Strong minds, bright futures.
Colorado's children and youth face a mental health crisis we can’t ignore. It's time to demand bold, urgent leadership to ensure every young person can grow up healthy, supported and equipped to thrive. Our kids — and Colorado’s future — depend on it.
Colorado’s child and youth mental health crisis is urgent, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Why It Matters in the Race for Governor
The governor of Colorado holds the power to transform this crisis into an opportunity for lasting change. Mind Our Future Colorado calls on candidates to make this issue a priority in their platforms and deliver on bold solutions if elected.
Statewide polling shows 90% of Colorado voters agree that addressing the child and youth mental health crisis is vital. The next governor has a once-in-a-generation chance to turn this nonpartisan issue into actionable solutions that build a healthier future for Colorado kids.
The Crisis in Colorado
Colorado ranks 41st in the nation for youth mental health.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Colorado youth under 18.
About 25% of high school students report feeling consistently sad or hopeless.
Children as young as 2 years old are struggling: 10-16% of kids ages 2-8 have been diagnosed with mental, behavioral or developmental disorders.
Federal funding for children’s mental health programs is fading, leaving critical services at risk.
Healthy Foundations for Young Minds
Every child deserves the tools to build emotional resilience early in life.
Expanded early childhood mental health services and family supports.
Equipping schools with social-emotional learning and life skills programs.
Community-driven prevention strategies, including substance use prevention.
A Mental Health System Built for Kids
A stronger, more coordinated system ensures kids get the care they need when they need it.
Universal mental health screening for children with clear pathways to care.
Expansion of school-based health centers and pediatric behavioral health services.
Improved youth crisis care, ensuring timely interventions for high-acuity needs.
Mental Health Within Reach, Wherever You Live
Every family in Colorado deserves access to care, no matter their zip code, income or background.
Boost workforce recruitment and retention to expand mental health professional capacity.
Innovative solutions like telehealth, traveling regional specialists and a Youth Mental Health Corps to serve every corner of Colorado.
WHY WE’RE HERE
Bold Solutions for Colorado’s Kids
Colorado’s kids don’t need bandaid fixes: they deserve real, comprehensive solutions. Here’s our proposed foundation for lasting change:
OUR VISION
A future where Colorado’s children can thrive.
Healthier Minds for Life
Every child can learn, play and grow in environments that build lifelong emotional health and well-being.
A System That Supports Kids
Colorado develops and sustains a nationally recognized mental health system designed specifically to meet kids’ unique needs.
Access for Every Child
Families across Colorado can access quality, affordable mental health care, no matter their zip code or income.
Who We Are
Mind Our Future Colorado is a statewide initiative to prioritize child and youth mental health. Led by Children’s Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado, our mission is simple but vital: to ensure every child and family in Colorado can access the mental health care, community support and resources they need to thrive from their earliest years through adolescence and beyond.
The mental health of Colorado’s kids depends on the leadership of our next governor. It’s time to demand action for a healthier, brighter future for Colorado families.
JOIN US
Protect Colorado’s Future. Advocate for Our Kids.
The kids sent us here to hold our state’s leaders accountable.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Sign on as a coalition partner: Join the movement demanding action from Colorado’s leaders.
Connect with us: Stay informed about upcoming events and receive updates on toolkits, resources and materials to help amplify the message and advocate for meaningful action this election.
Together, we can inspire leaders to prioritize the health of Colorado’s kids, creating a better future for every young mind.