On March 12, advocates, mental health professionals, and community members will gather at the Colorado State Capitol Building, in Denver, for an event held in conjunction with Colorado Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Colorado Chapter, Mental Health Colorado, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, and NAMI Colorado, the event aims to drive policy discussions and strengthen mental health initiatives statewide.
The event provides a platform for advocates and the public to engage directly with state legislators. Participants will share personal experiences, highlight local suicide prevention efforts, and discuss legislative actions to expand mental health support across Colorado. Suicide is a critical public health issue — it was the eighth leading cause of death in Colorado in 2023 and the state suicide rate has increased by 30.2 percent over the last 20 years.
“We need greater funding for 24/7 crisis hotlines, peer support programs, accessible mental healthcare in underserved communities, postvention services for those impacted by suicide loss, and training for healthcare providers, educators, and community members,” said Cory Reid-Vanas, LMFT, of Rocky Mountain Counseling Collective. Reid-Vanas believes that investment in preventative resources is of the utmost importance in lowering Colorado’s suicide rates.
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Colorado State Capitol Rotunda and conclude at 12:00 p.m. Attendees will receive advocacy training, briefings on key legislative matters, and pre-arranged meetings with state officials to emphasize the importance of increased mental health resources.
Michael Barber, an AFSP Colorado representative, stressed the power of community involvement. “Many legislators have been personally affected by suicide, and while advocacy meetings can feel intimidating, they want to hear from their constituents,” he said. “It takes all of us working together to create meaningful change, and every voice raised in support of suicide prevention helps push efforts forward.”
This year, advocates will support several legislative bills aimed at improving suicide prevention in Colorado. Among them, House Bill 24-1015 mandates workplace suicide prevention education, requiring employers to display prevention materials and include suicide awareness resources in employee documents. House Bill 24-1406 establishes a mental health support program for schools, helping educators provide evidence-based assistance to students, particularly in underserved areas.
While the event focuses on Colorado, mental health professionals across the country emphasize that suicide prevention requires a coordinated, nationwide effort.
“While significant progress has been made in youth suicide prevention, we must also address suicide among older adults, particularly white men over 75, who experience some of the highest rates,” said Will Dempsey, LICSW, of Heads Held High Counseling in Boston. “Additionally, marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, face increased risk due to social stigma, discrimination, and political threats to their rights.”
Reagan Lewsadder, MSW, of Key Counseling Group in Georgia, pointed to the barriers preventing individuals from seeking help. “Stigma, fear of judgment, and concerns about being invalidated or dismissed make people reluctant to reach out,” she said. “Many worry about making others uncomfortable, while deep emotional distress can make it hard to believe that things can improve.”
It can also be challenging to broach the subject of suicide with those who are showing signs of risk. Madeline Rice, LCSW, of Madeline Rice & Associates in Pennsylvania, said that many fear that asking a loved one about suicidal thoughts might plant the idea. “But asking doesn’t create risk,” she said. “It can bring relief, break isolation, and open the door to support.”
Colorado Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day is an event for stakeholders to open conversations and advocate for policies that enhance mental health support and suicide prevention efforts across the state and beyond. It is open to anyone interested in mental health advocacy, with registration required by March 10. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Michael Barber at [email protected].
