Ouray County Public Health Agency

05/01/2026

May is National Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Month, focusing on education, prevention, and advocacy, as tick season peaks.

❓ Is your child’s summer camp tick-aware?
❓ Ask camps about their tick-bite prevention plan.

Prepare for camp: Treat all camp clothing, footwear, and gear with permethrin and pack EPA approved tick repellents for daily skin application. Have your child inspect clothing and shower at the end of every day. And assure your child has a trusted adult to assist with daily tick checks and proper tick removal if needed.

A single tick bite can change a life.

Visit www.coloradoticks.org for prevention resources and materials to share with your kids camp.

04/29/2026

Adults aged 65 and older are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The American Academy of Family Physicians and CDC recommends those aged 65 and older receive a second spring dose of COVID-19 6 months after the fall dose.
☎️ Call Ouray County Public Health to schedule your appointment (970) 325-4670.

04/28/2026

At their regular meeting today, commissioners unanimously proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month and remind our community that with compassion and dignity for all individuals, we move forward together building a more just and equitable society for all. 💚

Ouray County Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Ouray County Public Health Agency together with the Tri-County Health Network Su***de Prevention, Awareness and Recovery Coalition (SPARC) invite Ouray County Board of County Commissioners to join us in recognizing the month of May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Ouray County; and,
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to the well-being of our community; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Colorado ranks 11th out of 51 in prevalence of mental illness, indicating Coloradans experience more mental health challenges and substance use challenges (Mental Health America); and,
WHEREAS, according to a Colorado Health Foundation poll in 2024, 56% of Coloradans reported experiencing a mental health challenge in the past year; and,
WHEREAS, stigma persists in being a barrier to accessing care, with nearly 50% of Coloradans who needed mental health support reporting they did not seek out care due to stigma (Mental Health America); and,
WHEREAS, the most recent data on su***de death in our combined region of Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Gunnison, and Hinsdale Counties indicates 41 community members died by su***de in 2025, 8 more than the previous year (CO Vital Statistics); and,
WHEREAS, Tri-County Health Network together with Ouray County Public Health continue to work in collaboration, shining a light on mental health and bringing hope to those experiencing a mental health challenge through research, education, advocacy, and resources and urge that we:
💚 Recognize mental health challenges that affect our entire community.
💚 Normalize conversations about mental health, su***de, and substance use in open and understanding ways to erase stigma and remind community members they are not alone in anything they may be experiencing.
💚 Acknowledge that there is no one size fits all program or effort that will be appropriate for all populations or communities, and address the disparity in access to mental healthcare for underserved and underrepresented groups while advocating to end these disparities.
💚 Support the continued efforts of social movements like SPARC’s “We Are The Ones” which builds upon the innate ability of every individual to take meaningful action to strengthen our communities.
💚 Support Public Health’s new regional online resource and educational hub for mental health, behavioral health and substance use. This is a CredibleMind vetted platform tailored to meet our local needs. The free online platform is called Western Slope Wellness and will be launching regionally on May 1st; and,
WHEREAS, special recognition and appreciation are hereby extended to the Ouray County Sheriff's Office, which, in collaboration with the County Sheriffs of Colorado organization, has made significant strides in addressing the mental health crisis affecting law enforcement officers through its Wellness Ambassador program. Within this framework, Ouray County Deputy Matt Breshears provides essential services to regional law enforcement personnel, including crisis debriefings, individual counseling, and peer support.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that with support of the Board of Ouray County Commissioners, Ouray County Public Health and SPARC jointly proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. This proclamation serves as an acknowledgement of mental health as an integral component of overall individual and community wellness. With compassion and dignity for all individuals, we move forward together building a more just and equitable society for all.

04/28/2026

It's V**e Take Back Tuesday! Stop by our office and properly dispose of your ni****ne e-cigarette/vape and receive a $25 gift card! We're here until 6pm!

04/26/2026

Watch the American Academy of Pediatrics’ “How Do Vaccines Work?”
video to learn how vaccines strengthen immune systems to help babies build protection: youtube.com/watch?v=l8fewK2Vxes.

140 likes, 1 comment. "How Do Vaccines Work? | AAP"

04/25/2026

National Infant Immunization Week is a great time to learn about the
vaccines your baby or young child needs! Know the 18 diseases childhood vaccines prevent, like measles and pertussis (whooping cough).

View the latest immunization schedule:
cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/childhood-vaccines

04/24/2026

It’s National Infant Immunization Week! Protect babies and young
children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles, flu, and whooping cough. Talk with your child’s health care provider to make sure they are up to date on their recommended vaccines.

Learn more: cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/childhood-vaccines

04/23/2026

👶Why do our babies need vaccines? Your quick guide to understanding vaccinations in babies and young children this National Infant Immunization Week!

👶Vaccines provide the best protection against many serious diseases and prepare the body’s immune system for possible exposure.

👶Thanks to science and medical advances, we now have more life-saving vaccines than in the past. The United States maintains very strong safety monitoring systems that ensure vaccines remain safe and offer the best protection for our children. Colorado recommends following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunization schedule, which is developed by infectious disease experts and reflects decades of peer-reviewed evidence and safety monitoring.

👶Children who are not protected by vaccines are much more likely to get diseases like measles, flu, and whooping cough if exposed. These diseases are very contagious and can be serious, especially for babies and young children.

👶Schedule a visit with your health care provider to ensure your child receives their recommended vaccines!

04/22/2026

Beginning April 22, 2026, CDPHE will send text and email notifications to more than 61,000 families whose children aged 4-6 years old are not up-to-date for one or more school-required vaccines per CIIS. This outreach is expected to conclude April 28.

The text messages will come from 45778 and read:
From CDPHE: State public health records show your child/children (ages 4-6 years) may be missing vaccines required to attend K-12 schools in Colorado. Check this off your to-do list now to enjoy summer and start the next school year with peace of mind. Beat the rush and schedule a visit now.

Watch: youtube.com/watch?v=jZL9Qf9TQRw

To check your child's immunization record, please visit: https://copublicportal.state.co.us/

Call Ouray County Public Health to schedule your vaccine today! (Insured or not, we have you covered!) 970-325-4670.

04/21/2026

It's V**e Take Back Tuesday! Stop by our office and properly dispose of your ni****ne e-cigarette/vape and receive a $25 gift card! We're here until 6pm!

04/19/2026

You may have heard: “Nicotine protects against COVID.”

🚫 This is a myth.

There is no strong evidence that ni****ne prevents or treats COVID
- Smoking actually increases risk of severe illness
- Health organizations confirm to***co does not reduce infection risk
- Misinformation like this can be dangerous and even increase to***co use.

📚 Don’t take our word for it, here are a few credible sources:
💻 No causal evidence of protection + worse outcomes: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41533-021-00223-1
💻 WHO: To***co Use & COVID-19: https://www.who.int/news/item/11-05-2020-who-statement-to***co-use-and-covid-19

04/19/2026

Upcoming Sexual Health Clinic with Ouray County Public Health, River Valley Family Health Center, Western Colorado Health Network, and Access Point Western Slope
📆 Saturday, April 25 from 12PM-4PM
📍 Ouray County Public Health - 177 Sherman St. Suit 103, Ridgway
Sexual Health is for everyone!

This is a walk-in clinic and appointments are available for anyone with privacy concerns.
Please call for an appointment or with questions:
📱 Kristin at Ouray County Public Health (970) 325-4670
All services provided are confidential.