Public Health Agency
Announcements
FREE PFAS Well Testing
Gilpin County Public Health (GCPH), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), is offering free well water testing for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals linked to long-term health risks.
For those drinking water from a private well, testing is available through the PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (PFAS TAP) at no cost. You must order a free PFAS kit through CDPHE to be shipped to your home, PFAS testing is not conducted at the Gilpin Public Health water lab. Some participants may also qualify for a free water filter that removes PFAS and other common contaminants. Testing helps identify and minimize exposure to PFAS in the area and develop recommendations on PFAS contamination. This program is available while supplies last.
A public meeting will be held at the Gilpin County Library (15131 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO 80422) on August 13, 2025, from 6-8 pm to answer questions and share more information about PFAS, the testing program, and other well water quality concerns.
Apply for free PFAS testing.
Register for the public meeting.
Learn more about PFAS and your health.
Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that can spread rapidly through airborne particles. The United States is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles with over 1,000 confirmed cases nationwide. Symptoms including fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash typically develop 7-21 days after exposure. The best protection for measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, as 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people will become infected if exposed to the disease.
Gilpin County currently has no known cases of measles.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers up-to-date information on measles in Colorado. If you believe you may have been exposed to measles and have developed symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider, emergency room, or an urgent care by phone and explain that you believe you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead ensures the provider is equipped to handle measles, which prevents further exposures.
Please contact Gilpin County Public Health at 303-582-5803 or email mlarson@gilpincounty.org if you have any questions, or for assistance in finding a healthcare location.
Measles Testing Locations
CommonSpirit Emergency and Urgent Care, Golden
- 760 Warner Dr, Golden CO 80401
- 303-925-4360
CommonSpirit Emergency and Urgent Care
- 3280 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood Co 80227
- 303-649-3620
- 6413 Fig St, Arvada CO 80004
- 720-449-8060
- 3300 28th Street, Boulder CO 80301
- 303-541-9090
FREE Blood Lead Testing
Gilpin County Public Health is now offering FREE blood lead testing!
Due to Gilpin County's history of mining, blood lead testing is important for residents who may be vulnerable. Testing is particularly important for:
- Children age 0 to 6
- Pregnant women
- Women planning to become pregnant
Testing only requires a simple finger stick, and results are available in 3 minutes.
Available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm at the Gilpin Public Health Office, 15193 Hwy 119 Black Hawk, 80422
Call or email Marie Larson, Community Health Specialist, for questions or to schedule an appointment.
720-669-6989
Learn more about lead and your health
Respiratory Virus Guidance Update
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated guidance outlining best practices for handling common respiratory viruses, including for COVID 19, Flu, and RSV.
CDC’s first recommendation for people who get sick with a respiratory virus is simple: Stay home and away from others.
Updated COVID 19 recommendations include:
- Returning to normal activities when symptoms have been getting better overall for 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone for 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.
- Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
For more information, please visit the CDC website on Respiratory Virus Guidance.
Contact Public Health
ALISA WITT, MPH
Public Health Director
303-582-5803
Office Address
15193 Hwy. 119
Black Hawk, CO 80422
Located in the new Human Services Building across the street from the County Transfer Station (dump).
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Water Samples
Water samples are accepted Monday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Samples will not be run the day before State holidays. Water samples must be tested within 24 hours of collection.
Services We Provide
Vaccine information
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Chronic disease information
- Women and children's resources
- Mental health resources
- Nicotine and tobacco resources
Environmental Health
- Radon information
- Well water testing
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
- Flood preparedness
- Wildfire preparedness
- Winter weather preparedness
Vital Records
Marriage Certificates: contact Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder
Birth and Death Certificates: contact Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Mission
The mission of Gilpin County Public Health is to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellbeing of all Gilpin County community members and of the environment in which they live.
Vision
Gilpin County Public Health will work in collaboration with fellow public health agencies and organizations across the state of Colorado to provide residents with the best health resources and information available. The goal of Gilpin County Public Health is to help our community achieve the highest possible standard of well being, and we strongly believe that health is a fundamental human right. We serve to promote and protect the quality of life for all Gilpin County residents, and to maintain the environment that we all share.