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Women represent nearly two-thirds of Americans 65 or older living with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

New online tool helps people with dementia document future care decisions

The number of U.S. residents aged 65 or older living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is expected to double from nearly 7 …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

Decades of underinvestment in affordable housing, recently cited by outgoing HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, have dramatically impacted families with children. (Adobe Stock)

Renaissance marks quarter century serving homeless, low-income kids

This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Renaissance Children's Center, which serves low-income families and those experiencing homelessness with …

Colorado's community mental health centers provide a wide range of behavioral health services to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. (Adobe Stock)

Filling behavioral care gaps for Coloradans with acute mental illness

Behavioral health providers in the Denver metro area are tapping new technologies to ensure people with acute mental health needs don't fall through t…

Colorado's I Matter program provides adolescents in crisis access to six free mental-health counseling sessions, with referrals for further help if it is necessary. (Pexels)

CO lawmakers ponder several measures to boost children's mental health

Advocates say Colorado legislative leaders are working to make the state a leader in addressing the youth mental health crisis. At least nine bills …

Nine in 10 voters across eight Mountain West states including Colorado want oil and gas companies, not federal and state governments, to pay for cleanup and restoration costs. (Adobe Stock)

West's Latino voters want conservation over development on public lands

Voters, including 74% of Republicans, 87% of Independents and 96% of Democrats, would support candidates in elections who prioritize conservation on …

Since 1990, more than 1500 individuals have been helped by Greeley's Frontier House Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. (Adobe Stock)

Inclusive Clubhouse model improving mental health in Greeley

Many people with persistent mental illness find it difficult, or even impossible, to participate in common activities like work or friendships…

The stigma around mental health issues continues to be a barrier for many to access care. (Adobe Stock)

Getting help to San Luis Valley residents with severe mental illness and addiction

Coloradans struggling with persistent and severe mental illness in the San Luis Valley are getting special outreach and support, and that effort is …

Not having money for out of pocket costs, not being able to take time off work and a lack of reliable transportation are some of the barriers to accessing preventative care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Coloradans able to access preventative health care

Overall, more Coloradans are getting the care they need to stay healthy compared to previous years, according to a new analysis of data in the …

No tener dinero para pagar del bolsillo, no poder ausentarse del trabajo y la falta de medios de transporte confiables son algunos de los obst�culos para acceder a la atenci�n preventiva. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Más habitantes de CO pueden acceder a atención médica preventiva

En general, más habitantes de Colorado están recibiendo la atención que necesitan para mantenerse sanos en comparación con añ…

Holding back feelings and not speaking up when someone makes an off-color comment can lead to depression and health problems including immune dysfunction, hypertension and even cancer. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for navigating difficult conversations this holiday season

In today's politically polarized world, holiday office parties and family gatherings can lead to increased tensions, arguments and even long term …

En 2021, los m�dicos de los Centros de Salud Comunitarios de Colorado trataron a casi 950,000 pacientes en 2.7 millones de visitas de atenci�n primaria, as� como de atenci�n dental, oftalmol�gica, de salud mental y de abuso de sustancias. (Adobe Stock)

Problemas en el Congreso podrían afectar acceso a atención médica en CO

Los centros de salud comunitarios de Colorado, que atienden a todos los pacientes independientemente de su capacidad de pago, llevan ya un mes en su …

In 2021, clinicians at Community Health Centers in Colorado treated nearly 950,000 patients in 2.7 million visits for primary care as well as dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Colorado's community health centers that serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay are already one month into their new fiscal year…

The Fort Lyon campus has a long history in Colorado, dating back to 1860 as a military post, veterans hospital, neuropsychiatric facility, and state correctional facility. (Alexis Whitham)

Fort Lyon celebrates 10 years of recovery-based housing

It's been ten years since Fort Lyon, a 19th century military post in rural Bent county, opened its doors to people experiencing homelessness with …

Both CPR and QPR, a suicide prevention intervention, are designed to increase the chance of survival in the event of a crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Community Mental Health Centers offer free QPR suicide prevention trainings

Colorado has the sixth-highest suicide rate in the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When someone …

Most signage throughout Eagle Valley, on roadways and at trailheads, is English-only. (Iniciativa EVOM)

Eagle Valley Works to Make Outdoor Recreation More Accessible

Eagle County is one of Colorado's most prized outdoor recreation destinations, drawing visitors from across the globe. But 20% of the county's …

Intimate-partner violence includes violence, abuse and controlling behavior committed by a partner or former partner. It can result in long-lasting adverse mental-health outcomes, and is a leading cause of homelessness and housing instability. (Adobe Stock)

Housing First Model Helps Domestic-Violence Survivors

Victims of domestic violence who are able to access housing -- at their own pace, and with support for as long as the survivor needs help -- …

A new senior center in Highlands Ranch will offer a ten-week evidence-based

First Highlands Ranch Senior Center on Track to Open in 2024

Residents age 55 and older can now sign up for inaugural memberships with the first-ever senior center to open in Highlands Ranch, just south of …

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics help patients navigate the intersections between behavioral health care, physical health care, social services and other programs. (Adobe Stock)

Clinics Improving Mental and Behavioral Health Standards

A state-federal partnership is helping safety-net mental health centers in Colorado deepen the services they provide, which is improving access and …

Among adults in Colorado who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, 28.7% reported needing counseling or therapy but not receiving it in the past four weeks. (Adobe Stock)

Telehealth Expands Access to Mental Health Services in CO

The COVID public health emergency created a spike in the adoption of a wide range of telehealth services, and Coloradans are continuing to access …

Entre los adultos en Colorado que informaron haber experimentado s�ntomas de ansiedad y/o trastorno depresivo, el 28,7 % inform� que necesitaba asesoramiento o terapia, pero que no lo hab�a recibido en las �ltimas cuatro semanas. (Adobe Stock)

Telesalud amplía el acceso a los servicios de salud mental en CO

La emergencia de salud pública de COVID creó un aumento en la adopción de una amplia gama de servicios de telesalud, y los habitantes …

Between 1999 and 2019, 841,000 people Americans died from a drug overdose.

Engagement Improves Mental Health Outcomes in Aurora

Nearly one in five people in the U.S. live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health - but a new program underway …

Young people are learning how to get their peers to open up about mental health and substance use challenges, and how to connect them with trusted adults and mental health professionals. (Adobe Stock)

Tapping Teens to Connect Youth in Mental Distress with Support

One in five teens in the U.S. will experience a mental health challenge before they turn 18, but 64% of them won't seek help. A new training program …

One in three Coloradans age 65 and older face significant housing cost burdens, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

Colorado ranks third nationally when it comes to caring for its most vulnerable adults, according to a new UnitedHealthcare report. The strong …

If left unchecked, and without access to medications, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can turn into complications such as diabetic neuropathy and coronary vascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Medicines Closer to West Denver Metro Residents

After 18 months of planning and renovations, STRIDE community health center has opened its second pharmacy inside the Wheat Ridge clinic at 29th St…

A new training program developed by the High Plains Research Network Community Advisory Council is helping community members intervene and prevent suicides in rural areas across Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado's Rural Communities Mobilizing to Prevent Suicide

Community advisory committees across rural Colorado are working to better understand the mental-health needs for community members including farmers…

The scholarship initiative was created with the Colorado Department of Higher Education to increase the attainment of postsecondary credentials and degrees for underserved students in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

CO Scholarship Initiative Invests in Students Experiencing Homelessness

More than 15,000 students in Colorado have experienced homelessness, and a new grant from the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative will help …

Recognizing urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment, and delivering respectful, quality care can prevent many pregnancy-related deaths. (Adobe Stock)

Drilling Down Into Social Factors Linked to Unequal Health Outcomes

Black women are three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women, even though more than eight in 10 pregnancy-related deaths are …

A recent survey found that 65% of parents think their school has done an

New Survey Spotlights Parents’ Mindsets in 2022-2023 School Year

More than half of parents in Colorado and across the nation continue to be concerned about children's mental health, according to the latest survey …

It costs taxpayers $13,400 to provide supportive housing per person each year, compared with between $21,000 and $40,000 for medical care, incarceration, detox treatment and shelter services. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Denver Mayoral Candidates Off the Mark on Homeless Crisis

Advocates for people experiencing homelessness are pushing back against proposals by several Denver mayoral candidates who are including forced mental…

From 2016 to 2021, the number of Colorado children seeking mental-health or potential self-harm care at emergency departments increased by 158%. (Adobe Stock)

Emergency Rooms Seen as Best Access Point for Mental-Health Care

A host of barriers that make it harder for people suffering from poor mental health to access preventive care has led to an increase in care delivered…

De 2016 a 2021, la cantidad de ni�os de Colorado que buscaron atenci�n por razones de salud mental o posible autolesi�n en las salas de emergencia aument� en un 158%. (Adobe Stock)

Salas de emergencia y acceso a la atención de salud mental

Según un nuevo informe, una serie de barreras que dificultan el acceso a la atención preventiva de las personas que padecen problemas de …

It is estimated that some 89,000 Colorado children will grieve the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Funds Brought Grief Care to More Colorado Students

A groundbreaking bereavement service is expanding efforts to reach kids where they are: in schools, churches and other community sites. Emily Napier…

In 2021, Colorado Community Health Centers directly employed 6,081 full-time employees, and supported an additional 5,094 jobs in other businesses in their communities through the purchasing of goods and services. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Community Health Centers Add $1.7 Billion in Economic Activity

Colorado's federally qualified community health centers play a major role in the state's economy, according to new analysis. Health centers serving …

The average premiums for Colorado consumers are predicted to increase 11.3% next year, but all insurers must offer Colorado Option plans with premiums 5% lower than 2021 levels. (Adobe Stock)

DACA, Undocumented People Eligible for Coverage Under Colorado Option

For the first time, Coloradans without documentation will be able to purchase Colorado Option health insurance plans through the state's individual …

Since 1999, the number of opiate-related deaths has increased every year, and overdoses have risen by 44% since the onset of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Moving Opioid Treatment into Primary Care to Expand Access

Each year some 68,000 people in Colorado and across the U.S. die from opiate overdoses, largely due to lack of treatment, and federally qualified …

Colorado is the first state in the nation to require comprehensive gender-affirming health care as part of minimum, or

Report Finds Colorado a Leader in Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care

The rate of individuals receiving gender-affirming care - care received by a person whose assigned sex at birth doesn't match their gender identity - …

Colorado es el primer estado de la naci�n que requiere una atenci�n m�dica integral de afirmaci�n de g�nero como parte de los planes de seguro m�dico m�nimos o de referencia. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado líder en acceso a atención médica de afirmación de género

La tasa de personas que reciben atención de afirmación de género (atención recibida por una persona cuyo sexo asignado al nacer no…

Across the nation, one in five children is living with a mental health disorder, but fewer than half will ever receive treatment. (Adobe Stock)

Moving the Needle on Children’s Mental Health

Children's Hospital Colorado has increased its mental-health inpatient, outpatient and day services by more than 50% to address what it called a …

Coalition Launches Innovative Health and Housing Facility

Doors are now open at a new hybrid health care and housing facility, expected to help some 500 people experiencing homelessness each year recuperate …

President Joe Biden's first national monument protects sections of the Continental Divide in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado’s Camp Hale-Continental Divide Now National Monument

President Joe Biden was in Colorado yesterday to designate the Camp Hale-Continental Divide area north of Leadville as a national monument. …

Three in four good-paying jobs in Colorado require a college degree or other post-secondary credentials. (Adobe Stock)

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

The biggest obstacle facing Indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a new collaborative study by the National Native …

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched its School-based Health Center initiative in 1987. (Adobe Stock)

CO Students Can Access Mental, Medical, Dental Care at School

With school now back in session, many Colorado kids are accessing medical, behavioral and dental care through School-based Health Centers, fully …

El Departamento de Salud P�blica y Medio Ambiente de Colorado puso en marcha su iniciativa de Centros de Salud Escolares en 1987. (Adobe Stock)

Estudiantes de CO acceden a atención mental, médica y dental en la escuela

Con en el regreso a la escuela, muchos niños de Colorado acceden a la atención médica, conductual y dental a través de los …

To date, more than 550,000 individuals have used the Free Will platform to write a legal will. (Adobe Stock)

Online Tool Helps Create Legally Valid Will in 20 Minutes

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a gentle reminder to some seven in ten Americans who don't currently have a will or estate plan that it's never …

In the decade preceding the pandemic, Colorado's child poverty rate fell by nearly 30%, one of the largest declines in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks High in Child Well-Being as Kids Face Mental-Health Crisis

Colorado ranks 16th in the nation for promoting children's overall well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's latest report on child …

En 2020, el 40 % de los ni�os de 15 meses o menos no recibieron las seis o m�s visitas de bienestar recomendadas con un proveedor de atenci�n primaria despu�s del nacimiento, y el 35 % de los ni�os de 30 meses o menos no recibieron las dos visitas recomendadas. (Adobe Stock)

Más niños de Colorado reciben atención médica preventiva

El porcentaje de niños de Colorado en sus primeros 15 meses recibiendo servicios médicos preventivos y de salud conductual aumentó en u…

In 2020, 40% of children age 15 months and younger did not receive the recommended six or more well-child visits with a primary-care provider after birth, and 35% of children 30 months and younger did not receive the recommended two visits. (Adobe Stock)

More Colorado Children Getting Preventive Health Care

The percentage of Colorado children in their first 15 months receiving preventive medical and behavioral health services rose by 23% from 2013 levels…

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CO: Mental Health