Urgent Symposium Tackles Youth Mental Health Crisis in Colorado
URGENT UPDATE: The first-ever Southwest Colorado Pediatric Mental Health Symposium, hosted by Children’s Hospital Colorado, has just concluded, addressing alarming youth mental health trends in the region. With over 100 professionals from various backgrounds gathering at Fort Lewis College, experts revealed that local youth mental health data is more troubling than the state average.
This two-day symposium, held on October 16-17, 2023, served as a critical platform for discussing the escalating mental health crises among young people, particularly in rural Colorado. Since declaring a youth mental health state of emergency in 2021, the need for action has only intensified.
According to Jessica Hawks, Chief of Psychology at Children’s Hospital Colorado, while statewide progress is evident, rural areas are still grappling with severe challenges. “We know that our rural communities have greater risk due to limited access to care,” Hawks stated. “This is a major factor in the higher rates of suicide attempts and completions we’ve seen.”
The symposium featured presentations on pressing topics such as recognizing mental health issues, crisis intervention strategies, and involving parents in treatment. Notably, 11,000 pediatric patients sought mental health care through the Children’s Hospital system in 2024, reflecting a 55.7% surge in inpatient admissions since 2020.
Interactive breakout sessions allowed attendees to engage in case discussions, emphasizing hands-on strategies to combat youth mental health issues. Lauren Henry, a licensed child psychologist, highlighted the urgent need for support in the La Plata community, stating, “All topics presented are directly related to what our region has been struggling with.”
Participants also noted the timing of the symposium was strategic, aligning with back-to-school transitions to equip local professionals with essential tools for the upcoming school year. Haley Bierk, program manager at Children’s, emphasized the importance of providing a “trick bag” of interventions to support students effectively.
The mental health struggles among youth are pervasive, with school counselor Sallie Kautter reporting that anxiety issues are prevalent across all grades, including elementary students. “It’s crucial to address these issues and stay current on best practices for supporting our students,” Kautter said.
The symposium underscored the importance of collaboration among diverse sectors, as Jason St. Mary, executive director of La Plata Youth Services, pointed out. “In today’s uncertain funding environment, strategic partnerships are vital for small communities like ours,” he stated.
Despite recent strides, experts warn that the mental health crisis among youth in rural Colorado remains critical. With increasing demands for services, it is essential that communities work together to ensure access to care for all youth, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit the La Plata County Suicide Prevention Collaborative website for resources.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation continues to develop.
