I sent an email to the Board of Boulder County Commissioners our concerns and desire to keep this essential service available to our community!

Here is what I wrote:

Good morning.

We have been contacted by so many community members who have benefited from the BCAAA nutrition one-on-one counseling program. They have legitimate concerns of its termination. Cut from the budget July 1st after 12 years. My client pointed out (see email below) that in years past she received requests for donations to the program and has donated every time but in recent years has not received this from the county.

I understand we are in an unpredictable time of federal funding. In order to keep this successful program available especially due to the increasing demand for this service available to our 60+ community members and caregivers, could the county please consider sending these out?  A new administration may not put us at fear of budget cuts to our health and human services programs. I am asking we consider that the county stay innovative and help me keep this program alive on some funding level to prepare for the future. This is an essential program that helps our aging population have access to individualized plans and support with nutrition to prevent and manage chronic disease.

I am collecting testimonials from physicians and community members that refer and utilize this program. We have worked with thousands over the past 12 years and are devastated to say the county no longer supports them...I am determined to continue this program and will but would love to have some support to do so. It has been an honor to have this contract with you and hope you value our program to consider continuing funding to some capacity since we are in the 2nd year of this 5-year contract.

Sincerely,
Katie Filkins