BCH Primary Care Clinics Partner With Rise Against Suicide
- Category: General, Mental Health, Primary Care
- Posted On:
- Written By: Boulder Community Health
In January 2020, the BCH Foundation invested in a partnership with Rise Against Suicide to address the growing mental health needs of Boulder County youth struggling with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. This partnership arose out of the need to increase access for mental health support to those most vulnerable in our community. We do this by reducing barriers to care such as financial constraints and transportation challenges.
Left untreated and unaddressed, behavioral health concerns seen in our elementary, middle and high school student population can increase the risk for suicide. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2018 indicate Colorado’s suicide rates exceed the national average, a consistent and concerning trend. 2019 was the highest number of lives lost to suicide that has ever been recorded in the state, according to the Colorado Health Institute.
Identifying at-risk youth within BCH primary care clinics has been integral to the success of this partnership program. Behavioral Health Specialists embedded in clinics work alongside PCPs to screen, evaluate and treat these patients for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. In addition to treating these conditions, our system’s Behavioral Health Specialists can help connect people with supportive services in the Rise Against Suicide program, working to reduce barriers to care and ease the financial burden on people and their families.
BCH and Rise Against Suicide are committed to continue meeting the mental health needs of at-risk youth in Boulder County to reduce the risk of suicide through this invaluable and innovative partnership.