Healthier Together: Larimer County's Public Health Podcast

Healthier Together: Larimer County's Public Health Podcast

by Larimer County Department of Health and Environment

Health & Fitness

Preserving Open Space & Building Healthier Communities

What's up in public health this week? Earlier this year, the Town of Berthoud closed on the purchase of 67 acres of land along the Little Thompson River, continuing its efforts to preserve open space and protect important natural areas. This week, we talk to Berthoud's Town Administrator Chris Kirk about the purchase, why this particular property was important to the Town, and the town’s plans for the land moving forward. We also talked with Dr. Sara LoTemplio, Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont and director of the Restoring Attention & Affect In Nature (RAAIN) Lab. She shared some of her research about the mental and physical health benefits of green spaces and the role equitable access to nature plays in creating healthier communities. Resources: Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

The Larimer County Farmers’ Market Turns 50

What's up in public health this week? This year, the Larimer County Farmers' Market celebrates its 50th anniversary. In this episode, we’re joined by Alison O’Connor, Horticulture Specialist, and Maggie Switzer, Farmers Market and Food Systems Coordinator, from the Larimer County CSU Extension Office to talk about the market’s history, what goes into running it today, and the role it plays in the community. Resources: Larimer County Farmers' Market Larimer County CSU Extension Colorado Master Gardeners Cottage Food Safety Training Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

How to be a Trusted Adult

What's up in public health this week? Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or mentor, having conversations with teens about tough topics like substance use, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health can be challenging. Building a trusting relationship can make those conversations easier - and have a lasting impact on a young person’s well-being. In this episode, we’re joined by Kimber Cook, a Program Manager at Action for Healthy Kids, to talk about becoming a trusted or “askable” adult. We explore practical ways to build trust, listen without judgment, and create space for honest conversations about tough topics. Resources: Action for Healthy Kids TrustEd Second Chance Tobacco Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

A Look at Longview - Part 2

What's up in public health this week? In this two-part conversation, we take a closer look at the Longview Acute Care Facility, a key part of the region’s mental health crisis care system, and explore how its work is evolving to meet the needs of the community. Our guests are Dr. Lesley Brooks, SummitStone’s Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director at Longview, and Cassie Damato, SummitStone’s Director of Acute Services. They walk us through what Longview is, how it got started, and the role it plays in providing care to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. We also discuss two major developments in Longview’s work: a new public data dashboard that provides more visibility into the services they provide and a new youth acute care wing, which opened in December 2025. Resources: Learn more about Longview Learn more about SummitStone Explore the new data dashboard Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

A Look at Longview - Part 1

What's up in public health this week? In this two-part conversation, we take a closer look at the Longview Acute Care Facility, a key part of the region’s mental health crisis care system, and explore how its work is evolving to meet the needs of the community. Our guests are Dr. Lesley Brooks, SummitStone’s Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director at Longview, and Cassie Damato, SummitStone’s Director of Acute Services. They walk us through what Longview is, how it got started, and the role it plays in providing care to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. We also discuss two major developments in Longview’s work: a new public data dashboard that provides more visibility into the services they provide and a new youth acute care wing, which opened in December 2025. Resources: Learn more about Longview Learn more about SummitStone Explore the new data dashboard Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

Choices: Talking with Teens About Their Future

What's up in public health this week? One choice can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Positive decisions can protect opportunities, aspirations, and future success. Poor decisions involving firearms can result in consequences that permanently alter a young person's future. This week, the Larimer County Juvenile Gun Safety Coalition introduced "Choices" an educational video with a simple message: Youth have the power to protect their futures. We sat down with Emily Humphrey, Director of Larimer County Community Justice Alternatives and founding member of the coalition, to learn about the development of the video, the impact of youth gun violence in our community, and the work being done to address it. Resources: Watch Choices Learn more about the Larimer County Juvenile Gun Safety Coalition Learn more about Larimer County Community Justice Alternatives Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

Suicide Prevention Starts with Conversations

This episode contains discussions of suicide. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 anytime day or night to access free, confidential support. What's up in public health this week? In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, we’re continuing the conversation about how our community can come together to prevent suicide and support those who may be struggling. In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren SinClair, Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator, and Shannon Teague, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, from our local Veterans Affairs office. We talk about the VA services available to veterans and their families, suicide prevention work happening in our community, and how individuals can make a difference. Resources: 988 Crisis Line Learn more about the VA Contact Lauren SinClair Veterans Service Office Healing Warriors Health for Heroes Qualified Listeners Pause to Protect Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

National Overdose Awareness Month Spotlight: Yarrow Collective

What's up in public health this week? August is National Overdose Awareness Month, a time to remember those lost to overdose, provide space for grief, connection, and healing, and highlight the work happening in our communities to prevent overdose and support recovery. Throughout the month, we're featuring organizations across our community that work to prevent overdose, support recovery, reduce stigma, and connect people with care. This episode is all about the Yarrow Collective. We sit down with Ashleigh Jones, Co-Founder and Director of Community Care and Training, and Matt Schwall, Reentry and Peer Support Advocate, to learn about their work and discuss the current landscape of substance use in Larimer County. Resources: Learn more about the Yarrow Collective Saving Our Own Lives by Shira Hassan Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

National Overdose Awareness Month Spotlight: CSU Prevention Research Center

What's up in public health this week? August is National Overdose Awareness Month, a time to remember those lost to overdose, provide space for grief, connection, and healing, and highlight the work happening in our communities to prevent overdose and support recovery. Throughout the month, we're featuring organizations across our community that work to prevent overdose, support recovery, reduce stigma, and connect people with care. This episode is all about the CSU Prevention Research Center. We sit down with their Executive Director Nate Riggs to learn about the Prevention Research Center's work and discuss the current landscape of substance use prevention in Larimer County. Resources: Learn more about the CSU Prevention Research Center Washington State Institute of Public Policy Benefit-Cost Database Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

National Overdose Awareness Month Spotlight: Colorado Health Network

What's up in public health this week? August is National Overdose Awareness Month, a time to remember those lost to overdose, provide space for grief, connection, and healing, and highlight the work happening in our communities to prevent overdose and support recovery. Throughout the month, we're featuring organizations across our community that work to prevent overdose, support recovery, reduce stigma, and connect people with care. This episode is all about the Colorado Health Network (CHN). We sit down with Izzy Pike, Director of Prevention Services, and Rebecca Lara, Prevention Services Manager, to learn about CHN's work and discuss the current landscape of substance use in Larimer County. Resources: Learn more about the Colorado Health Network Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us know! Email us at healthiertogether@larimer.org.

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