News Clips
Care, not cuffs, for substance use | OPINION
February 9, 2023
By: Vincent Atchity
It’s no secret there is a significant and growing mental health and substance use crisis in Colorado. Though some are working to address this crisis, there remain entrenched systems, policies and attitudes that harm rather than help the most vulnerable in our communities. Coloradans of all ages experience grievous harm and die prematurely in association not only with their use of alcohol, opioids and other legal and illegal substances, but with the way our community’s systems respond to them and fail to reduce the terrible harms ...
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s shift from self care to system change
May 14, 2023
By: Vincent Atchity
It seems one of the few things that 90 percent of Americans will agree on these days is that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis. So, how can we translate this sentiment into concrete actions that improve mental health?
With Mental Health Awareness Month underway, there will surely be no shortage of articles promoting meditation apps, vacations and calming breath techniques. While individual-level interventions are necessary, they alone cannot achieve sustainable progress. It’s imperative that we shift our status quo ...
Experts say Colorado’s mental health care system is ‘failing’
July 14, 2023
By: Ryan Spencer
As the Summit County community processes the aftermath of an incident involving mental health issues where officers shot and killed an 18-year-old who police say pointed a weapon at officers, experts say young people need better access to mental health care to help prevent such tragedies.
Yet, demand for mental health services is higher than ever, straining the system in Colorado, which is already “one of the worst places in the country for accessing mental health care,” according to Mental Health Colorado President Vincent ...
The Longevity Project, Part 3: Mental health impacts of pandemic are multifaceted
September 12, 2021
By: Kari Dequine Harden
Local mental health care providers are seeing a higher patient load than ever. And nationally, research shows an increase in anxiety, depression, burnout, sadness and substance use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is impacting our mental health,” said Lilia Luna, behavioral health director for Northwest Colorado Health. And the national trends “align with what we are seeing in Northwest Colorado.”
“It’s been a year unlike any other,” said Justin Ross, a licensed clinical psychologist and ...
EN ESPAÑOL Los estados tienen dinero para gastar en salud mental, pero quizá no dure
September 8, 2021
By: Sophie Quinton
DENVER — Colorado es conocido como la meca de la salud y la vida al aire libre. Sin embargo, un porcentaje de residentes estatales superior al promedio nacional lucha contra las enfermedades mentales, los pensamientos suicidas o el consumo excesivo de drogas o alcohol, según encuestas federales.
Read the full article in the Colorado Tribune
Federal class action lawsuit draws attention to children with mental health issues
September 3, 2021
By: Marianne Goodland
BB is 16. Instead of going to school or hanging out with friends, she's been living in the emergency room of a local hospital since July 1.
You read that right: more than two months, because the state has been unable to find an appropriate residential treatment program for her in Colorado.
Read the full article in The Colorado Springs Gazette
Federal class action lawsuit draws attention to children with mental health issues
September 3, 2021
By: Marianne Goodland
BB is 16. Instead of going to school or hanging out with friends, she's been living in the emergency room of a local hospital since July 1. You read that right: more than two months, because the state has been unable to find an appropriate residential treatment program for her in Colorado.
Read the full article in Colorado Politics
State Spending on Mental Health Rises. But for How Long?
September 7, 2021
By: Sophie Quinton
States have set aside millions of federal dollars for mental health and substance use disorder services, but the money must be spent by the end of 2026. Then, states will have to find other ways to fund the programs.
Read the full article in Governing Magazine
States Have Money to Spend on Mental Health, but It May Not Last
September 2, 2021
By: Sophie Quinton
Article originally found in Stateline
DENVER — Colorado’s known as a mecca for healthy, outdoorsy types. Yet a higher share of state residents than the national average struggle with mental illness, suicidal thoughts or heavy drug or alcohol use, according to federal surveys.
The COVID-19 pandemic—with its accompanying job losses, school closures and bereavements—has made the situation worse.
Now Colorado policymakers are gearing up to spend big on mental health and substance use disorder services, thanks to the ...
Colorado lawmakers hear pleas to reform justice system’s linkage to mental health treatment
September 2, 2021
By: Michael Karlik
Colorado lawmakers on Wednesday heard from in-state and out-of-state experts about the need to disrupt the relationship between mental illness and the criminal justice system, with a message that jail-based services and police contacts are unhelpful interventions for those in severe crisis.
Read the full article in Colorado Politics
