Gov. Hickenlooper Highlights Mental Health Month, Colorado Crisis Services and Statewide Mental Health Efforts

Press Release

Gov. John Hickenlooper today signed a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in an event that also highlighted the achievements of Colorado Crisis Services, a statewide mental health resource.

Colorado Crisis Services is a program with a $25 million annual budget started in 2014 to address mental health issues in the community through round-the-clock stabilization centers, a mobile unit, a crisis hotline and respite services.

The event, hosted by the Colorado Department of Human Services and Mental Health America of Colorado, was held at the Santa Fe House, Littleton's walk-in crisis center.

"The month of May calls attention to the importance of addressing mental health symptoms early and planning appropriate action that takes overall health into account," Hickenlooper said. "Colorado Crisis Services was developed as a statewide initiative strengthening our state's mental health system and safeguarding all Coloradans."

Colorado Crisis Services provides confidential and immediate professional help for any mental health, substance use, or emotional concern, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those in need may access trained, professional specialists and peer counselors, mobile units, respite care, crisis walk-in centers and stabilization units that are available throughout the state. Since services began in December of 2014, 5,363 individuals have been seen at walk-in stabilization units, and 6,057 individuals have been served by mobile units.

In addition, Colorado Crisis Services in August launched a statewide mental health crisis line to provide Coloradans access to mental health professionals for 24-hour crisis support at 844-493-TALK (8255). Since the hotline began, it has received more than 50,000 calls.

"The hardest part about getting help for a mental health, substance use, or emotional issue is knowing where to begin -- especially when an issue reaches a crisis point," says Reggie Bicha, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services. "Colorado Crisis Services is that single point of entry for any individual experiencing a crisis."

The services are also designed to assist family members of those in crisis, offering them a place to seek help for their loved ones.

Also on Friday, Climb Out of the Darkness, an eight-member mountaineering team made up of students from Ft. Lewis College, was recognized for its plan to bring awareness to mental health issues by climbing 54 Colorado "Fourteeners" over 10 weeks this summer.

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has partnered with a number of organizations including Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners (formerly known as Metro Crisis Services), Community Crisis Connection (CCC), Northeast Behavioral Health, LLC, Southern Colorado Crisis Connection and Western Slope CASA, among others to operate and maintain Colorado Crisis Services throughout the state.

To get access to a complete list of resources provided by Colorado Crisis Services throughout the state, visit their website. You can recieve additional resources at the Mental Health America of Colorado website.

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