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Women represent nearly two-thirds of Americans 65 or older living with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

New online tool helps people with dementia document future care decisions

The number of U.S. residents aged 65 or older living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is expected to double from nearly 7 …

Most of the USDA produce samples tested in this year's Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group were within the legal allowance for chemical pesticide residue. (Adobe Stock)

Strawberries top Dirty Dozen list of produce packed with pesticides

Nonorganic fruits and vegetables are loaded with chemical pesticides, including fungicides which can harm male reproductive systems, according to the …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

Supporters of Colorado's House Bill 1379 said it will help protect Coloradans from flooding, help ensure safe and sufficient drinking water and help preserve fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Restoring protections for Colorado endangered waters and wetlands

Colorado lawmakers are considering legislation to restore protections to key waters and wetlands struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court last year in a …

La Gu�a del Programa Local de Alimentos de Colorado puede ayudar a agricultores, ganaderos, distritos escolares y padres de familia a conectarse con los recursos disponibles a trav�s de organizaciones que apoyan la iniciativa Comidas Escolares Saludables para Todos, las agencias estatales y los Servicios de Alimentaci�n y Nutrici�n de USDA. (Adobe Stock)

Nueva guía ayuda a agricultores locales y escuelas a servir comidas sanas

Colorado está trabajando para impulsar a las comunidades agrícolas del estado mediante la obtención de más alimentos frescos y nut…

The Colorado Local Food Program Guidebook can help farmers, ranchers, school districts and parents connect with resources available through organizations supporting the Healthy School Meals for All initiative, state agencies, and U-S-D-A Food and Nutrition Services. (Adobe Stock)

New guidebook aims to help local farmers and schools serve healthy meals

Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …

Firefighters and veterans stationed at military bases for at least one year, and who have cancer or other diseases may be eligible to receive financial compensation from the companies that produced PFAS forever chemicals. (Adobe Stock)

New bill would expand PFAS ban for tampons, other consumer items

Colorado lawmakers want to beef up legislation that bans PFAS, so-called forever chemicals, by 2028. Yahn Olson is an associate attorney with …

Nearly eight in 10 Coloradans say they want to age in place in their communities, rather than entering assisted living facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

Advocates for people age 65 and older urged Colorado lawmakers to fully fund a program helping people remain in their homes and avoid placement in ass…

Colorado's community mental health centers provide a wide range of behavioral health services to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Filling behavioral care gaps for Coloradans with acute mental illness

Behavioral health providers in the Denver metro area are tapping new technologies to ensure people with acute mental health needs don't fall through t…

After lawmakers passed House Bill 1232 in 2021, standardized Colorado Option health insurance was developed with extensive input from consumers, insurers, health providers, rural communities and other stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage

Colorado's standardized health-insurance plan, known as the Colorado Option, is changing how consumers interact with insurance, according to a new …

Health advocates are urging the Polis administration to put terminations for vulnerable populations on hold while the state digs into what is causing outsize losses of Medicaid coverage. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado’s Medicaid insurance terminations seventh highest in nation

Two-thirds of Coloradans who have lost their health insurance during Medicaid's unwinding process are still eligible for coverage - but were terminate…

Colorado's share of Healthy School Meals for All, approved by voters in 2022, was meant to be paid for by Coloradans who earn $300,000 or more per year. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy School Meals for All program faces $24 million budget gap

Colorado lawmakers are considering ways to address a projected $24 million funding shortfall in the Healthy School Meals for All program, and grants …

Colorado's I Matter program provides adolescents in crisis access to six free mental-health counseling sessions, with referrals for further help if it is necessary. (Pexels)

CO lawmakers ponder several measures to boost children's mental health

Advocates say Colorado legislative leaders are working to make the state a leader in addressing the youth mental health crisis. At least nine bills …

Las nuevas instalaciones de 24,500 pies cuadrados del Centro Comunitario de Salud Tepeyac, atiende a todos los pacientes independientemente de su capacidad de pago, y est� a s�lo unas cuadras de paradas de transporte p�blico. (Galatas)

El desarrollo de centro de salud ofrece modelo innovador de vivienda asequible

Un nuevo desarrollo en el barrio Elyria-Swansea de Denver, que combina viviendas asequibles, un proveedor de atención médica, una farmacia …

Tepeyac Community Health Center's new 24,500 square foot facility that serves all patients regardless of their ability to pay is just blocks away from public transit stops. (Galatas)

Health center development offers innovative model for affordable housing

A new development in Denver's Elyria-Swansea neighborhood that combines affordable housing, a healthcare provider, a pharmacy - and next, a grocery …

La falta de claridad en torno a la cobertura de los Beneficios de Salud Esenciales para la atenci�n materna a nivel federal significa que muchas pacientes encuentran l�mites en los servicios prenatales y de parto cubiertos, y una cobertura inconsistente de los servicios de lactancia. (Adobe)

Defensores presionan para actualizar la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio

El número de personas con cobertura médica de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio está en aumento, pero muchos no son capaces …

Lack of clarity around Essential Health Benefit coverage for maternal health care at the federal level means that many patients encounter limits on prenatal and delivery services covered, and inconsistent coverage of breastfeeding and lactation services. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates press Biden to update Affordable Care Act essential benefits

The number of people with Affordable Care Act health coverage is on the rise, but many are not able to access the care they need to get and stay …

The Colorado Avalanche and Xcel Energy are helping fundraise for Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that in 2023 helped more than 38,289 Colorado households through energy efficiency gains, connecting with community solar gardens and crisis-intervention services. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Avalanche scores an assist on energy bills

The Colorado Avalanche has teamed up with Xcel Energy to generate funds to help people struggling to pay their energy bills this winter. Every time …

Since 1990, more than 1500 individuals have been helped by Greeley's Frontier House Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. (Adobe Stock)

Inclusive Clubhouse model improving mental health in Greeley

Many people with persistent mental illness find it difficult, or even impossible, to participate in common activities like work or friendships…

Horses, like people, typically only show signs of osteoarthritis at advanced stages, when they experience joint pain. (Adobe Stock)

Horses could hold key to treating injury-related arthritis

Researchers at Colorado State University are making headway in identifying how osteoarthritis progresses in horses, and their findings could one day …

Denver's Stout Street Recuperative Care Center is a facility for people experiencing homelessness to stay for several weeks while healing from a sickness or injury. (Galatas)

Improving health outcomes for homeless linked to housing

Health care providers in Colorado have been drawn into America's homelessness crisis, and are adding institutional weight into a push for solutions - …

The stigma around mental health issues continues to be a barrier for many to access care. (Adobe Stock)

Getting help to San Luis Valley residents with severe mental illness and addiction

Coloradans struggling with persistent and severe mental illness in the San Luis Valley are getting special outreach and support, and that effort is …

Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Feeding Colorado, Hunger Free Colorado, Nourish Colorado y otros defensores en todo el estado est�n pidiendo a la delegaci�n del Congreso de CO su ayuda para evitar recortes masivos de fondos para WIC en el presupuesto del gobierno federal para 2024. (Adobe Stock)

25,000 familias de CO podrian perder acceso a atención médica y alimentaria

El Congreso se está quedando sin tiempo para financiar completamente un programa que proporciona apoyo alimentario y de salud a madres lactantes …

The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Feeding Colorado, Hunger Free Colorado, Nourish Colorado and other advocates across the state are calling on Colorado's Congressional delegation to help avoid massive funding cuts for WIC in the federal government's 2024 budget. (Adobe Stock)

25,000 Colorado families could lose access to food and health assistance

Congress is running out of time to fully fund a program that provides food and health support for breastfeeding moms, and kids up to age five…

In 2022, 29.3 million adults, representing 11.2% of the population, reported having three or more chronic conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado 12th healthiest state in nation as chronic conditions rise

Colorado is the 12th healthiest state in the nation, according to the latest America's Health Rankings report. But the number of Coloradans dealing …

Private developers continue to construct high-end housing that provides a safe haven for investors including hedge funds. Nearly 23,000 Denver metro area apartments sit empty as Colorado's homeless population continues to rise. (Adobe Stock)

Vigil memorializes Denver homeless deaths in 2023

A vigil was held yesterday, the shortest day of the year, to memorialize the deaths of Denver residents experiencing homelessness in 2023. Cathy …

Oil and natural gas operations are the source of nearly 30% of all methane emissions in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

New methane rule promises public health benefits

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, has become a global target in efforts to blunt the worst impacts of climate change. The Biden …

No tener dinero para pagar del bolsillo, no poder ausentarse del trabajo y la falta de medios de transporte confiables son algunos de los obst�culos para acceder a la atenci�n preventiva. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Más habitantes de CO pueden acceder a atención médica preventiva

En general, más habitantes de Colorado están recibiendo la atención que necesitan para mantenerse sanos en comparación con añ…

Not having money for out of pocket costs, not being able to take time off work and a lack of reliable transportation are some of the barriers to accessing preventative care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Coloradans able to access preventative health care

Overall, more Coloradans are getting the care they need to stay healthy compared to previous years, according to a new analysis of data in the …

Holding back feelings and not speaking up when someone makes an off-color comment can lead to depression and health problems including immune dysfunction, hypertension and even cancer. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for navigating difficult conversations this holiday season

In today's politically polarized world, holiday office parties and family gatherings can lead to increased tensions, arguments and even long term …

Community-based organizations applied for grants from $5,000 to $20,000, to support and actively promote the Healthy School Meals for All program locally. (Adobe Stock)

Free Healthy School Meals for Public School Students Underway

After Colorado voters approved a measure to provide free meals to all public school students regardless of their ability to pay last year, 41 …

While enrollment in SilverEnhanced Savings has hit the funding cap, undocumented Coloradans who are not eligible for other programs can still get health insurance through Omni-Salud. (Adobe Stock)

Strong demand among undocumented Coloradans for health coverage

Colorado's Omni-Salud program - which allows low-income undocumented Coloradans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to enroll in aff…

En 2021, los m�dicos de los Centros de Salud Comunitarios de Colorado trataron a casi 950,000 pacientes en 2.7 millones de visitas de atenci�n primaria, as� como de atenci�n dental, oftalmol�gica, de salud mental y de abuso de sustancias. (Adobe Stock)

Problemas en el Congreso podrían afectar acceso a atención médica en CO

Los centros de salud comunitarios de Colorado, que atienden a todos los pacientes independientemente de su capacidad de pago, llevan ya un mes en su …

In 2021, clinicians at Community Health Centers in Colorado treated nearly 950,000 patients in 2.7 million visits for primary care as well as dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Colorado's community health centers that serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay are already one month into their new fiscal year…

Harmful chemicals including lead, particulate matter, pesticides, and phthalates added to plastics, impair brain development in children. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Toxic chemicals stealing kids’ future potential

Children of color and from low-income families in Colorado and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals - including le…

Colorado has set a goal of having 2 million electric vehicles on the road by 2035 to help reduce harmful air pollution. (Adobe Stock)

Public health benefits in new Colorado zero-emissions vehicle rule

A new rule, requiring 82% of new car and truck sales in Colorado to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2032, could begin to turn the tide on the state's …

Just 42% of hospitals informed patents when they could be eligible for charity care, and 45% of nonprofit hospitals routinely send medical bills to patients who quality for charity care. (Adobe Stock)

Navigating the high cost of hospital care and avoiding medical debt

Nearly one in three Americans carry some form of medical debt, and consumer groups are warning patients about the risk of medical bankruptcy posed by …

La rentabilidad de agrupar servicios de salud m�dica, bucal y conductual en centros de salud comunitarios a nivel federal ha producido mejores resultados que los que la mayor�a de las consultas de atenci�n primaria pueden demostrar a�o tras a�o. (Adobe Stock)

Reinvertir ahorros de Medicare en centros de salud de Colorado

Los centros de salud comunitarios de la red de seguridad de Colorado están recibiendo un impulso en su financiación después de ahorrarl…

The cost efficiencies of bundling medical, oral and behavioral health services at federally qualified community health centers has produced better outcomes than most primary care practices can demonstrate year after year. (Adobe Stock)

Re-investing Medicare savings in Colorado’s safety net health centers

Colorado's safety net community health centers are getting a boost in funding after saving Medicare over $15 million last year, serving nearly 14,000 …

The Fort Lyon campus has a long history in Colorado, dating back to 1860 as a military post, veterans hospital, neuropsychiatric facility, and state correctional facility. (Alexis Whitham)

Fort Lyon celebrates 10 years of recovery-based housing

It's been ten years since Fort Lyon, a 19th century military post in rural Bent county, opened its doors to people experiencing homelessness with …

September marked the planet's fourth-hottest month in a row, and 2023 is on track to be the hottest year on record. (Adobe Stock)

Surge in renewables keeps hopes of averting worst climate impacts alive

Record growth in wind and solar energy, battery storage and electric vehicle sales have kept the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 within …

One in eight Coloradans, roughly 700,000 residents, currently hold some form of medical debt in collection. (Adobe Stock)

Agency proposes prohibiting medical debt from credit reports

The 100 million Americans currently carrying medical or dental debt could get some relief, after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took steps …

Both CPR and QPR, a suicide prevention intervention, are designed to increase the chance of survival in the event of a crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Community Mental Health Centers offer free QPR suicide prevention trainings

Colorado has the sixth-highest suicide rate in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When someone …

Starting January 1, 2024, a pregnancy opens a special enrollment period for health insurance, after Colorado lawmakers passed House Bill 22-1289. Coverage is retroactive to the month a pregnancy was certified by a health provider. (Adobe Stock)

Health Exchange Open for Coloradans Dropped from Medicaid Rolls

Coloradans who were dropped from the state's Medicaid health insurance plan, Health First Colorado, can sign up for new coverage before open …

Food to Power, a group in Colorado Springs, has redistributed more than $6 million of healthy groceries to struggling families since 2013. (Adobe Stock)

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

This year's Food to Power Harvest Festival marks 10 years since Colorado Springs residents launched a food rescue project to get fruits and vegetables…

Al menos 5,934.000 afiliados a Medicaid en todo el pa�s han sido dados de baja de la cobertura m�dica a partir del 8 de septiembre de 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Miles de habitantes de CO con derecho a Medicaid pierden seguro medico

Colorado ocupa el decimoquinto lugar en el país con mayor tasa de personas que pierden el seguro médico de Medicaid después de que las …

At least 5,934,000 Medicaid enrollees nationwide have been dis-enrolled from health coverage as of September 8, 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of Coloradans Eligible for Medicaid Losing Health Insurance

Colorado ranks 15th in the nation for the highest rate of people losing Medicaid health insurance after pandemic-era protections ended on March 31…

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