The Colorado State Board of Pharmacy passed a regulatory proposal Adams County Health Department (ACHD) initially proposed that increases access to healthcare and pharmacy services in medically underserved and rural communities.
The proposal, which passed unanimously, allows residents to receive contraception, medication for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other related prescription medications through mobile clinic access points. Under current state rules, local public health agencies and other healthcare clinics across Colorado are not able to dispense prescription medications or contraception outside of their physical clinic locations or brick-and-mortar clinics, limiting mobile services and reducing access to care where people live and work. In Adams County, these rules mean residents may need to travel long distances to access health programs specifically aimed at low-income, marginalized, and rural communities. In some cases, residents qualifying for these programs travel many hours to and from parts of Adams County to clinic locations to receive important health and pharmacy services.
“We believe this policy change will help improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities within Adams County by improving residents’ access to healthcare and pharmacy services where it is most convenient for them,” Dr. Kelly Weidenbach, Executive Director, ACHD said. “In the short term, it will lead to a reduction in rates of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, and in the long term, this policy change enables healthcare providers to consider more options for providing mobile health services statewide. The implications are broad.” With this change, rural Adams County residents and residents in other medically underserved communities will now have greater access to place-based, patient-centered services, medical testing, and appropriate prescription treatment at a single visit without the need to travel, find childcare, or visit a pharmacy. Furthermore, these rule changes allow local public health agencies and other clinics statewide to reconsider and reconceptualize delivery of healthcare and pharmacy services, allowing them to bring care directly to residents.
Staff from ACHD expects these regulatory changes to increase overall access of healthcare to county residents, reduce infections from communicable diseases, and reduce unwanted pregnancy, while maintaining important safety and oversight for dispensing prescription medications. Other local public health agencies across the state voiced their support for this important proposal, including Arapahoe, Delta, Jefferson, La Plata, Larimer, and Weld counties as well as the City and County of Broomfield.
The rule was officially adopted on March 16, 2024, and is now in effect.
Interviews available by request.
Board of Commissioners Support Gov. Polis Statewide Mask Order
On behalf of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, I want to extend our support to Governor Polis for the statewide mandatory mask order. Incidents have increased 109% in Adams County over the past month, as well as across the state. It’s important to support this initiative to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and our businesses open. This is a necessary step to halt the spread of this virus that has already disrupted so much of our lives.
Adams County Reopens Mini-Grant Applications to Benefit Small Businesses
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County is again accepting applications for its mini-grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 situation. Businesses can apply for mini-grants at adamscountycovid19.org/minigrants starting today at noon.
Tri-County Health Department Issues Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings
July 10, 2020 - Today, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) issued the Public Health Order Requiring Facial Coverings in Public Where Social Distancing Cannot be Maintained that was approved by its Board of Health on July 8.
Adams County Will Soon Be Under Mandatory Face Covering Order
Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) recently put in place a mandatory face covering order at an online board meeting, citing concerns over the steady increase of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the tri-county area, and the effectiveness of face coverings to help prevent the spread. The order will be put in place soon for Adams County for 90 days, with the option to amend, rescind, or extend.
County Updates Small Business Stabilization Program to Expand Pool of Applicants
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County, through its Community & Economic Development Department, established the Small Business Stabilization Program in May to provide local businesses with grants up to $35,000 to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suncor to Conduct Fire Extinguisher Training
Suncor’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) will conduct fire extinguisher training Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from approximately 1-3 p.m. The fire extinguisher training will take place at the Plant 1 fire training grounds on the western edge of the Commerce City refinery property. During the training there will likely be flames and smoke produced. Local stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and local government officials have been notified.
RTD set to open N Line for passenger service on Sept. 21
DENVER (June 23, 2020) – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) today announced that it will open its newest commuter rail corridor, the N Line, on Sept. 21. The rail line will serve Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton and include a stop at the National Western Complex.
The N Line includes six new stations, with a total of 2,480 new parking spaces. As part of a promotional pilot program, RTD will offer a local fare for travel on the entirety of the line during its first six months of operation.
Adams County wins Judgement for Violations of an Intergovernmental Agreement with City and County of Denver
A Jefferson County judge ordered the City and County of Denver to pay Adams County more than $33 million for violations of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding noise levels at Denver International Airport (DIA) during the years of 2014, 2015, and 2016. DIA was found in violation of 67 Class II noise exposure performance standards (NEPS) during the aforementioned years.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Extended
Typically, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) ends on April 30 each year. This year, it’s being extended through July 31 due to COVID-19. Residents can apply for LEAP through Colorado PEAK or over the phone through the Health Helpline: 1.866.432.8435. Paper applications are also available in front of the Human Services Center, 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, and completed applications can be placed in the HSC drop-box located in front of the building.
Building Safety Division Transitions to New Schedule
NEW! Beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Adams County Building Safety Division will transition to a 4-10 schedule for building inspections. Building inspection scheduling will be available Tuesday-Friday, and inspection hours will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Electrical inspections will continue to be offered Monday-Friday and inspections will be performed between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
