MINDY LEARY
GILPIN COUNTY — The annual Gilpin County Health and Wellness Fair on May 9 was buzzing with activity. Residents enjoyed fitness demos, wellness booths, health screenings, and the exciting Spring Wined-Up 5K.
The day kicked off with the 5K run and walk fundraiser for the Friends of the Gilpin County Community Center. Thirty-three runners took to the course, looping around the Community Center trails. Local runner Jack Forrest claimed the top spot, followed closely by David Femmer in second, and Barbara Goranson in third. “It’s a lot of fun,” Forrest said after finishing the race.
Prizes for the event came from local businesses, like Mountain Poppy Boutique and Toss Wood-Fired Pizza. Supportive donations also included wine from Tracy Eliasson and Kelly Ragland.
Inside, the Community Center was packed with booths offering resources on physical health, mental wellness, wildfire safety, and youth programs. Free screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol tests, were available through Gilpin County Public Health.
One highlight was free blood lead testing for children and pregnant women. According to Public Health Director Alisa Witt, this service is crucial due to the area’s mining history and associated contamination risks from the Central City/Clear Creek Superfund Site. This site has been under cleanup since it was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List in 1983 due to past mining activities.
Witt noted that many homes were built near historic mining areas, where remnants of mining waste often pose health risks, particularly for children. “Lead contamination can enter homes through dust on shoes or pets, making it particularly dangerous for kids,” she explained.
She emphasized that testing is essential for young children and pregnant women. “There’s not enough blood lead testing available in our community,” she added.
Residents also explored booths from organizations like Timberline Fire Protection District, Gilpin Senior Services, and the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. Advocates for Recovery discussed planned all-recovery meetings aimed at supporting individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges.
Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on fitness. Jessica from Wow Yourself! Wellness highlighted her Fit4Life HIIT classes, which are held regularly at the Community Center.
The fair successfully blended important health education with a friendly community vibe. Participants chatted over coffee and refreshments as they gathered screening results and fitness information.
The insights shared at the fair resonate with ongoing conversations about community health and safety, reflecting a growing awareness around the dangers of lead exposure. Recent data shows that childhood lead exposure is a significant public health concern, with the CDC estimating that around 3.6% of children aged 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels above the reference value.
Public health efforts like those seen at the Gilpin County Fair are vital for addressing such issues and empowering residents with information and support.
Information about the Central City/Clear Creek Superfund Site was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
