February 2023

Born in 1953, Mental Health Colorado turns 70 this year!

Contact your legislators today! Earlier this month, members of the General Assembly introduced two separate pieces of legislation – SB23-109 “Criminal Penalty Controlled Substance Supplier” and HB23-1164 “Opioid Harm Reduction” that threaten to reverse our state’s recent progress toward addressing the overdose and addiction crises with evidence-based approaches that improve health outcomes.

Raise your voice and send a letter to your Legislator telling them to vote no on SB23-109 and HB23-1164 here: 
https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/portal---view-939/bcptn/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI 

TOMORROW (3/1/23)

Colorado Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day: Mental Health Colorado, alongside NAMI CO, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Colorado, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, will host a Day at the Capitol to advocate for state policy changes to improve mental health and prevent suicide.

If you would like to participate, please register here:
https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/event-2023COSPD-thanks-/bcptr/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI 

Click here for legislative updates - statewide and national!

This year’s theme, “It’s Time for Change,” acknowledges that we haven’t come this far to only come this far. Mental Health Colorado aims to contribute to the movement for more now; more equity, inclusion, access, outreach, early intervention, education, representation, advocacy, and awareness. Our communities deserve so much more, and we are so much stronger together. 

Keep an eye on our social media this week for some affordable, state-wide eating disorder resources.  

In the meantime, here’s a great local resource: https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/learn-more-more-resources-/bcpty/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI  

https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/3c-8c3b-4aef-b950-6274cd3dca65/bcpv2/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI

“‘Deinstitutionalization started in the 1960s... Part of that movement led to the creation of community mental health centers,’ said Atchity. He said that was the right decision for better care, but it never materialized the right way, falling short on access and enough resources, while beds were vanishing.” 

The state is short on culturally competent care, short on resources, short on beds, and too often, families don't know where to turn in a moment of crisis. 

Next month! Mental Health Colorado will be hosting this year’s Legislative Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD 2023) starting on March 7. This first-ever 3-day advocacy event will include (1) an educational webinar to discuss Mental Health Colorado’s policy agenda, (2) our signature, virtual LEAD program featuring local legislators, a panel & keynote speaker with lived experience, and (3) an opportunity to join us in person at the Capitol to share your story with policymakers.  

Click here to learn more and/or register:
https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/lead2023/bcpv5/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI  

"Our partnership with Mental Health Colorado will be focused on reducing discrimination around mental health and amplifying knowledge of public resources.” 

Please join us at the kick-off party on March 1^st at Asterisk Denver (1075 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205), where you can learn about the 2023 Community Kit and/or purchase this year’s new jersey, designed in support of mental health awareness.

Learn more + RSVP: https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/-the-2023-season-kickoff-party/bcpv8/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI  

#CareNotCuffs - Drug War is Over (if Coloradans want it)

https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/37-11ed-9fd6-d704dd6a3588-html/bcpvc/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI 

“In order to make real, meaningful change, we need to radically reassess the ways we live with the substances in our world and with the people who use them. We must reorient our efforts and resources toward helping Coloradans with protective education that is fact-based, risk-mitigating and has access to care complete with compassion and cultural competency.”

Every month, Mental Health Colorado convenes our Monthly Reports & Updates meeting with Coloradans across the state who are working to disentangle mental health and criminal justice. Each meeting features different speakers who share information about their respective efforts. February’s meeting featured a presentation by Adam Goss, Project Manager for Mental Health Colorado’s SAFER Opportunities initiative: https://marketing.mentalhealthcolorado.org/e/972023/updates-cjmh-/bcpvg/253774069?h=VuneytNw_QlKEP1EFNsYWCh3zhKDWy3phtGUvaqrCrI.