Colorado is working hard to ensure mental health support is there for young people struggling in the pandemic.
Bill 21-1258 was introduced to the House last week—and would provide people under 19 with free therapy sessions if needed.
With kids facing increased isolation and instability because of COVID-19, a program to help youth get through this difficult time is necessary—says the bipartisan bill, noting that the Colorado crisis service hotline has experienced a 30% increase in calls and texts since last spring.
According to The Colorado Sun, the bill “represents one of the most aggressive behavioral health initiatives in Colorado history” and is on a “fast-track to passage.”
This matters. Before the pandemic, Colorado ranked in the bottom 10 half of states for prevalence of mental illness and access to care.
“If we can get that [mental health support] to every kid in Colorado?” state Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet told The Colorado Sun, it will be a “game-changer.” Of that we have no doubt.
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