Our Work
As a first-generation Mexican American, I grew up navigating the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical distresses of my family’s relocation to a new country to seek better opportunities. I faced challenges such as language barriers, racism, and economic hardships. An aspect I didn't frequently consider, but in hindsight, could have significantly impacted my life, was the availability of mental health services tailored to my cultural needs.
This year, Pride comes at a critical time, but the work doesn't end with Pride month. We explore the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces in their pursuit of equal rights and discuss ways we can all contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.
From gun control to housing to health care costs, Colorado lawmakers did not shy away from controversy in 2023. CHI's legislative team and Representatives Judy Amabile and Dafna Michaelson Jenet discuss health policy developments with a focus on behavioral health.
Colorado’s youth face unprecedented mental health challenges. It's hard to know where to start fixing the problem. The Colorado Health Institute and Gary Community Ventures have reviewed the state's mental health system to find most urgent gaps to fill.
Screening all students for social and emotional needs provides an opportunity to connect kids with care and to reach them before a behavioral health crisis occurs. Schools provide an equitable setting that can help meet the mental health needs of youth and be a source of trusted adults who can recognize a mental health need.
While rates of poor mental health grew for most Coloradans during the pandemic, anxiety and depression among new mothers barely budged.
Drug overdoses have been increasing both in Colorado and across the U.S. for years. Across the political spectrum, Colorado legislators want to respond to the overdose epidemic. The state’s response has become a contest between two schools of thought — criminalization of drugs and harm reduction.