Lots of Top 10 lists were revealed during the last weeks of
2012. San Juan Basin Health concluded its own counting down of
top health issues in Archuleta and La Plata counties. Over the
last six months, a series of public and internal meetings have
been held and an online survey conducted to help prioritize the
plethora of legitimate entries. “We heard voices of over 150
people that are invested and interested in our community’s
health. Eighty-five responded to the online survey,” said Molly
Gutilla, doctorate public health student intern who coordinated
the prioritization process. All public-health agencies in
Colorado are charged with creating a Public Health Improvement
Plan in 2013. The completed health assessment and selecting of a
top priority(s) were the first steps. After obesity, priorities
include mental health, substance abuse, clean air and water, and
oral health. Most people found it incredibly difficult to choose
between these. Interesting conversations took place among staff
and community membe