November 2024 Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest news from Healthy Jeffco Alliance partners and community!
Happy Autumn Healthy Jeffco Alliance,
The month of November serves as a reminder of the powerful strength of our communities. From grassroots initiatives in Jeffco neighborhoods to organizations refining their processes, and even casting your vote this election season, every one of us plays a crucial role in fostering health and opportunity. As the Alliance shifts its focus toward advancing mental and behavioral health, financial stability and climate resilience through shared data, networks and community efforts, it is essential to recognize how connected these topics are. Our financial circumstances often influence our mental health, and our ability to withstand climate change is affected by both our mental health and financial circumstances. The illustration below underscores how these factors collectively impact our lives, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to tackle these complex challenges. By fostering open dialogue and striving for collective action, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. This November let’s take the opportunity not only to reflect on these issues but also to actively engage in supporting solutions that promote well-being for all.
Alliance in Action
Upcoming Meetings
Center in Community Action Team
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Meeting:
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Tuesday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m.
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Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00 a.m.
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Meeting: Tuesday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m.
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Meeting: Monday, November 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Assessment and Planning Action Team
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Meeting: Wednesday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Culture of Connection Action Team
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Meeting: Monday, November 25 at 4:00 p.m.
Want to get involved with the Alliance or participate in Action Team meetings?
Regional Social Health Information Exchange (SHIE) Hub
The Technology Action Team is actively working with partners around the county and region as it considers applying for Office of eHealth and Innovation’s regional hub RFA to forward solutions identified in their project. For more information, connect with Kelly Kast.
Health Assessment Data Dashboard
This team is building and testing an assessment and plan dashboard. For more information connect with Carolina Ferraz.
Collaboration on Building the Community Health Worker Workforce
Metro Area Health Alliances have launched its new community of practice to strengthen the Community Health Worker workforce. For more information connect with Cynthia Farrar.
Project Updates
News Across the Alliance
Alliance Steering Committee Farewells and Exciting New Adventures
This month, the Healthy Jeffco Alliance bids farewell to three founding members of its Steering Committee: Lynnae Flora, Don Bechtold and Margaret Huffman. As Lynnae and Don retire and Margaret transitions to a new role, the Alliance is celebrating their contributions to Jefferson County over the years. Join us in celebrating and thanking them for their hard work and dedication!
Pictured above is Lynnae Flora, Deputy Director of Jefferson County Human Services, receiving a formal congressional recognition from staff from Representative Brittany Pettersen’s office at her retirement celebration in October.
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Now Recruiting: Spring 2025 Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI)
Family Leadership Training Institute is a 20-week program offered to Jefferson County adults and teens at no cost that develops effective civic leaders for healthy families and communities. Learn more about the program and application on the Edgewater Collective Website. Applications due Monday, December 2nd.
Connect More: Tackling Mental Health Topics with Teens
Engage in meaningful conversations about mental health with your teenager for wellness wins. Check out this guide for supportive tips on how you can Connect More.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th
Casting your vote is an important way each of us can make our voices heard and influence decisions made in our communities that affect our health. For more information about how and when to vote, visit the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder website.
Mountains and Plains Environmental Justice Grants Hub
The Mountains and Plains Environmental Justice Grants Hub has available funding for projects supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health harms and risks. Applications for funding are due December 12, 2024. Learn more on the MAP EJ website.
Children’s Hospital 2024 Halloween Flash Mob
Dancing is a powerful way to connect people and spread cheer. Each Halloween, Children’s Hospital Colorado organizes a flash mob to celebrate the spooky season and bring joy to the hospital. Check out this year’s flash mob on YouTube.
Jeffco Regional Health Connector Newsletter – October 2024
Check out the October edition of the Connecting Dots Newsletter where you’ll find important updates about health, wellbeing and community resources.
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November Events in Jeffco
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Location: Westminster
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Date: Monday - Saturday, November 4-9
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About: Help with a citywide cleanup focusing on our waterways and public lands. All supplies will be provided by the city.
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Location: Littleton
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Date: Friday, November 29
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About: Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the annual Candlelight Walk and holiday parade in the heart of Downtown Littleton.
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Location: Golden (and across Jeffco/ the U.S.)
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Date: Saturday, November 30
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About: Small Business Saturday is dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities nationwide - get out and support the local economy in Jeffco!
Voting is Health: Why Civic Engagement is a Life-Saving Act
​Jefferson County Public Health Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Story, was recently featured in Westword as she shared an important perspective on the connections between voting and the health of our communities.
“Voting won’t cure your ailments overnight. It’s not a miracle serum. It is one building block of a healthy person, family and community. Voting isn’t about winners and losers; it’s about taking part in a process our ancestors died for. It’s about the cumulative impact of small decisions and how we, by the tiny act of filling in a bubble or pressing a touchscreen, hold control not just over our country’s future, but our own health.”
Share your community spotlights and events!
Is there a community spotlight or event you would like us to share on our website and in our upcoming newsletter? We're always looking to share information about events, programs, initiatives and other exciting work supporting connection and collaboration in Jeffco communities.