Mind Our Future Colorado
On March 10, 2026, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado launched a new initiative named Mind Our Future Colorado, aimed at prioritizing child and youth mental health in the upcoming gubernatorial election. This effort seeks to address the pressing mental health crisis facing Colorado’s younger population, which ranks 41st in the nation for youth mental health. Alarmingly, suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for those under 18 in the state.
The initiative arrives at a crucial time as federal funding for children’s mental health programs is diminishing, putting essential services at risk. According to Joshua Ewing, Executive Director of Healthier Colorado, “90% of Colorado voters agree: We are in a youth mental health crisis. Families have been carrying this burden for too long. We need our next governor, regardless of party, to walk into office on day one with a clear, actionable plan to support kids and families.”
Building a Coalition for Change
Mind Our Future Colorado aims to unite a coalition of healthcare experts, organizations, and community advocates, all focused on ensuring that every child and family in the state can access the mental health care and resources necessary for their well-being. The coalition currently includes more than 40 healthcare, early childhood, business, and consumer groups.
Jena Hausmann, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado, emphasized the opportunity for Colorado to lead in addressing youth mental health challenges. “Colorado has the opportunity to be a leader in confronting the ongoing national child and youth mental health crisis,” she stated. “It’s clear that children and families need more support for mental health in the right place, at the right time.”
In 2025, the Colorado Health Institute reported that more than one in seven young Coloradans indicated experiencing poor mental health. Specifically, the 2025 Colorado Health Access Survey found that 14% of individuals aged 21 and under reported experiencing poor mental health, defined as eight or more days of poor mental health within the previous month. The data also revealed that rates of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness are particularly high among adolescents, with 26% of high school students and 24% of middle school students reporting such experiences.
Addressing Disparities in Mental Health Care
Rural communities in Colorado face significant barriers to accessing mental health care, including workforce shortages and limited service options. In 2023, suicide rates among youth aged 10 to 24 in these areas were found to be 35% higher than the state average.
In the months leading up to the election, Mind Our Future Colorado plans to develop sustainable and innovative mental health policy solutions through community engagement. The coalition will reach out through various initiatives, including a candidate questionnaire on youth mental health policies, roundtable discussions across the state, and digital campaigns to engage voters and candidates alike.
Additionally, a gubernatorial candidate forum focused on child and youth mental health is scheduled for May 28, 2026, and will be streamed on CBS Colorado. This event will provide an opportunity for candidates to articulate their plans for addressing this critical issue.
Organizations and individuals interested in joining the coalition or learning more about how to get involved can visit mindourfuturecolorado.com.
Through this initiative, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado emphasize the necessity of prioritizing the mental health of children and youth in Colorado, ensuring that adequate resources and support systems are in place to enable them to thrive.
