COVID-19 Updates

On April 13, federal health officials recommended a temporary suspension of the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after six people experienced rare and severe blood clots after receiving the vaccine. This suspension is due to Colorado’s abundance of caution. If you have an appointment to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you might receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at your appointment instead. Your vaccine provider may also contact you to reschedule your appointment.

These adverse reactions are EXTREMELY RARE. Individuals who received the vaccine more than a month ago are at very low risk of serious side effects. It is important not to let these isolated incidences stop our progress in getting more people vaccinated and getting back to normal.

For more information on vaccine safety visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/Learn-about-COVID-19-vaccines

Vaccines

Several locations in the San Luis Valley are offering vaccine appointments. To find a provider in your county click here. Some Walmart and City Market pharmacies in the area also have vaccines available. Information on how to make an appointment with them can be found here.

This map shows the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) for areas surrounding our rivers. The numbers on the map and the colors correspond to the percentage of normal SWE in previous years. The northeast corner of our state is enjoying an almost normal amount of precipitation, which is great news. However, we need to be a little worried about the south and western parts of our state. We are hoping for more precipitation, but it’s a good thing our new state budget has appropriated more money for wildfire response and mitigation because there could be fire risks this summer.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/co/snow/

This Sunday April 25th, is volunteer work day at the Rio Grande Farm Park. Everyone will be planting broccoli and cauliflower for the Rio Grande Farm Park's income plots. After work you’ll have the opportunity to attend La Puente's Crop Walk event in the afternoon for a full day of activities. The address for the farm is 6935 State Highway 17, Alamosa, CO 81101. To learn more visit https://stayhappening.com/e/volunteer-work-day-E2ISTKB5516

Happy Earth Day!

Today is earth day! Here in Colorado we have so much to celebrate. From the potato crops in the San Luis Valley to the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains our state’s natural environment gives us so much to enjoy. On this day we must think about how we can keep our earth beautiful and plentiful. On Saturday April 24th the Pueblo Zoo will be hosting a family event to teach us how to exchange our habits for healthier habits that will take care of the planet! The event will take place from 10-2pm. To buy tickets or to learn more about the event and the Pueblo Zoo visit https://www.pueblozoo.org/events

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is hosting two Youth Archeology Expeditions (YAE) for San Luis Valley middle school (6th-8th) and high school (9th-11th) students.

YAE is a 6-day program where students do fieldwork alongside archeologists and park resource specialists throughout the San Luis Valley. The program is free and includes transportation, and supplies. Eligible students from all 14 districts in the San Luis Valley are encouraged to apply!

Behavioral Health

According to Mental Health Colorado 16.8 percent of people in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Saguache, and Rio Grande counties report experiencing 8 or more days of poor mental health in the last month. This is almost 2 percent higher than the state rate. Mental Health care is an underrated and overlooked part of our lives. It is important to stay aware of how we are feeling, especially in light of the stressful and difficult times we’ve been facing. The state provides several different free resources for those who are struggling.

For immediate help: Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255
For Medicaid recipients: Colorado Health First (Medicaid): 1-800-221-3943
To find long term care: Signal Behavioral Health Network (find treatment in your county): 888-607-4462
It is so important that we seek and find the help we need. If you need help accessing other resources or have questions or concerns don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more about behavioral health in Colorado or to locate more specific resources visit https://www.mentalhealthcolorado.org/

Rep. Donald Valdez’s Legislative Update

HB21-1152:Repeal Obsolete Capitol Dome Restoration Fund The bill repeals section 44-30-1201(5)(c)(III), C.R.S., because that section creates the capitol dome restoration fund, which is obsolete. The capitol dome restoration was a capital project that commenced in 2010 and has since been completed. I sponsored this bill and it was signed by the governor this week, making it law!

HB21-1181:Agricultural Soil Health Program: The bill creates the Colorado soil health program in the department of agriculture. This program would create a system for monitoring the environmental or economic benefits of soil health practices; A state soil health inventory and platform; A soil health testing program; and other programs the department deems appropriate or necessary.

SB21-216:Auxiliary Services Rural Areas: This bill would create a provision to get auxiliary services in rural areas of the state for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. It would also remove the requirement that a not-for-profit entity must be a community-based organization to be eligible to apply to the commission for grant money. This bill has already passed through the Colorado House of Representatives!

HB21-1281:Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program: This bill would ensure that there is representation of behavioral health issues when disaster programs are being developed. If passed, behavioral health responses will be enhanced and our state will be better prepared to address our citizen’s mental health. HB21-1281 will soon be heard in a house committee.

If you’d like to keep up with what bills are being introduced and where they are in the legislative process visit Bills, Resolutions, & Memorials | Colorado General Assembly

Please reach out!

I am here to listen! The needs of the community are my concerns.

[email protected]

From the desk of Donald Valdez

Donald Valdez

P.O. Box 110

La Jara, Co 81140

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