Colorado ranks last in the US for mental health in this category

DENVER (KDVR) — Earlier than the pandemic, Colorado was lagging behind the remainder of the nation with regards to psychological well being providers, and over the previous two years the scenario has gotten worse.

“Colorado was in a psychological well being disaster previous to the pandemic attributable to difficulties in entry and care,” stated CEO of Psychological Well being Colorado Vincent Atchity throughout an interview on FOX31 NOW.

Suicide is at present the main reason for dying in younger Coloradans, however with regards to service availability for adults, Colorado seems to be like one of many worst states within the nation.

Colorado ranked 51st out of all of the states and Washington D.C. with regards to want for care in comparison with entry to look after adults, based on Psychological Well being America’s annual overview.

“That knowledge mirror pre-pandemic knowledge,” Atchity stated. “By the point the analysts full their work and produce these state ranks, it’s two-year-old knowledge. Issues have been dangerous and issues at the moment are worse and that’s very regarding.”

Atchity factors to the Behavioral Well being Transformational Activity Drive that recommends spending methods for federal {dollars} that may be devoted to psychological well being as a optimistic change, together with the creation of the brand new Behavioral Well being Administration.

One other optimistic signal for enchancment is the rollout of 988 coming this summer season, the brand new nationwide suicide prevention lifeline.

“One of many issues we’re anticipating 988 to perform is a tradition change,” Atchity stated. “And it received’t occur in a single day, however in time 988 will turn into as acquainted to individuals as 911 will turn into.”

Atchity stated he hopes the brand new lifeline will change the best way we really feel about psychological well being and psychological well being crises.

But when there’s one space Atchity stated wants enchancment over the subsequent yr, it’s the rising difficulty of substance abuse and the dearth of remedy for struggling Coloradans.

“One of many uppermost in thoughts lately given our substance use disaster is state shortages with regards to managing substance use and substance misuse,” Atchity stated. “Now we have severe shortages in entry to that form of detox rehabilitation and restoration look after younger individuals and adults.”