Prowers County Recognizes National Men’s Health Week

Kacee Lucero, Lisa Thomas, and Crystal Cook

Men’s Health Week is being observed in Prowers County.  Last Thursday, representatives from the High Plains Community Health Center met with the county commissioners as they signed a proclamation in recognition of Men’s Health Week, June 13-19.  Lisa Thomas, Crystal Cook and Kacee Lucero reminded the commissioners and the general public that through this week, men can walk in for a free prostate exam between 8 and 9am and speak with a provider regarding any medical concerns they may have.  Commissioner Gene Millbrand stated that unfortunately, the county has one of the lower health assessments in the state, and thanked the High Plains staff for their work for this week and through the year.

Sergio Sigala, a medical marijuana caregiver in the county, asked the commissioners and county attorney, John Lefferdink how the ban on marijuana dispensaries in the county would apply to the work done by state registered caregivers.  He said he could not find any reference to caregivers in the county marijuana resolutions and wanted advice on any legal liabilities he could encounter.  Sigala said the nearest dispensary is in Sugar City, about 80 miles west, and some registered patients are not well enough to make a trip.  He added that caregivers are allowed by the state to grow six plants, three blooming and three for harvest for five patient’s needs. When asked how many registered providers are in the county, Sigala replied, “None, most are scared of the consequences of violating any laws right now.  That’s why I’m here seeking a clarification.”  He said the state has provided an application form for caregivers, but it’s mostly used in those areas of Colorado where there are fewer restrictions on medical marijuana use.   County attorney John Lefferdink stated that the question of caregiver, “is not open or shut.  Under federal law it’s still illegal just like cocaine or heroin.  We can’t tell Mr. Sigala not to worry and go ahead and open a facility with no problem.  We can’t tell him that because the federal law trumps a state constitutional amendment.”  Lefferdink advised Sigala to contact the body of lawyers who are representing marijuana use advocates, as they may have a more up to date handle on the current shifting regulations.

A check of state statistics gave a numerical breakdown on registered marijuana users in southeast Colorado Counties:  Prowers-85; Otero-186; Las Animas-256; Kiowa-16; Kit Carson-48; Crowley-61; Bent-44 and Baca-63.  These numbers are current as of the end of March, 2011 and showed a minor decrease in almost every county from the last survey, several months ago.

In other action the commissioners approved an insurance settlement for repairs needed to a part of the electrical system in the county jail.  Some electric lines were severed by the contractor, Camp and Currell, during the county jail renovations, and the company’s insurance carrier issued a check for $14,772 for the repair work which has been completed.

By Russ Baldwin