Suicide rates appear to be significantly higher in a number of Colorado counties over recent months; another indicator of the severe stress that has accompanied the economic downturn,  This article in the Denver Post, by Carlos Illescas, cites this unfortunate trend and mentions programs such as the one offered by Jefferson Center for Mental Health as valuable resources for helping individuals and families impacted by the economy. 

Click here to read the article.

North Range Behavioral Health licensed pyschologist Maureen Puff, PhD, writes an important article to assist people managing stress, which can be particularly exacerbated by the current economic downturn.  She highlights some helpful coping techniques and reminds folks to seek out a behavioral health specialist if necessary. 

Click here to read the entire article. 

This article from the Canon City Daily Record by Debbie Bell details the alarming number of Coloradans in need of mental health services that are going untreated and the consequences of this situation.  Suicide, lost workforce productivity, homelessness, expensive hospital visits and incarceration are rising as these individuals go untreated which results in huge economic and human costs.  The article points out that treatment through Colorado’s Community Mental Health Centers is an effective and valuable resource for providing mental health care at the local level– West Central Mental Health Center is highlighted

Click here to read more. 

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is now posting the new Preferred Drug List (PDL) that becomes effective July 1, 2009.  This PDL applies to Medicaid fee-for-service clients.  It does not apply to clients enrolled in Rocky Mountain Health HMO or Denver Health Medicaid Choice. 

To view the new PDL, CLICK HERE.

This article in El Semanario, written by Cristina Fresquez, highlights a wonderful collaboration program anchored by the Youth Services team at Servicios de la Raza.  

"The program offers remarkable opportunities for youth who have dropped out of school and want to return to secondary or post-secondary school; who are seeking assistance with preparing for and finding stable work; who are in school or are employed, but need assistance to progress; and who need assistance with basic skills remediation."

Click here to read the entire article. 

North Range Behavioral Health and the Colorado Spirit Team from North Range are working hard to support the victims of last year’s tornado that ripped through Windsor, CO.  They are working to foster emotional and mental healing in tandem with the physical rebuilding taking place in this community.  Click on the links below to read more.

Weathering The Storm -The Tribune

Kids’ Fears Float Away -The Tribune

The most recent addition to the CBHC Online Library is a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Addministration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services titled, "Reimbursement of Mental Health Services in Primary Care Settings."

Click here to read this publication in its entirety and to see other items in Healthcare Integration/Coordination Section of the CBHC Online Library  

"A new report which coincides with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day reveals that 8.2 percent (2 million) youths aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Only about two-fifths (38.9 percent) of these adolescents received treatment during this period according to the report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)."  -SAMHSA News Release 5/13/09

To read more and find a link to the full report, click here. 

This article by Robyn G. Mayer, written in the weekly issue of El Semanario, is the first in a four part series highlighting the remarkable work done by Servicios de la Raza across a broad spectrum of services. 

Read why Servicios has been recognized as a pillar of their community for the past 37 years, offering mental health services and more.  Click Here

This Denver Post editorial was written by CBHC Executive Director George DelGrosso in response to U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s advocacy for increased school-based health services for Colorado youth.  It emphasizes that while increasing access to physical healthcare services in schools can be an important means to increasing access to care for many children, there is also a need for mental healthcare to be included in this arena, in order to better fill existing gaps in diagnosis and service delivery to children. 

Click here to read the editorial.