Colorado Youth Mental Health Initiative Presses for Governor Action Amid 20% Spring Spike

**TL;DR** A new initiative urges Colorado's next governor to prioritize youth mental health solutions, responding to a significant 20% spring increase in emergency department visits for young people.

The "Mind Our Future" initiative, a collaboration between Children’s Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado, seeks to elevate youth mental health as a primary focus for Colorado’s upcoming gubernatorial election. This nonpartisan effort brings together over 50 organizations.

Over the past two years, Children’s Hospital Colorado reported a 20% increase in emergency department visits for youth mental health during April compared to other months. This recurring statistic indicates a consistent seasonal spike in demand for services.

Zachary Zaslow of Children’s Hospital Colorado stated that the next governor must be prepared to implement youth mental health solutions immediately upon taking office. This emphasizes a need for actionable strategies from day one.

Katie Blickenderfer, Chief Clinical Officer for Diversus Health, advocates for the integration of early prevention services in elementary schools. This proactive approach aims to reduce later youth mental health crises.

The identified spring spike in emergency visits suggests a predictable and ongoing challenge within youth mental health services. The collective call for early intervention underscores a strategic shift from merely responding to crises to establishing comprehensive preventative support. This initiative aims to inform policy discussions for the incoming gubernatorial administration.

The Mind Our Future initiative will gather statewide community input, with findings intended for the next governor after the November election. Upcoming forums with gubernatorial candidates will provide further insight into their proposed solutions.