The tragic murder of Niki Fix-Cortez by Ricardo Cortez has brought increased scrutiny to the use of PTSD as a defense for violent crime.  In this editorial to the Greeley Tribune, the dismissal of PTSD as a defense for Cortez’s crime is praised, while maintaining the importance of identifying and appropriately caring for those who suffer from PTSD in our communities. 

Click here to read the editorial

In the November 6, 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report, detailed findings are shared from research regarding major depressive episode and treatment among veterans, aged 21-39.  The Report demonstrates the widespread prevalence of these types of mental healh episodes among veterans and highlights the demanding need for addressing the challenges to the United States’ mental healthcare system.

Click here to read the report

Colorado Clinical Guidelines Collaborative (CCGC) will be conducting a free Webinar on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 from 12-1pm MST to present the latest efforts to help individuals with mental illness quit tobacco use.  Also, feel free to visit CCGC, a CME accredited resource for Colorado clinicians, online for more information. 

Click here to visit CCGC online

This publication, by Stephen Melek, discusses the challenges presented to our criminal justice system resulting from a lack of appropriate resources in our country to treat mentally ill persons. 

Click here to learn more. 

In an effort supported by FEMA and the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health, North Range Behavioral Health employees are helping those affected by last May’s devastating tornado across northern Colorado. "Colorado SPIRIT" is a crisis counseling  team helping to educate and assist the area coping with the lasting effects of the natural disaster. 

Click here to visit 9News.com to read more.