State Insists on Newborn HepB Vaccination Despite Federal Decision
In a recent development, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has emphasized the importance of continuing hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, despite a federal decision to no longer recommend the vaccine. The department's stance is based on strong evidence and the real risk of missing an infection at birth.
The hepatitis B vaccine boasts an impressive safety record among childhood vaccines, and its administration at birth remains a crucial tool to protect infants from preventable, lifelong diseases. Since the first universal birth dose was recommended in 1991, the U.S. has witnessed a remarkable 99% decline in pediatric hepatitis B infections.
Between 2001 and 2015, Colorado documented just over 20 cases of perinatal hepatitis B, with no confirmed cases since 2016. This success is attributed to the state's effective system of maternal screening and universal birth dose vaccination, which has nearly eliminated infant hepatitis B infections.
However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices no longer recommends the birth-dose vaccine, making it a shared clinical decision between parents and healthcare providers. For more information on hepatitis B prevention and infant immunization recommendations, visit cdphe.colorado.gov.
Mesa County Public Health Fee Increases for Birth and Death Certificates
Mesa County Public Health has announced a fee increase for birth and death certificates, effective January 1, 2026. The price for an individual's first copy of a birth or death certificate will rise from $20 to $25, while additional copies will cost $20, up from $13.
The department attributes this increase to the Colorado Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, which sets fees statewide. For more information on requesting birth and death certificates, visit the Mesa County Public Health website or contact their office at 970-683-6658 or healthinfo@mesacounty.us.
Meals on Wheels Mesa County Seeks Volunteers and Support
Meals on Wheels Mesa County is seeking additional volunteers and community support to feed homebound individuals and older adults during the holidays. This community-based program delivers fresh, hot meals, along with check-ins and social contact, to those who cannot shop or cook for themselves.
The local Meals on Wheels program serves approximately 450 meals daily, five days a week, and is on track to provide around 120,000 meals this year. While they have around 300 volunteers annually, they encourage the community to consider supporting the program through contributions or volunteering during the holidays.
For more information, call 970-298-9844 or visit mealsonwheelsmesacounty.org/make-a-donation.
Montrose Regional Health Expands Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Services
Montrose Regional Health will open its own Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Center on January 8, 2026, at 3330 S. Rio Grande Ave., to expand access to plastic and reconstructive procedures on the Western Slope. The center will be led by board-certified plastic surgeon Hunter Oliver-Allen and will offer both surgical and non-surgical services.
The center's services include breast, head, neck, and cancer reconstruction, trauma and limb salvage surgery, scar revision, wound care, aesthetic breast and body surgery, and aesthetic treatments like injectables. The surgery center will operate Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 970-497-5535.
Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado Offers Quarter Four Scholarships
The Dyslexia Foundation of Western Colorado has announced its 2025 Quarter Four Scholarships, which are now open for applications. Four scholarships will be available across three categories: assistive technology, post-secondary support, and educational intervention.
Awardees in the assistive technology category will receive an iPad and a one-year 'Learning Ally' membership. Post-secondary support will subsidize educational or occupational pursuits beyond high school, while educational intervention will provide $300 for a qualified tutor.
Applicants must clearly indicate their category preference, and only one application per individual is allowed per month. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on December 18, with responses expected by December 21. For more information or to begin the application process, visit dyslexiaco.org.
Myndful Wellness Expands Mental Health Services in Grand Junction
Myndful Wellness, a new mental health practice in Grand Junction, is now accepting patients and insurance, including Medicaid. Founded by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jessica Schmalz, the clinic stems from over a decade of mental health work in the valley, where the need for integrative treatment outpaced local availability.
Myndful Wellness offers a tailored combination of therapeutic tools, including traditional talk therapy and medications, as well as cutting-edge approaches like Spravato (esketamine) for medication-resistant depression and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
TMS is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment for depression and anxiety, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for individuals 16 and older. This is particularly important as this age group is most vulnerable to antidepressant-related increases in suicidal thoughts.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.myndfulwellnessgj.com.
