In the spirit of self-care and wellness, we have dedicated some energy towards finding free/ low-cost resources throughout Denver that can help you and your family thrive. Please share out and forward as you see fit to benefit as many community members as possible. Also, please note that this list is not an exhaustive list and we likely miss many current/upcoming opportunities.
COVID Updates
All CDC update can be found here – The main changes are around Quarantine guidance after concerns of exposure. The CDC still recommends utilizing all protective measures possible to limit likelihood of transmission. This includes masking, vaccination/boosters, cleaning surfaces, avoiding indoor crowded areas, and keeping rapid tests at home.
CDPHE will again provide K-12 Colorado schools (public, private, charter, and tribal) with a free, voluntary, and statewide COVID-19 screening testing program for the 2022-23 school year. Weekly rapid antigen testing is available to all students, staff, and school volunteers. This program is scheduled to begin the week of August 22, 2022. Find the entire Covid-19 School Guidance 22- 23 document here
Center For African American Health is in the North Park Hill Neighborhood. They offer several free programs like fatherhood initiatives, aging mastery, hypertension management, mental health support as well as wellness navigators who can help assist with choosing programs/sessions. Programs & Services - The Center for African American Health (caahealth.org)
The Denver Health STD Sexual Health Clinic offers free and low cost testing. STD Testing and Treatment | Public Health Institute at Denver Health (phidenverhealth.org)
For clinic care, an appointment must be made but there may also be Denver Health partners doing screenings You can call the outreach team to determine times and dates- 720-415-7075. Linkage to care team can also assist after a positive screening. Concerns about confidentiality or transportation? If you live in Colorado and are over 18 you can have a testing kit mailed to you once a year. At-home testing is for HIV, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Order an STD Testing Kit | TestYourselfColorado.org
Menstruation and youth
Who gets periods? Periods have been branded to be as a women’s issue, excluding people
with identities across gender spectrum. Often it is mentioned that girls need to be educated around periods, but “feminine” products can heighten dysphoria for those who bleed and are not women. Click here for an article that provides inclusive language on the “How to have the ‘Period Talk’ with your child or a resource to share with parents in the community.
PeriodKits is a non-profit organization based in Colorado that supplies period kits to those in need. To learn more about the Colorado network agencies involved, click here
Resources
Conversation around periods
Launch Pad Education
Education around Menstrual Health
Meditation Did you know? When we sit to meditate, we are looking after ourselves in ways that might not seem obvious at first. Many people start meditating to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cultivate peace of mind. There are other lesser known mindfulness meditation benefits, which can have a positive impact on mental, physical, and emotional health. To learn more about the positive effects seen with daily meditation, read on here
How to Meditate Articles on Meditation 15 minute guided meditation