Commencing a Blood Test
Colorado’s public health order addressing the congenital syphilis epidemic, issued almost exactly one year ago, will go into effect Friday
The multi-agency effort will expand required syphilis screenings among pregnant women, from one test in the first trimester to at least three tests across the whole pregnancy.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, is congenital when a pregnant person goes untreated, allowing the disease to infect the unborn child. Congenital syphilis has increased more than seven times in the state between 2018 and 2023, from seven cases to 50.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 40% of babies with untreated congenital syphilis are stillborn or die from infection.
Infected babies can also be born healthy but develop permanent medical conditions later on, including blindness, deafness, developmental delays and bone abnormalities.
Per the public health order, all health care facilities, providers and professionals “that medically evaluate and treat anyone who is pregnant for any reason” must offer syphilis testing in the following circumstances: the patient’s initial prenatal visit or during the first trimester; during the third trimester; and at the time of delivery or fetal death occurring after 20 weeks’ gestation.
The order also ensures testing is covered through Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, without copays. It further mandates that correctional facilities provide pregnant inmates with testing on the same schedule.
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Free at-home test kits are available through testyourselfcolorado.com once a year for any Colorado resident who is not pregnant or experiencing symptoms.
Free testing is also available to locals on Fridays and Saturdays at the Good Samaritan Clinic, 402 Grand Ave. Tests are available on an appointment-only basis.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Motorcycles, bicycles, safety and fun will be the focus of Cycle Safety Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2785 U.S. Highway 50. There will be demos, safety gear, drills, BMX rides, maintenance and safety information and experiences for both beginner and experienced riders. Admission is free. Info: mesacounty.us/events.
A free festival featuring motorcycle demos, BMX rides and a “bicycle rodeo” aims to spread safety awareness for cyclists and motorists alike.
The Cycle Safety Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2785 U.S. Highway 50. No RSVP is required.
According to a press release, the event’s main goal is to encourage locals to look out for one another on the road, demonstrate life-saving safety measures and offer resources that gauge and improve one’s skill level.
The festival will also offer prizes, food trucks, product giveaways, family activities and the opportunity to ride varying brands of new motorcycles, including Harley-Davidson, KTM and BMW.
Beyond the motorcycle test drives, chopper enthusiasts can test and build their skills through a “skill check” offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Those interested in motorcycles but lacking experience can take advantage of the “moto intro,” where a veteran rider coaches newbies (who can borrow a bike and gear) on effective, safe techniques.
Attendees can also try their hand at BMX riding, with loaner bikes and coaching available for first-timers and amateurs. Experienced cyclists will have the chance to show their skills by participating in a bike rodeo and learn something new by visiting booths on the best practices for bike maintenance.
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Delta County will host a “fun, free and meaningful” fair on Wednesday, offering entertainment to families and community members while raising awareness of child abuse and how any resident can work to prevent it.
The 4th Annual Champions for Children: Abuse Prevention and Awareness Fair will run from 3:30-6 p.m. in the parking lot east of 320 W. Fifth St.
According to a Delta County press release, the fair encourages community members to collaborate in building a safer, stronger environment for children through informational booths, engagement with local support services and distribution of parental resources.
Simultaneously, the fair aims to promote family fun with free games, prizes, barbecue, drinks and other unspecified activities. No RSVP is required.
Courtesy of MarillacHealth and Chamberlin Architects
This artists rendering shows MarillacHealth’s new 27,000-square-foot health center at 512 29½ Road. MarillacHealth recently launched a fundraising campaign “$100K in 100 Days.” If the campaign is successful, Marillac will have about 70% of its anticipated campaign expenses; or, nearly $15 million of its $21 million goal.
Just over halfway through MarillacHealth’s $100,000 in 100 days fundraising campaign, the community health center network has raised more than $86,000.
The campaign is part of a larger fundraising effort to build Marillac’s largest integrated health clinic yet, which will serve as the organization’s flagship and expand its capacity by 3,000
patients. The 27,000-square-foot health center, 512 29½ Road, will offer medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Marillac utilizes government funding to provide underserved areas and populations with care at an affordable price.
Marillac and FCI Constructors recently confirmed that construction is on schedule, with its opening set for August of this year.
“The campaign team urges you to give whatever you can, as soon as you can — because donations of all sizes add up fast,” the press release said.
Those interested in contributing can visit MarillacHealth.org, call 970-200-1628 or donate in person at 602 Bookcliff Ave.
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Health Headlines is a Sentinel feature compiled by Jace DiCola, health and wellness reporter. Email him at jace.dicola@gjsentinel.com
