State steps up outreach on rural mental health, launches online toolkit

The Colorado Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services, recently announced a new collection of outreach materials specifically focused on behavioral health resources for Colorado’s rural communities.  

The toolkit is the result of a partnership between the two agencies to promote Colorado Crisis Services, the statewide behavioral health crisis response system offering residents mental health, substance use or emotional crisis support, information and referrals.

Gov. Jared Polis, Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes and the Walter family of Trinidad all spoke during the live Facebook event, highlighting the need for awareness of the farmer suicide crisis and lack of mental health resources available in rural Colorado communities. In Colorado, the rate of suicide per 100,000 people was 22.1 in urban areas and 27.7 in rural areas in 2018, according to the Colorado Health Institute. The group also underscored the importance of reducing the stigma associated with reaching out for mental health support.

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