As the community prepares for colder temperatures, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is hosting a winter clothing drive at select vaccine clinics and SJBPH office locations during the month of October. Through partnerships with area organizations, supplies will be distributed to community members in need across Archuleta and La Plata counties. 

Those interested in donating will find collection boxes placed in the lobbies of the SJBPH offices and at select SJBPH vaccine clinics. All donations should be clean, washed, and in good condition. SJBPH will distribute all supplies to local organizations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio to deliver to community members in need. 

“You can do two great things for the community by donating winter supplies for those in need and getting your family and eligible kids vaccinated for COVID-19 at an upcoming clinic,” said Liane Jollon, Executive Director of SJBPH. “As the weather grows cooler and we move indoors, it is imperative to do everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19. While transmission remains high with the Delta variant circulating, it’s important to follow precautions. Wearing a mask inside of businesses and public indoor settings, regardless of your vaccination status, will help keep our community members healthy through the colder months. Families who are still unvaccinated should do so right away in preparation for winter.” 

 Suggested donations for the winter clothing drive include:  

• Coats 
• Blankets 
• Winter hats 
• Gloves 
• Scarves 
• Waterproof/ resistant jackets 
• NEW warm socks 
• Boots 
• Cold weather gear 

Supplies will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 1. Donations can be made at select vaccine clinics and locations:  

Archuleta County Vaccine Clinics: 

• Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, 811 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs, Tuesdays and Thursdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

La Plata County Vaccine Clinics: 

• La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango, Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Durango Farmers Market, 259 W 9th St, Durango, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

SJBPH Office Locations:* 

• Pagosa Springs, 502 S. 8th Street, Pagosa Springs, Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• Durango, 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango, Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

* Times listed for these sites are for clothing drop offs, not vaccine clinics 

The COVID-19 vaccines are widely available to all residents ages 12 and up. Youth ages 12 to 17 years are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Minors must have a signed parental consent form which can be completed online when registering or in-person at the clinic. Although advance registration is preferred, walk-ins are also welcome at upcoming clinics. The vaccine is free, and no ID is required. Additional clinics and information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on SJBPH’s website.  

Both La Plata and Archuleta counties currently have ‘High’ COVID-19 transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). SJBPH urges all community members to continue following public health precautions to support in-person learning and prevent the spread of COVID-19:   

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccine clinics and providers are available on the SJBPH website.  
• Receive a Pfizer booster dose if you are eligible. 
• Stay at home when feeling unwell.   
• Follow the local public health advisory that is in effect.  
• Masks are strongly advised in all public indoor settings for anyone 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status. Some settings, including schools, may require masking. 
• Physical distancing (staying at least six feet away from another person) is strongly advised while in a public indoor setting. 
• Wear a face covering while using public transportation and when travelling by air, train, or bus, as required by federal orders.  
• Practice good hygiene: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes.  
• Get tested if you have symptoms or if you are unvaccinated and believe you were exposed through a known contact or community interaction, testing sites and hours are listed on the SJBPH website.