Changes Ahead
On January 1, 2024, Archuleta County and La Plata counties will open their own public health departments. For county-specific information, visit:
- How will the public health services be managed after the dissolution?
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Both Archuleta and La Plata counties are in the process of establishing individual public health departments to serve their respective communities. These new county public health departments will begin operations on January 1, 2024.
- I currently participate in a SJBPH program or service. Who can I contact about specific details about my program?
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Please reach out to your current SJBPH contact for more detailed information about how the transition to a county health department will impact a specific program or service. Check back for updates on the SJBPH website and refer to the specific county websites:
- Will San Juan Basin Public Health continue to provide services until the dissolution?
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Yes, San Juan Basin Public Health will continue to serve both counties through the end of 2023.
- How will the dissolution affect residents in terms of accessing public health services?
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San Juan Basin Public Health will continue to serve both counties through the end of 2023. During this transition period, both counties will be setting up their individual health departments. For more details on the counties’ plans, please visit their websites.
- Will the new public health departments provide the same services in each county?
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For more details on the counties’ plans, please visit their websites:
The services offered by each new health department may vary based on the specific needs of each county. While the intention is to provide many of the same core public health services, there could be differences based on county-specific priorities and resources. It's essential for residents to refer to their respective county's public health department website for detailed information on offered services.
- How will the dissolution affect the use of the SJBPH water laboratory for sample delivery, receipt, and processing?
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San Juan Basin Public Health's Water Laboratory will continue to provide water testing for residents of Southwest Colorado under La Plata County’s Public Health Department. Water bacteriology testing determines the absence or presence of Total Coliform and E.coli bacteria. The Water Laboratory also provides wastewater testing for public wastewater systems.
- How can residents stay informed about ongoing changes and decisions?
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Residents can stay informed by regularly visiting their respective county’s website, as updates regarding the transition process will be provided throughout 2023. Residents may also find it useful to listen in to each county’s transitional board of health meetings. Information about those meetings can be found on each county’s website:
- Where will the La Plata County Public Health Department be located?
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Ownership of the current San Juan Basin Public Health Department building, located at 281 Sawyer Drive in Durango, will be transferred to La Plata County for use as their public health department building.
- Where will the Archuleta County Public Health Department be located?
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Ownership of the current San Juan Basin Public Health Department building, located at 502 South 8th Street in Pagosa Springs, will be transferred to Archuleta County for use as their public health department building.
- I have a restaurant, grocery store, or other retail food establishment. How do I renew my license for 2024?
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Retail food license renewals have been delayed until January 2024. Each successor county will issue license renewals once they have assumed responsibility for providing services. Keep an eye on your mailbox and business email for more information. Please contact SJBPH if you have any questions before December 31, 2023.
La Plata County Public Health Department - PublicHealth@lpcgov.org, 970-264-8441
Archuleta County Public Health Department - adminACPHD@archuletacounty.org, 970-382-6143
- I have a restaurant, grocery store, or other retail food establishment. How does the SJBPH dissolution affect my inspections?
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SJBPH will continue to provide retail food establishments with their routine inspections, licensing, and complaint investigations until December 28, 2023. Beginning in January 2024, the new, county health departments will begin providing these services.
La Plata County Public Health Department - PublicHealth@lpcgov.org, 970-264-8441
Archuleta County Public Health Department - adminACPHD@archuletacounty.org, 970-382-6143