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DENVER, CO – Representatives Michael Carter and Jamie Jackson today released a statement in support of the Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) recent state public health order. The order directs GEO Group to turn over information needed to complete a public health investigation of a confirmed tuberculosis case at the Aurora ICE Processing Center.
Representative Michael Carter, D-Aurora and Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora:
“We support CDPHE’s decision to issue a state public health order because more must be done to protect our community. Time and time again, GEO Group has failed to cooperate with other requests, including a public health order issued by the Adams County Health Department on June 25, and we believe their inaction has heightened risk in Aurora. While this order is a step in the right direction, it does fall short of the state law we cosponsored, which permits facility inspection.
“Without the necessary information, Colorado public health officials cannot independently determine whether all exposed individuals with tuberculosis have been identified, appropriately tested, treated, and connected with follow-up care. Assurances from GEO and federal authorities are not a substitute for an independent investigation by the state and local agencies legally responsible for protecting public health in Colorado.
“We strongly urge GEO Group to comply with the public health order to turn over records and information necessary to complete the investigation because we understand that letting a communicable disease go unchecked could pose a risk to those inside the facility and, potentially, communities throughout Colorado.
“Colorado, not a private federal contractor, must determine when and how the state exercises its lawful authority to protect public health and keep our communities safe.”
CDPHE issued the state public health order after GEO Group failed to comply with several requests for information about a known tuberculosis case in the Aurora facility. GEO Group has until August 17 to submit medical information, potential contacts and discharge and transfer information to CDPHE and the Denver Health Tuberculosis Clinic. Colorado law requires that facilities report communicable diseases and cooperate fully with public health investigations.