Brighton Youth Commission

Mental Health Colorado is pleased to honor the members of the Brighton Youth Commission as Youth of the Year.  The Commission’s 22 teenagers and six adults, all appointed by the Brighton City Council, have spearheaded a series of community service projects – including a creative approach to suicide prevention.

In 2012, the Commission launched a weeklong program of suicide prevention, education, awareness, and knowledge: S.P.E.A.K Week. Since then, S.P.E.A.K. has expanded its reach to 11 Brighton schools, enlisted a wide range of local businesses, and engaged hundreds of residents in an annual 5k walk.

The Commission’s teenage members designed S.P.E.A.K. in response to the death of a cherished classmate. The program promotes candid discussions of mental health and the value of counseling. S.P.E.A.K. has consistently persuaded a number of Brighton students to seek the care they need.