One in three Colorado high school students report feeling sad or hopeless. For LGBTQ+ youth, the rate increases to two in three students. Safe school environments and strong student-adult relationships can reduce suicide risk, but many schools are challenged by limited resources and confidence to provide appropriate support. PCMH is working with schools to provide trainings, workshops, communities of practice, and other resources to help staff meet the mental health needs of students.
Our Work
Through our key initiatives, PCMH aims to ensure all Colorado children and youth
have the mental health care and support they need to thrive.
Suicide Prevention in Primary Care
For a youth at risk for suicide, a primary care visit may be the only chance to access needed care. Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to intervene and save lives. PCMH is offering training and consultation to help Colorado clinics implement a youth suicide prevention care pathway that guides providers in delivering suicide safer care.
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Authentic Youth Engagement
PCMH is working to incorporate youth voice as we craft and scale key initiatives, while also building the knowledge and confidence of youth to participate in and lead systems-change efforts. This is primarily done through the Youth Committee for Mental Health (YCMH), a youth-led, adult-supported collective of youth from across Colorado.
Gatekeeper Trainings
PCMH offers a variety of gatekeeper trainings that aim to help professionals and community members build the knowledge and capacity to identify youth at risk of mental health crises, including suicide, and take effective action. We provide in-person, live online, and on-demand trainings. Many are available at no cost to the participant. We’re currently focused on the following trainings, which aim to build awareness and reduce stigma related to mental illness and suicide:
- Question, Persuade, Refer Training (QPR)
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
Policy & Advocacy
PCMH advocates for and supports implementation of state legislation that improves access to high-quality behavioral health services for Colorado youth. Ultimately, we aim to create a stronger, more coordinated behavioral health system through stronger, more coordinated advocacy efforts across the state.
2022 Bill Tracker
Help Us Create Change
If you’re fighting for better mental health for Colorado youth, we want to work with you.
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