[5:05] Welcome to the Custer County Board of Health.

[5:08] Today is Wednesday, August 26, 2026. It is 1 p.m.

[5:14] We're at Allboard, Westcliffe. I'm Lucas Epp, chair of the Board of Health.

[5:19] I'll call this meeting to order. Uh please silence all your cell phones.

[5:24] Um

[5:28] and we'll stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[5:31] Right hand on your right. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[5:35] United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

[5:40] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[5:48] Roll call.

[5:51] » For the health administrator, I am >> Present.

[5:54] » For the health administrator, I am >> Here.

[5:56] » For the health and environmental health director,

[5:57] » Here. >> For the environmental health director, I

[6:00] am Crawford. >> Here.

[6:01] » For the environmental health director, I am Burleson.

[6:03] » Present. >> And for the health secretary, Jeff the

[6:05] North Press. >> Present.

[6:09] » All right. Any amendments to the agenda? I want to introduce Elliot.

[6:15] » I want to check the executive director. >> Welcome again. You are a favored guest

[6:22] here and usually our only guest.

[6:25] » Thank you, Lord. So much for the wonderful meetings, people people should

[6:29] know. >> And that's why she's here. All right.

[6:32] Any other amendments? >> I have none.

[6:34] » Okay. Uh approval of the minutes from May 27,

[6:38] 2026.

[6:44] » I make a motion that we accept. >> Thank you.

[6:48] » Okay. Is there a second? >> I will second.

[6:53] » All right. Uh

[6:56] Any additional comments on those? >> I didn't see any.

[7:01] » Okay. >> All right, John.

[7:02] » I'll call for the vote. Paul. >> I.

[7:06] » Bill. >> And I.

[7:09] » Yep. >> I.

[7:14] » The minutes have passed. Okay, reports.

[7:20] Sanitary and report. Elena on this.

[7:24] » Okay. >> Elena.

[7:27] » I'm seeing

[7:35] » For our sanitation report, we have done 42 septic inspections this

[7:41] last quarter, And we had 32 septic permits including

[7:45] eight repairs and three modifications. We had one vault variance.

[7:50] Um we're down 38 septic permits compared with the second quarter of last year.

[7:56] That's that's a lot. >> Yeah.

[7:58] » Um >> Huge.

[8:00] » We've uh finalized and updated the outs

[8:03] regulation. Um we actually got our complete approval

[8:07] letter from the state, so now we are issuing and using those regulations in

[8:12] the county. Um

[8:16] One of the things uh that I

[8:19] have on here is uh our septic contractor tests will also be

[8:24] um updated because it is very outdated to align with regulation 43. So, we need

[8:31] them to be able to answer questions that are in the new regulation.

[8:34] » You guys have any uh change pages so people can see what have been changed

[8:39] after that? I mean, you think of that doing be a good thing to compare it to?

[8:43] » So, we have been asked um whether Custer County would be

[8:47] interested in becoming a hub for the state septic contractor testing.

[8:52] So, um this this is an option that I was

[8:57] currently considering because they they give you the test that you issue. So, it

[9:02] would align completely with the regulation 43. And if there's ever any

[9:07] updates, then the test would be updated by them and given to us.

[9:10] » What's the hub mean then you >> It means that you can give it to anybody

[9:14] in the area. >> So, it would be the same as a contractor

[9:17] or somebody coming in and saying, "How do I get licensed in your county?"

[9:21] Um at this point, if we were a hub, then I would say, "Are you Do you already

[9:26] have um the part A exam certificate?"

[9:31] Which means they're already state certified. So, if they were, then and

[9:35] would just register with us. They would pay the $50 registration fee and just

[9:39] renew everything every year in our office as a licensed contractor.

[9:44] » Yes. >> Um if they're not, then they would pay

[9:47] the $75 for the test, um which gives them the books, the state

[9:51] books, our book, and then um if they pass the test, which would be the state

[9:56] test, then the certificate wouldn't say Custer County certified septic

[10:03] contractor. It would then say part A and Custer County.

[10:07] » So you could do it in Fremont County. >> And so then I would uh me or Cheyenne

[10:11] would just put them in the state website. We'd have access to that. And

[10:14] then that's how it would be kept held out. So that's something that we're

[10:18] considering. I know that we probably have to vote on that, so we'll do that

[10:22] in another meeting, but I wanted to let you guys know that.

[10:24] » Good. >> Um

[10:26] as far as the Aspen Acres fires, um Custer County Sanitation continues to

[10:30] provide the water testing kits to properties affected to the Aspen Acres.

[10:35] Um I will continue assessing septic systems within the Aspen Acres fire area

[10:40] as the need arises. At first we were thinking that we needed to just jump in

[10:45] and get out there and inspect all these systems, um but after talking um

[10:50] with Ed Lyons from Mountain Valley Excavating, um who had offered

[10:53] volunteered to help me um in that um he made mention that

[11:01] the issue with doing that is one, all the flooding that's going on, um

[11:06] and two, once we get down there and we tell them, "Okay, your septic system is

[11:10] good." then the floods continue or with all of the debris removal, you've got

[11:16] big trucks, you've got all these things driving over the leach fields and and

[11:20] everything, then we've already told them everything was good. So um

[11:24] his recommendation um to me was to think about um

[11:29] just doing it on a case-by-case. If they're ready to build, then we go out.

[11:32] It's cleaned up, the property is cleaned out, and then it's safe to actually

[11:36] enter in anyways. Um

[11:39] with it >> before they get their CE

[11:42] or their CO or whatever you want to call it.

[11:44] » Yes, I would go out there and and inspect um actually before we even give

[11:48] them a building permit because we need to know that they even have a septic

[11:51] system. Um but in that aspect, the property would be safe for me or whoever

[11:56] the inspector is to go out onto the property.

[11:59] Um So, as far as the fire debris removal,

[12:04] um we've been working with CDPHE um as far

[12:08] as like um their permit requirements, the removal,

[12:12] and all of that. So, people have been sending in permits, but they've been

[12:15] sending me the state permits, and so I just been forwarding them to the right

[12:20] person over there. Um

[12:23] We're also going to be interviewing um next week for a joint field inspector to

[12:28] both assist the um assessors and the sanitation portion of

[12:33] our office. So, um I will be training and testing someone

[12:38] on getting qualified to inspect septic systems to help our office.

[12:45] Um and then just looking ahead for the next

[12:49] quarter, um

[12:51] we just plan on continuing implementing the

[12:55] updated OWTS regulations um

[12:58] and then updating the septic contractor re-examination,

[13:01] um evaluating the possibility of becoming the state hub, and responding

[13:05] to Aspen Acres fire recovery needs, and then just preparing for the new

[13:09] joint field inspector to assist with septic septic construction inspections.

[13:14] » Do you have many applicants? >> Um we had five.

[13:18] » Really?

[13:23] Good.

[13:25] » Does anyone have

[13:40] » How are things looking already for septic

[13:44] going into third quarter? >> Um, we've been busier this month.

[13:47] » Okay. >> So,

[13:49] that's a good sign. We're not only septic, we're building permits.

[13:52] » Okay. Good.

[13:58] Good. Good. Thanks. Thank you.

[14:00] » That's actually very good. >> No, thank you very much.

[14:05] » Public health. >> Sarah Bertelson.

[14:08] » Welcome. Welcome. >> Oh, she's bringing brought ice cubes.

[14:12] » She's got another picnic basket. >> You just like that.

[14:19] » Should I put them in the freezer in your office?

[14:30] » Thank you, Jean.

[14:34] So, I brought back the pictures. Um, figured that might be a little more

[14:38] helpful, but >> A picture's worth 1,000

[14:41] » Exactly. Yes. Uh, tried to keep those condensed, too. So,

[14:45] uh, I figured we'd start off with our mission statement cuz I don't know if

[14:48] it's been presented in a while, so I just wanted to revisit that and say

[14:53] that, you know, Custer County Public Health Agency promotes healthy

[14:56] lifestyles, prevents disease, protects our health and environment. So, um,

[15:01] that is what we do. In case people didn't know that that is

[15:05] our mission. So, we'll start off with, um,

[15:09] epidemiology and communicable disease. So, if you haven't heard, this will be

[15:14] news to you. Uh, positive rabies, um, was found in a bat by Valley View Road

[15:20] on 7 27 26, and a PSA was put out in the newspaper on the radio station and other

[15:26] various social media platforms. And since then we have tested eight bats

[15:30] this entire season. Still coming in. So >> No other positives?

[15:35] » No other positives, thankfully. So, what I thought I would review today and

[15:41] why this bat is sitting in front of me and I will

[15:43] » There's a bat in there. >> I'll be very quick, right? Exactly.

[15:46] There is actually. So, this is the testing kits that we keep at public

[15:51] health. I kind of just wanted to since we've had

[15:53] the opportunity to kind of review in case people didn't know what to do with

[15:57] that. This is much larger to scale. So What is he thinking?

[16:01] It's very similar to the species.

[16:06] Yeah, no, no. >> Bats in our belfry.

[16:10] That would be an Australian bamboo. That's our bat.

[16:15] » Okay. All right, so when an individual finds a bat, if it's

[16:21] alive and people do not feel comfortable, they can try to call Justin

[16:25] Crowl Wildlife, but he's been very busy with the bears. So we have encouraged

[16:29] people to either you know, shoo the bat away unless it's been found in a livable

[16:35] space or has had contact with a person or a pet. So

[16:40] we're going to pretend that my bat is dead. We find him, he's just in again,

[16:44] we test what's in a livable space again or if it's had contact with domestical

[16:48] domestic animals. Oops. Oh. So, before I touch the bat, I want to put on

[16:54] protective equipment. So, gloves, work gloves work great. Again, anything to

[16:59] keep you from physically touching the bat. Then

[17:03] we're going to take our handy-dandy container or where's the ziplock bag?

[17:08] Whatever people prefer, dealer's choice. And then I like to say collect the

[17:13] specimen with tongs, tweezers, anything. I would not recommend any you know, any

[17:19] eating utensils. Please dispose of them after you have contact with the

[17:23] bat. So, when you pick up the bat and you shove them in the bag.

[17:29] Then you create a seal and you call us at public health. So, our main line

[17:33] number is 719-783-3369. Or you can call my cell phone if it's on

[17:39] an off hour and we will come into the office and collect the bat. So, my cell

[17:44] phone is 719-371-7515. So, when you bring it to public health,

[17:49] we also glove up. We collect the bat, we collect general

[17:53] information, you know, where the bat was found, who it had contact with, pet or

[17:58] person, and what day you collected it. We

[18:02] inspect it. We really try to encourage people if, you know, they can't deposit

[18:06] the pet or the bat to us, put it in the fridge, not the freezer.

[18:10] The freezer will damage the brain tissue which will then alter the test results.

[18:14] So, put the bat in the fridge if you can't get it to us immediately.

[18:18] Um then when we collect the information,

[18:21] we'll let you know and give you a call when we get test results.

[18:24] We then take our little friend and we

[18:27] double bag it in bio hazard labeled baggies.

[18:31] And then we put a lot of these lovely little rabies stickers.

[18:37] It goes into the cooler and we ship it off to Denver. And then we usually get

[18:41] test results within, depending on how everything times out, about a day or

[18:46] two. So, and then we can give you advisement from there. So, any

[18:50] questions, we are the bat people. Please call us.

[18:53] Any questions on obtaining >> If there's time between when you mail it

[18:56] and you get it back, it react probably with a person who

[19:01] dreading the shots. Yeah, it would be a animal that

[19:07] » So, That's a really great. So, if the pet is

[19:11] vaccinated, we usually recommend um and in this case with the positive bat it

[19:16] had contact with a pet. And so, we got that pet a booster. So, that is the

[19:21] um the advice, you know, if if they don't want to wait, they can boost. It's

[19:24] not going to hurt the animal. It's actually a better protective measure.

[19:27] So, um and then with people, we have a a chart that kind of guides us through

[19:32] like, okay, do you know if it had contact or not?

[19:35] Because they may not know and it can carry a it fun fact, bats lick

[19:40] themselves and the rabies can be transmitted through saliva.

[19:44] So, again, anytime there is contact, we just want to test. So, don't touch it.

[19:50] No petting, no touching. >> Who brought you the first bat? Who

[19:54] brought the bat? I'm not who, but how did they bring it to you?

[19:57] » So, they they give us a call. We say, "Okay, here's our office. Do you know

[20:01] where it's at?" You know, "Have you collected it? Do they need further

[20:03] instructions?" >> Told not to touch it, probably.

[20:05] » Yeah, we we guide them through it if they if they haven't

[20:09] you know, collected a bat before. And most people that do bring us bats, it's

[20:12] not their first bat. So, but we do give step-by-step instructions if needed. So,

[20:17] happy to >> first for real.

[20:18] » Correct. >> Do the bats like one

[20:21] um just putting one on the other?

[20:25] Paul. >> Um they are attracted to insects. So, if

[20:28] you >> They're all down on your dish.

[20:32] » anywhere. Um they like the trees, they like the water, they follow bugs. So,

[20:36] any heavy concentration of insects, you're going to find more bats. Um you

[20:39] can spray for bats. There are a couple pest control companies that will do if

[20:44] you know your regular again, seal up any cracks, crevices in your homes cuz they

[20:48] like to crawl into small, tiny places where it's warm.

[20:51] Um and call us if you have any additional

[20:54] questions. We have probably answered most of them.

[20:58] So, thank you for my bat demonstration. Thought that would be kind of fun. So.

[21:04] So.

[21:08] All right. Uh Um we did have a salmonella case here in June, just one.

[21:13] Um but statewide there has been quite a salmonella outbreak. Uh the state

[21:18] performs these investigations. We are not sure of what the cause is yet.

[21:21] They're It's pretty extensive cuz salmonella can live in many, many places

[21:25] though. Um when we hear back, I will let you

[21:28] guys know. And then of course our measles are still prominent and um

[21:32] you know, with back to school we're a little keeping an eye on things to make

[21:35] sure nothing happens. >> mean 15, 14?

[21:39] » Nationwide you're still over a thousand cases. So it's just it's here. It's

[21:44] going to be here for a while. >> How many rather you do?

[21:46] » Um I haven't >> I'm not putting you on the spot.

[21:49] » No, you're good. I would have to check. >> enough to say we got a terrible thing

[21:53] going? >> Um

[21:56] I haven't heard of any recent outbreaks in our counties. The last outbreak was

[22:00] in Lake County. And that one was before the fire. So

[22:04] » Yeah, I haven't heard anything. I just want to make sure I wasn't missing

[22:06] something. >> Correct. And if anything happens, you

[22:08] will be some of the first to know. >> I'm sure.

[22:11] » Hopefully not. We're working on getting our back to school vaccinations

[22:14] completed for our kiddos. So Oh, hopefully not. Um

[22:19] » Did you get it narrowed down to the shots or normally three or four instead

[22:23] of 15 or whatever the deal is? >> So

[22:25] » What kind of dance is it? >> That's that's a good question. So we we

[22:29] still have the combined shots. Um but what we do for our citizens that you

[22:33] know, may not want all of those previously recommended vaccines is you

[22:38] can do them one at a time at public health. Whatever you feel safe and

[22:41] comfortable is what we want to do for you and your family. So and we actually

[22:45] see quite a bit more of vaccines because people like that approach um here in our

[22:50] community. Uh you know, they get to talk with us and we get to you know, talk

[22:54] about our other services and things like that. Uh because we're not a doctor's

[22:58] office, we usually have a little bit more time to dedicate on that

[23:01] one-on-one. Um and people come back and continue to do

[23:04] their series just a little little less at a time. And truly too, especially if

[23:10] it's a child's like first vaccine, if they haven't had one, we like to do them

[23:13] one at a time in case they have a reaction because we're so far from

[23:16] health care. You know, it's it's not a bad approach

[23:19] and people seem to to like our customization.

[23:22] » Is there a rule on shingles? Shingles be a good thing to get into.

[23:26] » Uh yes, we have shingles. So we have Shingrix is the brand that we use. It's

[23:30] a two-step vaccine process. So anybody that has had the chickenpox, please come

[23:35] and see us. It's usually recommended over the age of

[23:38] 55 unless you're immunocompromised, then talk to your doctor.

[23:41] And then it's a two-step shots. You get one and then another booster dose

[23:45] between I believe it's 4 and 6 months. So and then you're good.

[23:49] So please come and see us. That is that is a very prominent especially in times

[23:52] of high stress whenever your immunization, you know, your immune

[23:56] system is compromised, shingles can rear its ugly head and it is

[24:00] not fun. No.

[24:02] So I've got some horror stories if anybody

[24:04] wants to send me those. So Awesome. Which great topic, way to roll

[24:10] in to our vaccination. So every year we have a VFC audit. So that's our vaccines

[24:15] for children. That's what that abbreviation stands for

[24:19] program and we passed with no additional follow-up. So we were perfect, which was

[24:24] pretty excellent. So I think that is one of the first time since I've been there

[24:28] that, you know, that is it has been so well polished. We have it down to such a

[24:32] science that we they had no remarks. Everything is great. So

[24:36] we vaccinated 107 total clients with 138 total vaccines since May.

[24:43] 46 Tdaps were given free to the As Needed Fire Evacuees, which is really

[24:48] impressive. And we still have a few additional in stock in case we have some

[24:52] remainders that need. So please send them to public health and we can get

[24:56] them all done. And then we've started with our back to

[25:00] school vaccination efforts. We've seen quite a few children recently.

[25:04] And then of course we're preparing for our annual flu clinic coming up. We have

[25:08] several. Which I will tell more

[25:12] about later on.

[25:15] All right.

[25:18] Okay. And then I did this little chart because we're still in this. But our

[25:24] emergency preparedness and readiness is what EPR stands for.

[25:28] And our participation in the Aspen Acres fire. So I broke it down to response,

[25:32] recovery, and future preparedness. So you know, in first responding we've been

[25:36] present and assisted in the shelter and the disaster assistance center.

[25:40] We provided Tdap vaccinations, water testing kits, personal protective

[25:45] equipment, and air purifiers. I believe we gave away over 695

[25:50] masks. We gave over We gave 60 air purifiers

[25:55] away. And I did not count the water test kits cuz we still had a few left over,

[25:59] but it was quite a few. So very, very wonderful distribution on that. And then

[26:04] I wanted to brag about my staff because every one of my staff participated in

[26:09] response efforts as well as kept everyday operations going. And we are a

[26:13] very small team. So it's myself, Deb, and Patrick who are full-time. And then

[26:18] Barb is part-time. But she went above and beyond and volunteered on top of her

[26:22] work hours. So I just wanted to give really good kudos that our team at such

[26:28] limited capacity could function at such a high quality of care. So

[26:34] » Good. >> Great team.

[26:36] And then we are still assisting, you know, OEM and planning and zoning and

[26:39] whatever, you know, they need in the recovery plans and efforts. And we

[26:43] attended a county and state after action report on the 19th, which was good. We

[26:48] could strategize in a the forum. And then of course we're here to help

[26:52] residents if there's still questions. I've gotten a couple calls about, you

[26:56] know, repeated water testing and and things of that nature. Air quality is

[27:01] much better now. Happy to report on that. Um and then, of

[27:05] course, you know, during this recovery period, we were trying to attend, you

[27:07] know, different disaster trainings and educations to improve our team. I went

[27:11] to one from the Purdue University. It was a school for engineers, but they

[27:16] covered uh disaster topics. It was learning about different recovery

[27:19] efforts, what works, what doesn't work. So, that was a pretty good one. I think

[27:23] Elena went to that one as well. I thought it was a really nice free

[27:26] training. So, virtual. And then, we of course created this

[27:30] lovely re-entry guide. I brought a copy in case anybody has not seen this lovely

[27:35] document, but it was very thorough and we had really good response from the

[27:39] evacuees that they were very appreciative to have it both in printed

[27:43] copy as well as a digital QR code if they wanted it in a digital format.

[27:48] All right. And then, um of course, we're trying to

[27:51] grow our team in this area. Um you know, we're we're looking to, you know, always

[27:55] look for further resources. Uh I do have to give us a shout-out to the CCKC

[28:00] director, Stacy Terrell, who coordinated a lot of like the air purifiers were

[28:05] obtained through a state resource of hers. Um you know, she's coordinated and

[28:08] continues to coordinate a lot of resources. So, she's been very integral

[28:12] and I wanted to give her a special shout-out as well.

[28:15] So. Awesome. Thank you.

[28:19] Um as for our substance abuse prevention block grant, it has ended officially.

[28:23] So, uh we did place equipment at uh Hermit Park Field. So, there are uh free

[28:29] tennis and soccer equipment, very well used. Um I can definitely speak to the

[28:33] latter uh because we play a pickup game every Thursday evening and um all our

[28:39] kids like to use it. But, outside of that, I see kids playing in the park all

[28:42] the time. So, it's there, um available. There's um

[28:46] information about our Positive Pathways program and you know, it has a good

[28:49] count and inventory of all our supplies and of course we still have free rental

[28:54] equipment at our office and the library so hiking bird watching things like

[28:58] that. Please come and see us. We can rent that out to you at no cost

[29:03] and then even though this grant has concluded we are still continuing with

[29:06] these programs with our regional funding so I thought

[29:10] that was pretty cool. >> Stuff get walked away with lose

[29:14] anything? >> Surprisingly not some damage just

[29:16] because like uh pickleball rackets we're going to have

[29:20] to order a couple more of those but they're pretty they're pretty

[29:23] not as expensive of so but surprise

[29:28] I think it says it really speaks to our community because it it doesn't walk

[29:32] away. So and it does get used. I I couldn't

[29:37] ask for better so if anybody has any questions just let us know. Um

[29:42] so been a great program. Helped a lot of youth which and still

[29:46] helps youth is really wonderful happy to be part of that.

[29:53] Okay. >> It's not hot.

[29:56] » That's okay. The other side isn't as fun cuz it

[30:00] doesn't have a partner. I can I can just read it. So in our step

[30:04] efforts that's our tobacco grant from the tobacco fund so

[30:09] we are working on new strategic planning for 2027. We have received our increased

[30:14] funding so it about doubled from last year which is wonderful so it's about 20

[30:18] a little over $23,000 this year which is excellent

[30:22] and then we are implementing the second chance policy

[30:26] for the school this fall so that is if a um

[30:30] a child gets caught with any tobacco or vaping related progress they get put

[30:34] through an educational program um instead of punitive punishment. If it

[30:39] becomes a habit then it's so there's there's a hierarchy to this policy, but

[30:43] that it's really trying to focus on why smoking is so dangerous. So,

[30:48] uh that will go in this fall, which is really exciting. And then at least two

[30:52] community members are going to be trained in Strong Start program. So,

[30:55] this is a program for pregnant women and their families. So, it's focused on

[30:59] tobacco and marijuana. So, we are trying to educate folks that there's this

[31:04] program. They have incentives to really try to get them, you know, off to a

[31:08] healthier start when they're growing their families. So,

[31:11] very exciting. Okay. Oh, look at that. Perfect.

[31:17] Okay.

[31:22] Mhm. >> This is a gram. And my guess it came

[31:25] from Louisiana due to federal prohibition down there.

[31:30] » Thank you. Okay. And then CPR remains one of our

[31:34] most popular programs. So, we have an upcoming course, which I believe is

[31:39] already full on the 12th, which is a Saturday. Uh that's one of our heart

[31:44] savers, so for the community members at large.

[31:48] Uh I believe there's nine or 10 signed up. So, um EMS is on standby in case we

[31:53] get more folks. Um they have two or three instructors that are going to

[31:57] co-teach with us if we need it. So, that is really exciting. We've had 20

[32:02] people certified since May. Um and a few of us were recertified as

[32:06] instructors, so that was exciting. Um we have since uh our last meeting written a

[32:12] letter of support for AEDs in the county in collaboration with EMS. So, there is

[32:17] 56 requested uh units, 30 of which we requested for

[32:23] uh some county buildings. So, that's really exciting.

[32:26] Um and then we've loaned out our loaner AED to two of the bigger festivals

[32:32] and events, which was the High Mountain Hay Fever Festival and Airfest. So, in

[32:37] case a, you know, that we're happy to do so. So, if anybody knows of any upcoming

[32:41] events and they would like to use our loaner AED, please call us and we can

[32:44] coordinate that. So, that that was really cool to see that getting used in

[32:48] the community. All right.

[32:53] Right. Yeah, and I have a flyer if anybody's interested in the CPR course.

[32:58] It is very pretty.

[33:02] Right. >> Oh, sorry. Was that a question?

[33:04] » Yes. >> So, if the course is already full,

[33:07] should we keep running it? >> We do that.

[33:10] » The flyer? >> Yes, cuz then we call and email us and

[33:13] see if we can get another so yeah. Patrick Fury is our coordinator for that

[33:17] program. So, we we just call Patrick. Patrick tells us, "Okay, too full." And

[33:22] then we work on scheduling another date. So, we've really been trying to stick to

[33:25] a monthly schedule to really provide the opportunities for our community. With

[33:29] the fires, it's become a little more challenging, but I have solution down

[33:33] the road that I will ask for at the end of this presentation.

[33:36] » Honestly, there's no money involved.

[33:40] » Maybe minimal. But cost-benefit, you'll know.

[33:43] » Okay. >> Um as for our Maternal Child Health

[33:47] Program, we attended Family Fun Day. Um we gave a presentation of all things uh

[33:53] vector-borne illness. So, ticks, we had kids pick off uh

[33:56] or learn to pick out a tick with big tweezers and a plush tick. It was really

[34:01] fun. And then, of course, collecting the bats and then um dog bites. So, those

[34:06] are our three equally most affected that had affected children in the previous

[34:10] year. So, we did some education and it went over very well. We had some great

[34:13] goodies and giveaways that were much appreciated. Um we have completed 82

[34:18] sports physicals. So, that's pretty awesome. And this was all during and

[34:22] after the fires. So, I think that's a pretty impressive

[34:26] number. Uh thank you to Amelioration Health for

[34:29] being our provider for those. Uh we have started our Impact BH grant work. So,

[34:34] for those that don't know, that is our perinatal mental health grant work. Uh

[34:38] we have started getting together with our home birthing um providers to try to

[34:43] set goals in how we're going to approach uh screening for depression and anxiety.

[34:49] So, we're trying to get everybody using the same tool so that um anybody can go

[34:55] almost anywhere to get screened in real time with the most accurate screen tool.

[35:00] So, very exciting work. Um and then we are preparing for our Traveling Smiles

[35:05] event in November. So, that's where kiddos can get uh free cleanings and

[35:09] screenings from our dental hygienist from Traveling Smiles. Uh that will be

[35:13] at the school and we're choosing dates. So, I will keep you guys updated. And

[35:17] then we are offering our free birth and breastfeeding classes taught by myself

[35:22] and Brittany Burke um from Root and Flow Doula Services. Uh we had an August date

[35:28] picked, but we didn't have many moms that signed up. So, we moved it to

[35:32] October to try to catch some more of those fall winter moms. Um

[35:36] and that will be hosted at the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center. They're

[35:39] going to let us host our whole classes there, which is great. Um really

[35:42] collaborating and exploring other services and making sure folks know

[35:47] where they are and what they do. Um so, we're excited to be partnered

[35:51] with them. And they're not charging us for their facilities. It's really nice.

[35:56] And then onward and upward to our lovely

[36:00] community outreach and upcoming events, which we have a very full calendar

[36:04] coming up. Uh so, Silver Cliff Family Fun Day, I will be in attendance with my

[36:09] little tiny human. Uh we will be giving away first aid kits. I have some really

[36:14] cute ones um that have my business card inside. So, uh hopefully that will

[36:18] promote all of our services including, you know, getting youth exposed to the

[36:22] idea of CPR training. So, comes with like Band-Aids and basic things in the

[36:28] in the little kit. Um we are working on our animal flu clinic, which will be at

[36:33] the school. So, we just secured our date at 9:25. So, I will be making a pretty

[36:37] flyer for that and sending that out. Um we are participating in the senior fair,

[36:42] which we will be doing flu vaccines on-site. Um that'll be the 2nd at Length

[36:47] Hall. Very excited to be a part of that. Um I'm on the Aging Consortium that

[36:51] organizes that event, and they're going to have a specific focus focus on

[36:55] disaster preparedness for seniors. So, very very exciting. Hope you guys can

[37:00] make it. It's going to be wonderful. Uh then we're also doing a separate

[37:04] off-site flu clinic for the senior center, which will be on 10:15. And then

[37:07] of course our birth and breastfeeding classes that I mentioned on the previous

[37:10] slide. And then as uh public health staff, we are going to So, myself and

[37:15] Patrick are going to Public Health in the Rockies. So, this is the first time

[37:18] that we've been able to go in the past 5 6 years. So, this will be wonderful to

[37:24] go gain insight on new programs and um all things statewide public health and

[37:31] bring it back to here um for Custer County. And then Patrick is going to be

[37:37] a panelist at the CEO the So, the Colorado Opioid Abatement Conference in

[37:42] October. So, that was really exciting. All right.

[37:47] » Is it that Is it the 30th the fun day? I thought it was

[37:51] » Oh, it's the 28th. Sorry. >> Or the 29th?

[37:53] » 29th. >> Okay.

[37:54] » Yeah. No, I filled this out. >> Nope. Nope, you're right. Discard that.

[37:59] » Okay. 29th. >> Okay. It's the 29th, day before.

[38:03] » Okay. >> We'll we'll change that.

[38:05] » That's fine. >> Thank you for catching that.

[38:07] » Yeah.

[38:09] » See all the fun stuff? It just gets thrown out.

[38:11] » time keeping up with dates the way it is without somebody changing them on me.

[38:14] » Right. Hey, just checking to make sure everybody's paying attention. This is

[38:18] good. >> There's a test.

[38:20] » There is. There is passed. I should

[38:22] » started that at the end. >> Should have.

[38:24] » There's a test. Question and >> eggs in there. That maybe come November

[38:28] Sarah's going to keep that in mind. I like that. So, we completed our portion

[38:32] of the county audit in July. So, everything looks really really good. Um

[38:36] the big exciting news is that we have officially applied for the rural

[38:41] transformation health funding um with the hospital district. So, we submitted

[38:46] um our portion of the application is for $42,000 for a part-time nurse case

[38:51] management position. So, something that we really want to focus on and this is

[38:55] not age specific. This nurse would be for everybody. So,

[39:01] the cool part is that EMS will do some case management. What we're here is more

[39:05] of a supportive role so that the um community paramedics do not get too

[39:09] bogged down cuz there's only going to be two of them and they're going to be busy

[39:13] enough. So, we're we're here in a supportive capacity to really try to,

[39:17] you know, bring more, you know, those higher needs clients that really need

[39:22] focused education, chronic disease management, and things of that nature is

[39:25] is where public health is going to come in. So, we're really really hoping we're

[39:29] supposed to hear, I believe, at the end of September. I do have

[39:36] a highlight of the grant's uh entirety. It's a 5-year grant. Um

[39:41] they applied for over a million dollars from the hospital district. Again, very

[39:45] small portion from us um and they're going to be managing

[39:48] those funds. So, um if you guys wanted to see the

[39:51] highlights because I believe the actual grant application was over 40

[39:54] pages. So, it's a It was a very heavy lift, a lot of collaboration, but this

[40:01] is a pretty robust program that um has elements of sustainability in it so that

[40:07] when the grant money goes away that this um can remain. So, I'm personally very

[40:13] excited. So. >> Okay. you.

[40:15] » All right. And it will provide a lot more a stronger approach to our health

[40:20] care infrastructure here in Custer County. So,

[40:23] glad we got to be a part of it. Thank you guys for granting the permission to

[40:25] help pursue those dollars. So, uh we are preparing for our county

[40:29] budget hearing um and we've started to include fringe benefits in all allowable

[40:33] grants to increase our county savings. So, we're giving back.

[40:38] We're doing all the things. Um and then

[40:43] my current age Let this last deposit up.

[40:50] So, we've had this part-time nursing

[40:53] position out for quite some time now. I've had one applicant, they were

[40:58] overqualified. So, what we're hoping to do is to ask

[41:04] the board to off be able to offer a full-time

[41:09] position if we find the correct candidate. So, to offset costs, I have

[41:15] additional grant funding and on the previous slide, more grant funding to

[41:19] come to support the transition from a part-time to a full-time. So, we're just

[41:26] we're trying to cast a wider net. We're also proposing that So, the part-time

[41:31] request was for a maternal child health nurse. We're wondering if it's too

[41:36] specialized and we need to go for a general public health nurse to broaden

[41:41] our scope for um a greater amount of applicants because we can train that

[41:46] specialization. We we don't deal with like premature NICU. So, we're not

[41:49] dealing with like sick sick babies. Um and if we do have sick sick babies,

[41:53] my background is in maternal child health. So, they have me. Um so, we're

[41:58] really just again, we want to bring that overall service to our citizens and

[42:03] you know, right now it's myself and Deb. We have not replaced um our previous

[42:08] nurses for 2 years um and we've unfortunately lost a few

[42:13] along the way. Beth Green and of course Peggy Martin.

[42:16] And so I think it is now time with all the grant money that we have and have

[42:21] rearranged that we obtain a full-time nurse. So I

[42:25] have also kept our previous applicant. So we have the EPR coordinator. I've

[42:31] kept that in an admin and a part-time capacity. We thought about maybe going

[42:36] to full-time for that, but we're going to get better use out of a nurse.

[42:40] Um and we have found a potential applicant. So

[42:45] that's my request. And again, it's grant funded

[42:49] and we're giving back fringe which is increasing the savings to the county.

[42:53] And with the season coming up and all that we've been through,

[42:57] you know, I know one one of the concerns was not having Tdap vaccinations on

[43:01] site. With another nurse I can do that. So

[43:05] that is my proposal. I will await your answer.

[43:09] Um and let me know if you have any additional questions.

[43:14] I've got money. I have money.

[43:18] » A lot of businesses are saying they're tired of smoking around their buildings

[43:23] and they don't know what the law is.

[43:26] And all of Main Street, based upon what I have seen, all of Main Street should

[43:31] be smoke free. That also means vape. You can't vape.

[43:35] But I think it's it's starting to I'm getting more complaints about it. Um

[43:42] and I don't know if they just don't know what the law is, they don't you know,

[43:45] business owners are struggling just to keep businesses open much less know what

[43:50] everything. So I don't know if we can do our own sort

[43:55] of campaign and and maybe find some money for some signs that we need to

[43:59] post uh especially downtown, maybe along the

[44:03] country store, places where people congregate more so.

[44:07] » We actually printed off some updated signs. We're waiting to

[44:11] There's a place shop like an online shop that you can

[44:14] purchase signs from. And that goes with our staff program.

[44:18] And Fremont County is also working on improving theirs as well. So, they're

[44:21] our partner in that. And so, we are working with them to kind of

[44:25] universalize hey, very clear signage, people understand what that means, how

[44:31] do we enforce it and things like that. So, yes. And

[44:35] bringing back to the nurse question, I would like So, Patrick really heads the

[44:39] staff program right now. But I would like to pay with some staff

[44:43] dollars for that nurse because then she can focus on or he can focus on

[44:48] going into the schools and educating our youth from a health care standpoint with

[44:53] that backing. You know, helping with some chronic

[44:55] disease management at the blood pressure clinic, tying all of that into

[45:00] one health care bundle. So, just thoughts and using again differential

[45:06] funding that that staff funding has been there every year. So, something that

[45:11] will sustain throughout time. But yes,

[45:15] we do I've I've received I've worked with

[45:18] Buck the mayor of Silver Cliff on one complaint. We followed up on it. And we

[45:22] are getting that business additional signage. So, absolutely. Please and if

[45:28] anybody has those complaints, have them call our office so we can navigate them

[45:31] to resources and help educate and and things like that. So.

[45:39] » Awesome. And then I wanted to ask you in addition. So, let me know if you want to

[45:44] like come back to the request for staffing and we proceed with this second

[45:49] question or So, I just wanted to ask the Board of

[45:55] Health if there was any other sites that you guys would like us to do an offsite

[45:58] flu clinic for that we missed. So, we're doing the senior center, the school,

[46:03] senior fair, we do one in Wetmore, and then we do uh Valley. So, those are our

[46:07] five. So, if you guys think of any additional ones, please let us know so

[46:11] we can plan those out appropriately. And then let me know if there's anything

[46:16] I can do to improve our presentation format besides

[46:20] getting the day right on one thing. >> The air quality monitor, we have that

[46:24] from Wetmore, it's in the annex. I think that's the one that goes

[46:28] That's the one that's been >> Oh, yeah, it needed

[46:31] » Okay, yeah. >> And we still have the one internal, it's

[46:33] in our office, that indoor air monitor. We haven't sent it back yet. We still

[46:38] have it. So, when they do, we'll send it back. Um

[46:42] and that's another one too that that's a project I know we had visited as a Board

[46:46] of Health to purchase those, but with budget being tight, we'll have to

[46:51] see where priorities end up lying and um if there's any additional grants that we

[46:55] can apply for that we can we can do things of that nature,

[46:59] so. >> And then the airport does need a new

[47:02] AED. Theirs is out of date. So, do you want to send me the information

[47:08] and uh JC and Kim

[47:11] the information so they can put that in their budget and what that cost is.

[47:15] » Sounds good. If they want to go with the AED unit

[47:17] » Um it's just as well. We just as well keep it the same throughout the years.

[47:23] » Good. Yeah, I believe those are up to $1,000, but I'll get you an exact quote.

[47:27] I think Patrick has been talking with

[47:30] somebody here, but I'll make sure. >> Okay, perfect.

[47:35] » Awesome.

[47:39] » Okay. >> If they have

[47:43] One thing I'll mention cuz you mentioned uh

[47:46] the the environment and what that's doing with rabies and all that, bears

[47:50] are a problem. >> Yes, they are.

[47:52] » And um and I can tell you firsthand that

[47:55] we were massacred, all our chickens got it yesterday the day before.

[48:00] And then I talked to Justin Kroll, so you know, and you can pass this along to

[48:03] you. Uh the ants the reason it is is because

[48:07] of the drought. They're coming for water, but more

[48:09] importantly, the drought caused and remember how hot it got in February and

[48:13] January? So the scrub oak didn't make any acorns this year

[48:19] and other berries. And the bear needs 200,000

[48:23] calories a day in order to get ready for hibernation.

[48:28] And so their answer is that they can't control them. They've had 1,100 calls.

[48:32] They know all about the bear. And this was a

[48:35] I call it a baby bear, but it was big enough to go rip the door off chicken

[48:39] coop, meat everything inside, and just leave a few feathers.

[48:42] Um and the answer he's got right now is he's issuing hunting tickets. Who I'm

[48:47] going to shoot them. And control populations a hell of a

[48:50] little bit too much anyway. So they're going to give uh

[48:54] the land owner people that are having problems that where it is an issue and

[48:58] we have we have to shoot them. >> That's good to know. We actually had our

[49:01] first bear in the entire time I've lived in our neighborhood, just like 6 7

[49:05] years. Um um which was quite surprising. And luckily I I live next to a wonderful

[49:09] dedicated posse member who's >> Okay. Took care.

[49:12] » Very good. So >> They'll They'll give you a They'll you

[49:15] have We still have to buy it just like anything else, but we're not going to

[49:18] have to wait in the pool for a hunting license to go hunting.

[49:21] » Good to know. >> So pass that on.

[49:24] » Well, thank you, Commissioner. Oh, and then one last thing. Um

[49:28] I was asked by the Aging Consortium to give you guys They are moving forward

[49:32] with the launching of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. And so this

[49:37] is for seniors and for anybody who wants to volunteer to help seniors. Uh Yukon

[49:41] is heading this up. It's going to be a very very cool system which then in turn

[49:46] will help us with our next disaster because they will know if folks are in

[49:50] need and what their needs are because they will be connected with the

[49:54] neighbor. So, um these pamphlets are great. I have lots more if you know of

[49:59] places to you know to distribute and we'll get you

[50:03] going. But this is very exciting and they did a really really good job on

[50:06] this pamphlet. >> Is Is Cheryl's going to repeat this?

[50:11] » Yes. >> From your copy of it?

[50:12] » Yes. >> Okay. Okay.

[50:15] Oh, thank you Sarah. Good job. >> Thank you very much.

[50:22] » All right. Any unfinished business? None here.

[50:26] And I don't think there's any new business.

[50:33] I don't know. Public comment?

[50:37] Is anybody online?

[50:40] » There was an incident in Pennsylvania recently where a mom shot her husband in

[50:44] the backyard or something. That's what Justin News responded to cuz

[50:49] the deputy was investigating. This might be an attempt Sounds like

[50:53] it's an attempt to get ahead of problems.

[50:56] » Oh, bears in there. That is a problem. >> Yeah.

[50:59] » Yeah, they That's what they decided to do to like

[51:03] Like this this guy is like I said 1,100 things.

[51:07] » Shrink the population. >> He can't trap him quick enough to do

[51:09] anything with him if he did. It didn't do him any good cuz they're going to

[51:12] come right back. They're hungry. Yeah, they got to eat.

[51:15] » Well, there's no berry I mean it's not just the It's not just the acorn that's

[51:19] in the berries. >> Oh, yeah, there's lots more than that.

[51:22] » I don't know. I mean there's nothing. >> Mhm.

[51:25] » For anything. >> Mhm.

[51:29] » Yeah, what more they eat? The choke cherries.

[51:32] I haven't seen those.

[51:36] » All right. Anybody online for public comment?

[51:39] Okay. All

[51:44] All for adjournment. Thanks, gents. Thanks,

BOH Meeting, August 26, 2026

Transcript