Larimer County proclaims National Public Health Week as health leaders flag readiness, outreach and clinic concerns

Larimer County on April 7 proclaimed April 6–12, 2026 National Public Health Week and heard a multi‑part presentation from the county health department outlining preparedness, systems and action priorities.

Chair John Kafales and Commissioner Kristen Stevens led the brief ceremony as department leaders described the theme "Ready, Set, Action." Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzalez framed the department’s role: "Public health is one of the few fields where if you're doing your job really well, nothing happens," he said, stressing prevention, surveillance and partnerships.

Deputy director Andrea Clement Johnson described the "ready" work of analyzing community health data and preparing systems to respond to outbreaks and social drivers of health. Bob McDonald, director of environmental health services, said the "set" phase includes infrastructure such as air‑quality monitoring and food‑safety inspections; Corey Sold, communications and technology manager, outlined the "action" side — air‑quality alerts, immunization clinics and outreach.

Commissioner Kristen Stevens used the Q&A to press whether clinical services were keeping pace with need. Public health staff said clinic visits are lower than earlier high points and that county clinics currently serve as a gap‑filler for immunizations and reproductive health. Officials noted a pending policy change referenced in the meeting as "HR1" could increase local demand if more residents lose or change Medicaid coverage, and the department is preparing to scale services.

Speakers emphasized prevention and community strategies, including "social prescribing" to connect residents with local programs, targeted outreach to isolated populations, work with schools and partnerships with health systems. Tom Gonzalez also described the county’s child fatality review committee, which examines preventable deaths among children to identify systemic prevention steps.

The commissioners voted to approve the proclamation and paused for photographs with public‑health staff. The department said its current priorities include maintaining environmental monitoring (including newly installed ozone and NOx monitors), preparing for wildfire‑smoke days, and planning outreach for routine and surge services.