COURIER AN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLICATION EL PASO COUNTY - F O L L O W U S O N S O C I A LVOLUME: 01 ISSUE: 07 07 JULY 2023 w w w . E l P a s o C o . c o m SIGN UP HERE FOR EL PASO COUNTY UPDATES
Vernon Stewart Communications Department Executive Director Natalie Sosa Communications Department Deputy Director Communications Department 200 South Cascade Avenue | 80903 EPCPIO@ELPASOCO.COM Scott Anderson Communications & Public Relations Manager Mike Madsen Open Records Manager Deborah Contreras Digital & Social Media Specialist Samantha Radomski Webmaster
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EL PASO COUNTY w w w . E l P a s o C o . c o m County Administrator Message PACT Act Nine to Five In the Region Viewpoint County Fair Calendar 04 06 10 16 18 19 COURIER VOLUME: 01 ISSUE: 07 07 JULY 2023 Contents
I want to take a moment to reflect on the immense value of our veterans and express our sincere gratitude for their selfless service to our nation. Our veterans embody honor and duty, demonstrating unwavering commitment and enduring hardships to protect our principles. They have contributed immeasurably to preserving our liberties and ensuring a better future for us all. El Paso County embraces and supports our veterans, recognizing their strengths, resilience, and diverse skill sets. They enrich our region, foster growth, prosperity, and unity, and provide unique perspectives and leadership.
Let us continue to express heartfelt appreciation for our veterans. Their contributions have shaped our region, making it a better place for residents. We owe them a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can honor them through support, resources, and a commitment to their well-being. To our veterans, on behalf of El Paso County, I extend deep appreciation and respect. Your sacrifice and dedication inspire us all, and we are forever grateful.
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W W W . E L P A S O C O . C O M BEYONDTHEDAIS THESTORIESOFELPASOCOUNTY SCANCODETOLISTEN TOTHESTORIESOF ELPASOCOUNTY R E C E N T I N T E R V I E W S I N C L U D E : A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H 2 0 2 3 E L P A S O C O U N T Y F A I R Q U E E N , A N E K A N O R M A N D I E , M T C A R M E L ' S D I R E C T O R O F B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H , K I R S T E N B E L A I R E A N D B E A R C R E E K N A T U R E C E N T E R S U P E R V I S O R M A R Y J O L E W I S
A C T A c t
According to the United States White House, more than 5 million veterans-across all generations-may have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving in the United States Military.
On August 2, 2022, the United States Congress passed bipartisan legislation known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). President Biden signed the PACT Act into law during a ceremony at the White House on August 10, 2022. The Act will provide affected veterans, their families, and caregivers with health care and benefits.
According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics Fiscal Year 2021 report, the United States Veteran population is 19,088,805. Colorado is home to 387,618 veterans. The report also indicates El Paso County is home to 94,483 veterans, approximately 24% of the state’s veteran population.
More than 5 million veterans are estimated to be exposed to toxic substances and eligible for benefits under the new PACT Act. That means approximately 26% of all United States veterans can now capture previously unavailable generational benefits. Similarly, about 24,000 veterans in El Paso County could be eligible for new benefits.
PEl Paso County Veteran Service Officers are dedicated to helping veterans and dependents maximize benefits. As accredited Veteran Service Officers in El Paso County, you can trust that you will be heard, understood, and provided with the highest quality of service.
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Recently, we sat down with Veteran Service Officer Richard Gagne and Surviving Spouse Michelle Hill, to understand the PACT Act and the impact it has made and can make on the lives of veterans and their families. To hear the full conversation, listen to the Beyond the Dais: Stories of El Paso County podcast episode: https://www podbean com/ew/pb-z22vs-14172ad
Richard, what makes El Paso County different in terms of how you help people realize those benefits?
I think the first thing that really helps is all of us here are veterans ourselves. We all have been through the process. So, we kind of understand those aches and pains that we went through to transition from being in the military and filing our disability claims.
Michelle, what is your involvement with the PACT Act?
I am a surviving spouse of an Army veteran, James Hill; he served 23 years. He passed away in October of 2017 of cancer. He served in three tours and was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma, caused more than likely from the burn pits and chemical fires that he would fight. He was denied for disability on multiple occasions in the claims after he passed; I also tried to act on the claims as well and had been denied
A friend of mine had reached out to me late last year and had mentioned the PACT Act and had I heard of it, and I said no So, I reached out to Rich, and he made time for me I just wanted to have somebody sit with me and give me a little bit of their time because I didn't know. You know, please don't send me home with another website or another phone number or here are the 15 forms that you need and good luck finding them.
Rich said, I'm going to stay here with you and we're going to do this together And it took about 45 minutes, and he was compassionate and caring and patient as I broke down a couple of times and lots of Kleenex, lots of Kleenex, right.
The money that's coming isn't going to make me wealthy by any means, but it gives me peace of mind and comfort to know that I don't have to worry about my house going into foreclosure You know, I can pay my bills, my mortgage and that that is peace of mind and that brings me some closure, you know.
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Explore Explore EL PASO COUNTY CAREERS EL PASO COUNTY CAREERS Visit us online or scan code to see available positions G O V E R N M E N T J O B S . C O M / C A R E E R S / E L P A S O C O U N T Y C O THE COURIER | PAGE 08
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Veterans and the military community play an important role in the life, economy, and culture of El Paso County. With 24% of the state’s veteran population within our borders, we make every effort to come alongside those who have served our country. We know that the mental and physical health challenges that face our community of veterans are not trivial, and at El Paso County, we seek to do everything possible to serve these valued residents. In this month’s Nine to Five, we want to highlight what the county is doing to enhance the lives of our veterans and active-duty military as well as share some highlights from around the county. Enjoy relevant content from the Department of Public Works, El Paso County Public Health, Parks & Community Services Department, and the Board of County Commissioners.
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Department of Public Works
This summer the El Paso County Department of Public Works is utilizing chip sealing as a means of pavement preservation.When asphalt pavement is placed, it is still soft and designed to be flexible. After a time, it begins to oxidize due to sun exposure. This will cause the asphalt to become hard and brittle and lead to premature cracking and distress. The chip seal protects the asphalt from the sun, slows down the oxidation process, and adds five to seven years to the life of the asphalt. The cost of adding a chip seal is drastically less expensive than a new asphalt overlay and is a great way to extend the use of tax payer dollars.
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ure Centers are proud to have several active and retired y p p n our flock Bobbie Lewis is a fixture at the front desk at Bear Creek Nature Center. After her husband Sandy’s graduation from the Air Force Academy, they had embarked on a career that took them to assignments in Texas, Panama Canal Zone, South Carolina, South Korea, Oklahoma, and Florida At each location, while Sandy was flying, Bobbie was teaching elementary school children with learning disabilities, instructing water aerobics, working at a health food store, or volunteering in various other capacities. Fortunately, the Air Force eventually returned these native Coloradans to their home state! Now, following over 28 years of service in the Air Force, Sandy and Bobbie have spent over 20 years volunteering at El Paso County Parks, Bobbie working as a docent, and Sandy helping at special events whenever needed
Both having volunteered extensively at a National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and a National Seashore in Florida (and Bobbie at a Zoo in Florida), when they arrived in Colorado Springs, they were looking for a new place to share their love of nature. El Paso County Parks (specifically Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers) turned out to be the perfect choice. The Nature Centers gave them the chance to contribute through interaction with visitors, sharing the excitement of the natural world with children, and assisting with special events that help to fund El Paso County Parks priorities. A bonus is that Bobbie and Sandy truly enjoy spending time with and learning from the outstanding Staff members.
Board of County Commissioners
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the problems of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. The Board of Commissioners recently recognized June 15th, 2023, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in El Paso County, and encouraged residents to celebrate the many and varied contributions and accomplishments of our senior citizens on this day and throughout the month of June. As we think of ways to care for our veteran population, of which many are also senior citizens, it is important to bolster community efforts to keep our elders safe.
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Supporting military families with nutrition education and food benefits through El Paso County Public Health’s Women, Infants and Children program
El Paso County Public Health’s (EPCPH) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is expanding easy access to healthy food and nutritional information for the many military families across El Paso County On a weekly basis, two WIC educators are present at Fort Carson Army Community Service Center to provide appointments and convenient walk-in services. This helps reduce barriers such as transportation for military families by providing on-base access to WIC services, including nutrition and food benefits. The WIC program provides nutrition education, food benefits, breastfeeding support and community referrals for eligible families. WIC staff also participate in numerous events for military personnel and their families, including the Air Force Academy’s Bundles for Babies, training for pregnant soldiers, and informational events at the Childhood Development Centers.
WIC educators are available at Fort Carson Army Community Services on Mondays from 12:30 –3:30 p.m. WIC is also available at all three El Paso County Public Health locations:
Citizens Service Center, 1675. W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Suite 2044
Valley Hi, 2948 E. Fountain Blvd.
Public Health South, 6436 S. US Highway 85-87
To learn more about the WIC program, visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org/service/wic.
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Public Health
To support mental health and resilience for all El Paso County residents, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) partners with the El Paso County Suicide Prevention Collaborative, a unique group of partners across different sectors working together to prevent and reduce suicide. The Collaborative is focused on reducing suicides in El Paso County by 20 percent by 2024, through the implementation of numerous suicide prevention strategies. Within the Collaborative, there are several different work groups, one of which focuses on ways to support our many service members, veterans and military families.
The Collaborative is working to increase awareness around existing mental health services for community members. One local resource working with our veteran community is Next Chapter. Next Chapter partners with UCHealth, Mt. Carmel Veteran’s Services, and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and recognizes that in a Veteran’s life, each new day presents an opportunity to write the story of their journey. The next chapter in a life story can be one full of hope, health, opportunity, and fulfillment. Therefore, Next Chapter exists to serve the veteran and veteran family population throughout El Paso County, to help support each person's next chapter after their military service. From behavioral health services to medication management, there is no out-of-pocket cost to those they serve. Their staff are all veterans or veteran family members, which supports their commitment to providing quality care that fits the needs of each person. Veterans and their family members can make an appointment through the program website at nextchapterco.org.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line (1-888-719-VETS) to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention; the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can also dial 988, where a trained crisis counselor takes the call, provides support, and connects the person with resources as necessary.
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Supporting the mental wellness of our veterans, military members and their families through the El Paso County Suicide Prevention Collaborative
On August 2, 2022, the United States Congress passed bipartisan legislation known as the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act –also known as the PACT Act. The Act provides affected veterans, their families, and caregivers with heath care and benefits.
As El Paso County is home to nearly 100,000 veterans, the El Paso County Division of Veterans Services has made it their mission
to help veterans and dependents maximize their benefits. To that end, the Veterans Services office, along with partners both inside and outside of El Paso County, are hosting a Claims Clinic Events...
Monday, August 7
Tuesday, August 8
Wednesday, August 9
from noon to 8 p.m.
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In the Region
Accredited veteran service officers and representatives from the VA and VBA will be onsite to file claims, conduct toxic exposure screenings, and help attendees enroll for health care.
These clinics will be held at the U.S. National Guard Recruiting & Readiness Center at 9510 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Walk-ins are encouraged and no prior registration is necessary. Individuals will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact the El Paso County Veterans Services Office at 719.520.7750 or email vet@elpasoco.com.
SCAN CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Committed to serving our community
Viewpoint
SCANCODETO VIEWMORE THE COURIER | PAGE 18
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MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
J U L Y
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WESTERN HERITAGE DAY
Fair Queen competition and the CPRA Rodeo, Colorado Pro Rodeo Association.
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EL PASO COUNTY DAY
Free General Admission and Auto races competitions.
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SENIOR DAY
55+ get $3 admission, free brunch at 11 a.m., free slice of pie at 3 p.m.
DOLLAR DAY
General Admission only $1.00.
PRESENTING SPONSOR DAY
$4 Admission, $4 Beer Garden, $4 Deals.
AGRICULTURE DAY
Laser Light Show.
Free General Admission for Active Duty and Veteran Military and Dependent Family. Auto races competitions. SCAN
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FIRST RESPONDERS HEROES DAY
$1 off General Admission for all First Responders and Demo Derby.
MORE INFO THE COURIER | PAGE 19
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