Children's Hospital Colorado

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Colorado’s Youth Mental Health Crisis

A school-aged girl embraces her mother at home.

Help us rise to the challenge

We have reached a critical juncture in our ability to address the pediatric mental health crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death for kids starting at age 10 in Colorado, and thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt are among the top reasons that patients come to our emergency departments.

The time to act is now.

What we're seeing

DOUBLED Rates of anxiety and depression among Colorado kids during the pandemic
44% Of American teens report feeling persistently sad or hopeless
SUICIDE Is a leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24 in Colorado

How we're taking action

Children’s Hospital Colorado is taking the lead to address the youth mental health crisis in our state. And we’re just getting started. Here are several ways we're taking action to improve the mental health system and save lives.

Responding to kids in need

In May 2021, we declared a youth mental health “state of emergency” and held a media town hall to sound the alarm.

Blazing a trail for kids

Children’s Colorado appointed Ron-Li Liaw, MD, as our inaugural Mental Health-in-Chief, the first known position of its kind at a children's hospital.

Fighting for kids everywhere

Our leaders joined the Children's Hospital Association and more than 200 children's hospitals across the nation in urging Congress to enact legislation and increase funding to address a nationwide mental health emergency in children and teens.

Advocating for improved care — and prevention

With our partners, we advocated for nearly $150 million in state funding to directly support children and youth mental health by investing in schools, primary care and the community, so children get the help they need before they experience a crisis.

"I think we forget that one person can help another. It’s small, little things: How can you, individually, help make a difference?"
Luthien, Patient Ambassador

Ways to help with children's mental health

Of course, our work is far from over. Now, we need your help to address Colorado’s youth mental health crisis. Fortunately, there are several ways you can get involved and make a difference.

A teen hugs his mother

Invest in a better future for kids

Children can’t wait for a better mental health system. Help give our kids and teens the care they need, when they need it, by making a financial donation.

Give today

Learn about the impact of giving

Advocate for children’s mental health needs

Lawmakers and community leaders need to hear from you. We make it easy to speak up for kids' mental health needs through petitions, emails to lawmakers and more.

Take action now

Join our advocacy network

Help fund prevention and treatment

Do you want to raise money for youth mental health and connect with your community? Start a crowdfunding project or host a fundraiser with Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation.

Find ways to fundraise

Fun and funds

Would you like a fancy night out or a thrilling bike ride in the mountains that also benefits children’s mental health? We have you covered.

Find an event

A mom and her teenage son have a heart-to-heart while walking outdoors.

Share resources with your network

Children's Colorado is proud to share a new resource to help families and community members understand pediatric mental health conditions and improve mental wellness for our youth.

Browse family mental health resources

Spread the word: mental health is health

It's OK to not be OK. Watch and share this video to help us break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Youth mental health in the news

  • 9News
    Governor Polis signs bill aimed at reducing youth suicide
    May 17, 2019

    During the 2019 legislative session, experts from Children's Hospital Colorado championed a bill to improve mental health services for children and teens across the state. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law at Children's Colorado in May 2019.

  • 9News
    Experts discuss the need for additional mental health resources for young people
    May 07, 2019

    The suicide rate in Colorado has increased by 44 percent over the last 20 years. Jenna Glover, child psychologist, and Heidi Baskfield, VP of Population Health and Advocacy, discussed the need for more mental health resources in Colorado and Senate Bill 195.

  • Colorado Community Media
    Youth Advocacy Board raises awareness
    February 07, 2019

    Chloe McNamee lost her brother to suicide. As a leader of Children's Colorado's Youth Advocacy Board, she hopes to share her own struggles with depression and anxiety and increase community efforts for suicide prevention.