For The Cortez Journal

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County received an award “for reaching out to the community at large with programs which are of importance to Cortez and the surrounding areas” during the Colorado League’s bi-annual Convention in Boulder on May 16 and 17.

Fifteen local leagues from across the state of Colorado were represented. Eleanor Kuhl was the voting delegate representing Montezuma County.

Four awards were given from the Membership and Leadership Development Program of the Colorado League. Kuhl was recognized for accomplishments and addressed the Convention concerning programs of the county League in recent months, including the educational program on human trafficking held May 14. At least 100 people attended the information session on human trafficking, which was organized by the United Methodist Women, the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County, and the Victim Response Unit Coordinator of the Cortez Police Department.

Another action at the State Convention involved the adoption of a study for 2015 of the LWVCO Health Care Position to include behavioral health. Retired District Judge Sharon Hansen, of Cortez, has served on the Behavioral Health Task Force of the Colorado League and has participated in the preparation of a report for the recommended statewide study. The study will help to expand the existing health care position with a new section on children and youth, as well as a new section on behavioral health and the homeless.

The next meeting of the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County is Saturday, June 13 at 9 am at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores.