Latest news with #ColoradoCrisisServices
Axios
24-06-2025
- Health
- Axios
Colorado scrambles to keep 988 suicide counselors for LGBTQ+ callers
Colorado is scrambling to find state dollars to preserve a 988 crisis line for LGBTQ callers after the Trump administration decides to discontinue the service July 17. Why it matters: Colorado's 988 mental health line is a major lifeline to connect people experiencing a crisis with a trained professional. What they're saying: "The organization is also actively reviewing how state resources can be utilized to support additional outreach and education efforts to ensure all Coloradans are aware of the continuous, inclusive support available," Gordon Coombes, director of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, said in a statement Tuesday. How it works: Right now, LGBTQ individuals can "press 3" to connect with a support line specifically designed for their needs. By the numbers: The 988 line in Colorado was the fourth most-used in 2024 among states with 36.1 calls, texts and chats per 1,000 people, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open. The big picture: Colorado struggled to accommodate all the calls to the 988 line in the first two years after its debut, according to an Axios analysis of 2024 data, falling well below the national average answer rate. Yes, but: A new law that takes effect July 1 will streamline the process and merge the 988 line with the existing Colorado Crisis Services support center created after the 2013 Aurora theater shooting.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colorado crisis services come together
DENVER, Colo. (KREX) – Colorado's bill SB25-236, which recently passed, brings together Colorado Crisis Services (CCS) and 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado). 988 Colorado is a service that provides immediate access to mental health, emotional, or substance use support 24/7 via text, chat, or call. The passing of this legislation means that starting July 1, all who reach out to CCS will be connected to 988 Colorado. This becomes Colorado's main mental health and crisis line. 'Through the consolidation of Colorado's legacy support line, Colorado Crisis Services, into our national 988 framework, we are ensuring that people in need can access services through one easy-to-remember number,' said Gordon Coombes, 988 Colorado's director. '988 Colorado is staffed 24/7 365 by trained specialists who are ready to provide immediate help to the people of Colorado.' 988 Colorado's Enterprise Board, which includes seven volunteer governor-appointed members, will spread awareness for services through media relations, advertising, and community outreach. 'This is a monumental step towards building a comprehensive and accessible behavioral health system across Colorado, increasing access to care for those in need,' said Dannette R. Smith, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration's commissioner. The change will also affect the Peer Support Line. Previously offered by CCS, the service will now continue through 988 Colorado. To contact 988 Colorado, call or text 988, or go to its website to live chat. It's confidential, accessible 24/7, and free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
