Eagle County: August 2018
Hello Eagle County community members,
This past June, as part of our locally-focused work, the Colorado Health Foundation and local partners hosted several events in your community. Our hope was to have a conversation with community members about what it takes to ensure that health is in reach for everyone in Eagle County.
I am continuously impressed by Eagle County’s ability to creatively collaborate and commend you all for the important work underway. The events gave me the opportunity to hear from a variety of voices that elevated major themes that could help everyone in your community lead a healthy life. Those themes included:
- Create more opportunities and access to culturally-responsive mental health care, while working toward mental wellness for all
- Leverage community resources to become more connected and cohesive
- Place a greater importance on hearing all voices in the community
- Increase the capacity for more living-wage jobs
- Prioritize the power of compassion and humanity
- Build upon existing grassroots leadership, with an emphasis on Hispanic community leaders
During the series of events, we also shared information about other opportunities that the Foundation and our partners are engaging in locally. One example is a partnership with KaBOOM!, which is dedicated to ensuing all kids get the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play. The first of two new kid-designed playgrounds was completed on June 30 at the Dotsero Mobile Home Park. Working with Valley Settlement and Crawford Properties LLC, the next playground build will take place on Aug. 18 in El Jebel. We need 200 volunteers to help build this new playground. Please register if you can join us.
I want to personally thank everyone who attended an event for sharing their perspectives and valuable insights. In particular, I want to thank the Neighborhood Navigators, Mountain Family Health Centers, Eagle County Public Health & Environment, Our Community Foundation and YouthPower365 for helping us with planning and outreach.
I’m committed to working with all of you to make Eagle County the healthiest it can be. This means building upon your existing strengths, supporting your willingness and commitment to working collaboratively and ensuring that no one is left behind.
If you would like to speak with me directly about how we can work together to make your community healthier or if you would like to learn more about the Foundation, please email me or call me directly at 303-953-3643.
Warmly,
Tanya Weinberg