News Release: BCH Foundation Launches $2-Million 'Mental Health Endowment' Fundraising Campaign

On May 6, 2017 the Boulder Community Health Foundation launches a new campaign to raise $2 million by the end of 2018 to support and enhance our community's mental health needs.

The BCH Foundation’s new Mental Health Endowment fund will expand access to mental health services for patients along the continuum of care, empowering them to strengthen and maintain their personal well-being and independence as they address their mental health.

The fundraising campaign officially kicks off at the BCH Foundation’s Spring Gala on Saturday, May 6, at the Boulder Jewish Community Center.

“Mental health challenges impact individuals from all walks of life,” said Grant Besser, President of the Boulder Community Health Foundation. “Mental health needs in our community are growing while public resources are dwindling.”

“The BCH Foundation’s Mental Health Endowment will play a vital role in improving the overall well-being of our community,” said BCH Foundation Board of Trustee member and donor Amy Batchelor.

“Access to mental health treatment is an issue in every community in America. By expanding support for local people dealing with serious mental health challenges, this new endowment can play a huge part in improving overall community health,” said Boulder Community Health President and CEO Dr. Robert Vissers.

The Mental Health Endowment will provide grants ranging from under $100 to well into the thousands of dollars.

Grants will concentrate on four core areas, including: transitioning back to society, mental illness treatment, health and wellness, and education.

• TRANSITIONS (ex. crisis stabilization, assisted living, clothing and accessories, transportation)
• TREATMENT (ex. co-pay support, medicine management, group therapy supplies)
• HEALTH & WELLNESS (ex. integrative care, nutrition support, staff well-being)
• EDUCATION (ex. online navigation resources, community programs, ongoing education for BCH caregivers)

FACT: Each year in Colorado, about 260,000 adults and children need treatment for the most severe mental illnesses: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and serious emotional disturbances. (Source: Denver Post)

FACT: Sadly, tens of thousands in our state are going without proper access to mental health care. (Source: Denver Post)

FACT: Colorado has the seventh-highest suicide rate in the nation. (Source: Colorado Health Foundation)

FACT: One in four people will have a mental illness in their lifetime, most commonly depression or anxiety. (Source: World Health Organization)

For more information please contact Grant Besser, President of the BCH Foundation at 303-938-5201 or gbesser@bch.org. Donations can be made at www.bch.org/MentalHealthEndowment.