loss. To help support residents returning to the burn area, Boulder County is offering counseling and support for individuals and families directly affected by the fire.
These services are available through the assistance center in Boulder and in the following locations within the burn area once those areas open for re-entry:
- Fourmile Canyon, Salina Little Church of the Pines (open)
- Sunshine Fire Station (not yet open)
- Gold Hill Community Center (not yet open)
Assistance center
The assistance center, which provides counseling and support services to displaced residents, is located at Boulder County’s Sundquist Building, 3482 N. Broadway in Boulder. A call center is also operational there and can be contacted at 303-441-3560. The assistance center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
The assistance center is offering the following services to victims of the fire:
- Food and basic needs assistance
- Longer-term housing options for people who have lost their homes
- Mental health
- Insurance claim advice
- Medical case management
- Senior services for those age 60 and older
- Coordination with local nonprofit organizations to provide clothing and other basic needs
Health and safety
Boulder County Public Health is distributing health and safety information to residents and fire response and support personnel entering the burn area. Fact sheets and more information is available at: www.bouldercounty.org/health/fireresources.htm
-BoulderCounty.org-
