Community Connections has provided services to three Southwest Colorado counties – San Juan, Archuleta and La Plata – and is expanding their case management services to Montezuma and Dolores counties.

The organization was awarded the Case Management Agency contract for long-term services and support beginning Nov. 1. It will be the only case management provider for older adults and people with disabilities of all ages in Southwest Colorado’s five counties.

Services span from skilled nursing care, personal and homemaker assistance for people with mental, physical or cognitive disabilities or if they have conditions that limit their ability to care for themselves.

Residents who live in San Juan, Archuleta and La Plata counties will not experience changes in their care.

According to a news release, Dolores and Montezuma county residents who receive Single Entry Point services from Montezuma County Public Health (MCPH) will transition to Community Connections on Nov. 1.

Tara Kiene, Community Connections President and CEO, said that close to 400 new clients will be added who come from Montezuma and Dolores Counties. Three hundred and eighty from Montezuma County and 21 in Dolores County.

Many case managers who work with these residents will move on with Community Connections which will help continue services without interruption.

“We are thrilled that most of the current case management team at Montezuma County Public Health will be joining us November 1st, so we will retain the expertise and relationships that MCPH has developed over the years,” Kiene said. “Our two organizations have been working closely together to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible for the people we serve.”

Town Hall sessions will be available for people who are curious about the transition.

An in-person session will be in Cortez on Oct. 23 from 1-2 p.m. at the Montezuma County Senior Center.

Virtual sessions through Zoom will be held on Oct. 23 from 6-7 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 1-2 p.m.

All session details, links and recordings can be found on their website.