Gov. John Hickenlooper, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, announced Wednesday the launch of Colorado’s first statewide mental health crisis hotline, according to a news release issued by the governor’s office.
Colorado has the eighth-highest suicide rate in the nation, and now, mental health professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 844-493-TALK (8255) to provide support to Coloradans in crisis.
The hotline was created through legislation crafted by Sen. Jeanne Nicholson, D-Gilpin County, and Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, in 2013, according to a news release issued by the Colorado State Senate majority office.
“We do not want to lose one more person to the tragedy of suicide, gun violence, substance abuse or mental illness,” Hickenlooper said in the release Wednesday. “Colorado made an unwavering commitment to redesign and strengthen our mental health service support system and this is a critical step. The statewide hotline increases access to care for anyone in need and will help safeguard our residents, our families and our communities.”
The mental health crisis hotline is a component of the administration’s initiative to strengthening Colorado’s mental health system. It is a plan to provide a safeguard to all Coloradans, according to the release.
The Colorado Department of Human Services is working with Metro Crisis Services to operate the hotline.
Callers to the Colorado Crisis and Support Line will be connected with experienced professionals, counselors and peer specialists. They will be trained in assessing and planning for safety, providing solutions and support to people or their loved ones who are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse issue, and making referrals to needed resources.
“Mental health is a key component to overall health, wellness, and public safety,” said Sen. Aguilar, in the news release. “When Coloradans are healthy, the entire state thrives.”
Visit www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251635099770 for more information.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
