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Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and the 988 Enterprise Board Implement Streamlined Crisis Services in Colorado
DENVER (June 4, 2025): Recently passed Colorado legislation (SB25-236) combines 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado) and Colorado Crisis Services (CCS). Starting July 1, 2025, those who call or text CCS will be connected to 988 Colorado, as this becomes the state’s primary crisis and mental health line in alignment with national efforts, providing immediate support and services.
988 Colorado is the immediate way for the people of Colorado to receive emotional, mental health, or substance use support. 988 is an easy to remember number individuals can call, text, or live chat 24/7.
The seven-member, volunteer, governor-appointed 988 Enterprise Board is responsible for governing 988 Colorado. The board and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) have been working together to facilitate this streamlining, with a comprehensive plan that prioritizes access to immediate support for all people in Colorado. Public awareness efforts include community outreach, media relations and advertising to reinforce 988 Colorado as the state’s resource for crisis support and services.
“This is a monumental step towards building a comprehensive and accessible behavioral health system across Colorado, increasing access to care for those in need,” said BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith.
“Through the consolidation of Colorado’s legacy support line, Colorado Crisis Services, into our national 988 framework, we are ensuring that people in need can access services through one easy to remember number. 988 Colorado is staffed 24/7 365 by trained specialists who are ready to provide immediate help to the people of Colorado” said 988 Director Gordon Coombes.
Solari Crisis and Human Services (Solari) operates the Colorado contact center that answers both Colorado Crisis Services and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line. The BHA and the 988 Enterprise Board are working closely with Solari to sup
port a smooth transition during the consolidation of the two lines.
That transition includes the availability of the Peer Support Line that is currently accessed through Colorado Crisis Services. Peer support will continue to be available through the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line. People in Colorado in search of peer support services can call or text 988 to receive support.
Colorado Crisis Line Evolution to 988 Colorado
Colorado led the way in providing a mental health crisis line before the national line was created. The Colorado Crisis Services line was established in 2013 in response to the Aurora Theater shooting and has since evolved to meet the state’s behavioral health needs.
In 2022, similar to the 911 national line, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created to provide national support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns or suicidal concerns. In Colorado, the line is branded as the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado).
To date, 988 Colorado has answered over 364,213 calls, with the majority of calls coming from individuals between the ages 26 to 39 in connection to suicide factors, wellness concerns and social/interpersonal stress.
About the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line
The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988) is the easy-to-remember number that allows anyone concerned about mental health, emotional or substance use to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgement. 988 is free, confidential and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.
About the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise
In preparation for the launch of 988 in Colorado, Senate Bill 21-154 established the 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise in the Department to:
- Impose a 988 surcharge and a prepaid wireless 988 charge;
- Fund the 988 crisis hotline;
- Work with third parties to provide crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care;
- Authorize and issue revenue bonds payable from the newly created 988 Crisis Hotline Cash Fund; and
- Adopt, amend, or repeal policies to regulate its affairs.
The enterprise is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Governor.
About the Behavioral Health Administration
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is the state administration responsible for ensuring all people in Colorado have access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services, regardless of where they live, or ability to pay. As a regulatory body, BHA brings together community groups and governmental agencies to create a behavioral health system for all people in Colorado that is easy to access, and offers high-quality care that considers the whole person and their needs. Find us online at bha.colorado.gov.
Alexandra (Allie) Eliot
Chief Communications Officer
C: 720.891.8921
710 S. Ash Street, Unit C140, Denver, CO 80246
[email protected] I bha.colorado.gov/
