Jace DiCola

Colorado

Health and Wellness Reporter at Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

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Articles

Western Slope food insecurity grew 17% since 2019

1 week ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

With grocery prices and the economy dominating conversations over the past few years, it may not be a surprise that food insecurity has increased by 17% across the Western Slope between 2019 and 2023 (the most recent year with available data). However, Feeding America’s annual “Map the Meal Gap” report reveals interesting insights, especially as the country’s economy teeters and funding for food banks is reduced or endangered.
Mesa County behavioral health department to close

1 week ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

With its founding director’s termination and a future of uncertain funding, Mesa County determined that its Behavioral Health Department could no longer operate independently. According to Mesa County Deputy Administrator Matt Lewis, the department will be officially eliminated June 30, but its two programs will tentatively continue. One of its services, the Crisis Co-Response Unit, has moved to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.
Mesa County behavioral health department to close

1 week ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

Mesa County Behavioral Health’s closure will take place only two years after the department’s founding and three months after its former director, Lisa Mills, was terminated for a slew of county policy violations. Some of the six violations attributed to her termination, which the Sentinel obtained through an open records request in March, include sharing confidential information, engaging in financial quid-pro-quos and hindering service delivery by disparaging colleagues and agencies.
Outdoors a growing tool in veteran suicide prevention, mental health support

2 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

Joel Dibble is well-acquainted with the toll of military service, enlisting as an infantryman from 1987 to 1991. “Anytime you live in a foxhole for seven months of your life, you pray for war to start,” Dibble said.
Veterans volunteer at food bank as needs rise

2 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

Photos by Larry Robinson/The Daily SentinelVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3981 Commander Len Ladue, right, inspects items of food gathered through the Food Bank of the Rockies Food Rescue Program on May 13, 2025. Ladue and others from the VFW were volunteering on the organization’s fourth National Day of Service, which highlights how U.S. veterans remain valuable contributors to their communities long after completing their military service.
Veterans volunteer at food bank as needs rise

2 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

1 of 6 Photos by Larry Robinson/The Daily SentinelVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3981 Commander Len Ladue, right, inspects items of food gathered through the Food Bank of the Rockies Food Rescue Program on May 13, 2025. Ladue and others from the VFW were volunteering on the organization’s fourth National Day of Service, which highlights how U.S. veterans remain valuable contributors to their communities long after completing their military service.
Veteran suicide prevention seminar on Monday, more Health Headlines

2 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

The Community and Clergy Suicide Prevention and Moral Injury Seminar, hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Western Colorado Healthcare System, will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m., at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road. According to a VA press release, the seminar aims to “provide the tools and knowledge necessary to support our veterans effectively,” as part of a larger effort to eliminate veteran suicides.
'Solemn' vigil honors fallen officers, starts National Police Week

3 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

Photos by Aaron Acker/Special to the SentinelThe Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard (a joint guard with the Grand Junction Police Department) presented the Colors at Monday’s ceremony at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office to recognize the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends, and fellow officers they left behind as part of National Police Week.
'Solemn' vigil honors fallen officers, starts National Police Week

3 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

Local law enforcement kicked off National Police Week, May 11 through May 17, with a poignant tribute Monday. Agencies, including the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol, gathered outside the local sheriff’s office, 215 Rice St., to honor fallen officers and their families.
Adolescent addiction care to expand under St. Mary's

3 weeks ago | gjsentinel.com | Jace DiCola

It’s tough being a teenager, but “tough” is an understatement when substance abuse and mental health are thrown in the mix. While many people believe that teenage substance use is strictly social and experimental, the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that about 8.5% of youth 12 to 17 (2.2 million people) meet the criteria for substance use disorder. Similarly, youth mental health goes far beyond moodiness and fleeting hormones.