Author – The Durango Herald

It matters for all of us to talk about racism

I have been submitting to this column every month for more than 15 years, and this is the hardest column I have ever had to write. When planning this column a few weeks ago, I ha...

DATE: Jun 12, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

S.W. Colorado resilient during pandemic through residents’ hard work

When crises present themselves, whether through a fire, flood or as in the current COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience of communities is tested. Just like communities worldwide, So...

DATE: Jun 5, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Colorado leads for people with developmental disabilities during crisis

Everyone is feeling the impacts of the COVID pandemic, and we likely will for some time to come. Yet even in crisis, leadership emerges, and Colorado has emerged as a leader in ways that mos...

DATE: May 12, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

WIC helps address food insecurity during COVID-19

In challenging times like the one we are experiencing because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Women, Infants and Children program proves to be crucially important for the well-be...

DATE: May 12, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Coronavirus affecting everyone

I wanted to write about something other than coronavirus this week, mostly to give The Durango Herald readers a break from this all-encompassing issue. But that wouldn’t be authentic. The no...

DATE: Apr 11, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

The hidden heroes of COVID-19: My public health co-workers

The week of April 6-12 is Public Health Week, an observance that is now in its 25th year. To be honest, I imagine it is an observance not much recognized outside of public health circles. Ne...

DATE: Apr 10, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

What are the realities for people with autism?

In last month’s column, I attempted to dispel some of the prevailing myths around autism, including the myth of cause (likely genetic) and the myth of epidemic (better diagnostic criteria le...

DATE: Mar 13, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Sexual Health Clinic an important resource in rural S.W. Colorado

Sexual health is an integral component of overall health and wellness across a lifespan. San Juan Basin Public Health’s clinic provides key services to help you make informed dec...

DATE: Mar 6, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

When it comes to giving to a nonprofit, be a pioneer

One thing I love about Colorado is that the people here like to be pioneers. From time to time, we build a new path and try something different. Right now, Colorado is opening up...

DATE: Feb 14, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Despite increased knowledge, myths about autism continue

Pop quiz: What causes autism? Is it: A) a cold, unfeeling mother; B) childhood immunizations; C) genes; or D) an overexposure to the TV show “Spongebob Squarepants” during develop...

DATE: Feb 8, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

What’s in a name?

Names can cause confusion. One day this past summer, our United Way office received a call from a gentleman who wanted to confirm his airline reservation with us. We kindly redir...

DATE: Jan 17, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

The fastest path to change is through understanding

In a few days, the U.S. will celebrate the life of one of our country’s greatest leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. Most Americans are familiar with King, even if their only point of...

DATE: Jan 10, 2020 | CATEGORY: Creating Community