The Health District Board of Directors has approved a $14 million operating budget for 2018 that continues to advance the agency’s mission of enhancing the health of our community.

After an extensive review of local data and other factors, the board set several priorities for the Health District based on their potential to significantly impact the community’s health.  Top priorities for the new year include maintaining and boosting the number of people who have health insurance, as well as helping them understand their coverage options (Larimer Health Connect); providing dental care and expanding community knowledge of local dental resources for people with low incomes (Family Dental Clinic and Dental Connections); and improving the ability of the community to effectively address mental illness, substance use disorders, and pain management (Connections, CAYAC, Integrated Care program, Healthy Mind Matters, and other projects).

Other priorities are to continue to help people to quit tobacco, identify and control risky blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and complete advance care directives so that health-care providers will understand their end-of-life wishes. A special effort will include an updated approach to providing comprehensive online information about available local health services.

Since several Health District programs have outgrown their existing facilities or are operating out of leased office space, the 2018 budget earmarks funds for the potential development of a new facility which could open in 2019.

To see the budget, visit www.healthdistrict.org/budget