FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		Media Contact:  Sara O’Keefe
April 7, 2008		Phone:  (303) 953-3655

Foundation Provides $100,000 to Help Clean Alamosa’s Water Supply

Funds to Department of Health and Environment to
Test and Monitor Water after Salmonella Outbreak

DENVER –The Colorado Health Foundation has given $100,000 to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Alamosa’s public health agency to help with the cost of ridding Alamosa’s water supply of salmonella contamination. Funds will be used for testing and monitoring water samples and covering the costs incurred by staff from local health departments assisting in the effort.

The outbreak of salmonella bacteria in Alamosa’s water supply has sickened more than 300, and the water was deemed unsafe for drinking, cooking and bathing for the area’s 10,000 residents. The Colorado Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of all Coloradans and committed to being responsive to the state’s health needs in times of crisis.

Since the outbreak on March 8, CDPHE has mobilized at least 25 staff from its Water Quality and Consumer Protection Divisions to assist the local public health department. Staff from 11 local county health departments are volunteering their time to assist in the crisis. More than $300,000 has already been spent and there is urgent need for additional funds to support the effort.

“The Foundation saw a need and felt is was important to be proactive in providing this support to the people of Alamosa, because without clean, safe water, it’s impossible to raise a healthy family,” said Anne Warhover, Foundation president and CEO. “An outbreak such as this underscores the importance of public health and the need for investment in its infrastructure, which is, unfortunately, under funded in Colorado,” added Warhover.

About The Colorado Health Foundation
The Colorado Health Foundation works to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation by increasing the number of Coloradans with health insurance, ensuring they have access to quality, coordinated care and encouraging healthy living. The Foundation invests in the community through grants and initiatives to health-related nonprofits that focus on these goals, as well as operating medical education programs to increase the health care workforce. The Foundation's assets of nearly $900 million include an investment portfolio as well as an ownership interest in Denver's HealthONE hospital system. For more information, please visit www.ColoradoHealth.org.

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