1041 results for author: Mental Health Colorado

Doug Townsend

Mental illness among our fellow Coloradans is a concern for all – from the impact on our friends and family members, to the impact it has on the homeless, and to the contribution it has to increased violence against our citizens.  The vast majority of individuals suffering from mental illness will never become violent, and in fact are much more likely to be victims of violence.  The mass-scale deinstitutionalization of the seriously mental ill that began in the 1970’s has resulted in these individuals being “reinstitutionalized” in jails and prisons.  The wide spread chronic homelessness that we now see throughout Denver and the metro area ...

Sally Boccella

I believe that mental health is just “health” and that all Coloradans deserve to have mental healthcare coverage and be able to access services if needed. Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and I want to combat this at the State Capitol. I support the Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam bill that requires all Colorado insurers to cover an annual mental health preventative exam with a qualified mental health provider. I helped pass HB19-1120 Youth Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention Act in 2019 and continue to collaborate with schools and community leaders on ways to support students and their ...

What They’re Watching: Vincent Atchity

By: Michael Goldberg Originally appeared in The State of Reform Vincent Atchity is the President and CEO at Mental Health Colorado and the former Executive Director of the Equitas Project. Ahead of the 2020 legislative session in Colorado, Atchity joined us as a “What They’re Watching” guest to discuss mental health parity, decriminalizing mental health and reforming first responder systems of care. While State of Reform spoke with Atchity back in the fall, he offered a prescient take on the issues that persist in the way mental heath intersects with the criminal justice system. As citizens around the country continue demonstrating ...

No parents should have to live with worries like these…

Mental Health Colorado President & CEO Vincent Atchity released the following statement: No parents should have to live with these fears and worries—that established systems of justice, health care, education, and opportunity may exclude and possibly even harm their children throughout their lives. When I became a parent, I inherited a world of worries. I worry constantly about our sons—about all the hazards that can befall them on their way to becoming adults. So much to worry about, so much to keep me up at night: health crises, guns, drugs, sex, alcohol, cars, police encounters, bullies, violence, risk-taking, ...

No parents should have to live with worries like these…

No parents should have to live with these fears and worries—that established systems of justice, health care, education, and opportunity may exclude and possibly even harm their children throughout their lives. When I became a parent, I inherited a world of worries. I worry constantly about our sons—about all the hazards that can befall them on their way to becoming adults. So much to worry about, so much to keep me up at night: health crises, guns, drugs, sex, alcohol, cars, police encounters, bullies, violence, risk-taking, foolishness. But, because our boys are white, I don’t also worry that they run the risk of being criminalized by ...

Ningún padre debe de vivir preocupado asi…

Los padres no deben de vivir con tanto miedo y preocupación - de que los sistemas establecidos de justicia, de la atención médica, de educación, y de oportunidad van a excluir e incluso causarles daño a sus hijos durante toda la vida.  Cuando me hice padre, heredé un mundo de preocupaciones. Me preocupo constantemente de mis dos hijos, sobre todo el peligro que puede caer sobre ellos en el camino a ser adultos. Hay tanto de que preocuparse, tanto por lo que no puedo dormir: armas, drogas, sexo, alcohol, carros, encuentros con la policia, tomar riesgos, tonterías.   Pero, como nuestros hijos son Blancos, no me tengo que ...

Mental Health Colorado starts initiative for Coloradans to connect with friends, allies, and neighbors

Originally appeared on My Prime Time News “In This Together” initiative will help build social closeness as we maintain social distancing guidelines ~ DENVER— This is undoubtedly one of the most stressful times imaginable for many. This pandemic drives the message home that our physical health and our mental health are not separate. To combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, and stress, and to get through this pandemic with healthier minds, Mental Health Colorado started “In This Together” as a way to connect people with people—and just to chat. People can sign up on Mental Health Colorado’s website and they will receive a ...

Suicides in Colorado dropped 40% during first 2 months of coronavirus pandemic — but calls to crisis line spiked

By: Jessica Seaman Originally appeared in the Daily Camera Colorado recorded a 40% decrease in suicides in March and April as social-distancing policies aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus kept residents home, according to provisional death-certificate data from the state health department. The data helps paint a complex picture of the mental and emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. While suicides are down from 2019 levels, Colorado Crisis Services saw an almost 48% increase calls in March and April compared to last year, with most callers seeking help for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. And experts are ...

Embracing our business uncertainty together for employee mental health

By Steve Ebner Originally appeared in The Denver Business Journal Are you OK? It’s a simple question, but its impact can be dramatic. Now more than ever, mental health should be part of every manager’s checklist. Managing one’s mental well-being is challenging in the best of times. Now it is daunting. The suddenness of how Covid-19 has changed our workplace and family life has accelerated stress. We worry about adapting to remote working, getting gravely sick, suffering a job loss and watching assets like our 401k and our home lose value. For most businesses, your value proposition is centered around your employee team. Therefore, ...

These bills will help create healthier minds across life spans in Colorado

Originally appeared in the Denver Business Journal Written by: Vincent Atchity, President & CEO, Mental Health Colorado “The first wealth is health.” Ralph Waldo Emerson penned these words knowing that good health is essential to a full and flourishing life. But there is no health without mental health — mind and body are inextricably linked. From before birth and well into old age, mental health is key if we are to thrive. Mental Health Colorado defines seven goals for creating healthier minds across the life span. A strong start for all children We develop brains and behaviors at a rapid pace, not fully maturing until as ...