Press releases

Mental Health Colorado to Host Candidate Forums

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 24, 2020 Media Contact: Aubree Hughes 405-615-3845 Mental Health Colorado to Host Candidate Forums Three forums will feature state house, state senate, district attorney, and board of education candidates DENVER - As a nonpartisan organization, Mental Health Colorado doesn’t endorse candidates, but the nonprofit advocacy group is educating candidates and constituents from all parties about the urgency of supporting healthier minds across the lifespan for all Coloradans. Mental Health Colorado will host a series of candidate forums ...

Read More

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, ...

Read More

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

“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 ...

Read More

Mental Health Colorado to Lead The Equitas Project with Generous Commitment from David and Laura Merage Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2020  The Mental Health Advocacy Organization Will Expand its Focus on Criminal Justice DENVER—Jails and prisons have become the largest mental health facilities in the U.S. It’s a painful intersection that The Equitas Project has worked to disentangle since its founding by the David and Laura Merage Foundation in 2013. As of April 16, 2020, The Equitas Project is now part of Mental Health Colorado, the state’s leading advocate for mental health, under the leadership of President & CEO Vincent Atchity. Through their ...

Read More

Not Enough Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants in Colorado to Address Needs of Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2020 Media Contact: Aubree Hughes 405.615.3845 Not Enough Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants in Colorado to Address Needs of Children Denver­—Children as young as 6 months old need mental health support—and the majority in Colorado do not get the care they need. House Bill 20-1006 will improve the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultations (ECMHC) program in Colorado and promote a strong, healthy start for our children. An early childhood consultant is an individual who connects early childhood professionals, ...

Read More

Mental Health Colorado Bill To Support People in Recovery and Address Health Care Workforce Shortage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 17, 2020 Media Contact: Flora Welsh 502.727.4329 Mental Health Colorado Bill To Support People in Recovery and Address Health Care Workforce Shortage Denver—More Coloradans need mental health or substance use services than ever, yet the workforce remains inadequate, only meeting 30% of the need. House Bill 20-1139 will enhance the role of Peer Support Professionals in the state’s health care landscape. Peer Support Professionals are an essential component of Colorado’s health care workforce and contribute to better outcomes for ...

Read More

Mental Health and Substance Use Access Disparities Increased in Colorado from 2013 to 2017

MEDIA CONTACT: Aubree Hughes 405.615.3845 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 2019 Mental Health Parity in Law Does Not Equate to Parity in Practice Denver — In the midst of an opioid epidemic and increased suicide rates, Coloradans are finding it increasingly difficult to access affordable mental health and substance use care under their private insurance plans. A nationwide study by the actuarial firm Milliman sheds light on this trend over a five-year period beginning in 2013—which documents widening disparities in access to in-network services for mental ...

Read More

Mental Health Colorado honors Vic Vela with 2019 Resiliency Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 12, 2019 Media contact: Aubree Hughes, 405-615-3845 Mental Health Colorado honors Vic Vela with 2019 Resiliency Award DENVER—Vic Vela is a familiar voice to Coloradans. He’s also a voice of resilience, hope and recovery. Mental Health Colorado will honor Vela at the 2019 Tribute Gala on Sept. 28. The award-winning Colorado Public Radio host shares his journey through addiction, recovery and advocacy to put a human face on the growing problem of substance use disorder. Mental Health Colorado is the state’s leading advocate in ...

Read More

Mental Health Colorado to honor Vail Resorts with Workplace Wellness Award

Media contact: Flora Welsh, 502.727.4329 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 3, 2019 Mental Health Colorado to honor Vail Resorts with Workplace Wellness Award DENVER — Mental Health Colorado has announced that Vail Resorts will be honored with the prestigious Workplace Wellness award during the 2019 Tribute Gala on September 28. Each year, Mental Health Colorado honors a company or organization displaying creativity, ingenuity and significant achievements in promoting mental wellness and ending stigma in its communities. As a result of the successful implementation ...

Read More

Mental Health Colorado names Vincent Atchity President and CEO

MEDIA CONTACT: Aubree Hughes, 405-615-3845 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2019 Mental Health Colorado names Vincent Atchity President and CEO DENVER—Mental Health Colorado announced today that Vincent Atchity has been named the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization’s president and CEO. Atchity will provide strategic leadership to help Mental Health Colorado achieve its mission of promoting mental wellness, ending stigma, and ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use services. Atchity served as the Executive Director of The Equitas Project, a ...

Read More