Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

988 Colorado Engages with Communities Statewide for Awareness of Mental Health Resources

Sept. 5, 2025

DENVER, CO- Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed Sept. 8, 2025, as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day in Colorado, part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado). September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health, recognizing the warning signs for suicide and promoting mental health resources and support. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in Colorado last year there were 20.83 suicide deaths per 100,000. To facilitate connections and encourage open conversations this month, 988 Colorado is engaging in-person with communities across the state.

988 Colorado is the state’s primary crisis and mental health line, connected to a national network of local contact centers offering free and confidential assistance to people feeling overwhelmed, panicked or out of control, to experiencing suicidal thoughts or anything in between. Anyone seeking mental health support can call or text 988 or live chat 988Colorado.com for free, 24/7.

“Our work to ensure every Coloradan has access to high-quality health care includes access to necessary mental health support. 988 Colorado is an important resource for many Coloradans and remains a critical part of Coloradans’ health care network, helping us to thrive. I encourage Coloradans to call 988 if you need support,” said Governor Polis.

“988 Colorado is more than a phone number. It’s a movement to build a culture of mental health support across our state. Whether through high-profile activations, statewide campaigns, or one-on-one conversations, we are committed to ensuring that every person in Colorado knows that help is just three digits away,” said 988 Colorado Director Gordon Coombes.

988 Colorado September Events: Meeting People Where They Are

In advance of 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, and throughout the month of September, 988 Colorado will be showing up in communities to meet people where they are and lift up voices representing our diverse population.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado is partnering with Colorado State University (CSU) Rams Athletics for the home-opening football game at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins against the University of Northern Colorado. The game also coincides with Ag Day at CSU, presenting a powerful opportunity to connect Colorado’s agricultural community. 988 Colorado will have a pop-up 988 Radio Lounge with special appearances by CSU student athletes to engage people in a positive, approachable way.

“College can feel like a constant state of pressure. Whether it’s classes, practices, or just life, it can be a lot. Talking about what you’re going through isn’t weakness, it’s strength. It’s okay to not be okay,” said Charlie Dortch, CSU basketball player.

• Sept. 6: 988 Colorado and Southern Ute Behavioral Health will host the 988 Youth Skatedeck Art Paint Party from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Local youth are encouraged to attend this community event to paint their own skateboard deck. The youth artwork will be created into stickers and displayed in community spaces. Supplies, food and beverages will be provided.

• Sept. 7: 988 Colorado will support Fiestas Patrias at Arapahoe Park, a community event with booths, food and live music from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Sept. 8: 988 Colorado will mark 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day with a video campaign sharing voices from around the state about why mental health matters and why 988 Colorado is so important. On September 8, visit 988 Colorado Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to see this video.

• Sept.13: 988 Colorado will support the community at Denver’s Out of Darkness Walk at Berkeley Lake Park starting at 9:00 a.m. This family-friendly event raises awareness for suicide prevention and honors lives lost to suicide.

Recognize the Warning Signs

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little

• Feeling like you have to keep busy

• Excessive smoking, drinking, or using drugs, including prescription medications

• Lack of energy or always feeling tired

• Trouble focusing or remembering

• Anger, feeling edgy, or lashing out at others

• Changes in behavior like isolating or taking risks

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

Media Resources

• 988 Colorado Dashboard: Provides members of the public with usage information.

• 988 Colorado Media Kit: Assets in English and Spanish to help build awareness for 988 Colorado. Includes Official Proclamation for 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day, logos and messages to accompany stories pertaining to mental health.

About the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988 Colorado) is the easy-to-remember three-digit number that allows anyone concerned about an emotional, mental health or substance use concern to be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will listen without judgment. 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.

The post Governor Polis Proclaims September 8 as 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Day appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

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.

LONGMONT, CO, June 4, 2025 — Recovery Café Longmont is proud to announce its powerful new partnership with Community United Church of Christ (CUCC) in Boulder, Colorado, to expand its community-based model of healing and recovery across Boulder County. Beginning Wednesday, June 11, the organizations will launch a 10-week pilot program at CUCC featuring Recovery Café’s core offerings: a weekly communal meal, Recovery Circles, and peer resource navigation — all designed to create connection, consistency, and hope for those in recovery.

Programming will take place every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. This “pop-up” Café is open to all individuals in and around the Boulder community seeking support on their recovery journey, whether from substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, or other life experiences.

This expansion is in direct response to years of heartfelt requests from members, volunteers, and community stakeholders across Longmont and Boulder. The desire for a Recovery Café in Boulder has been persistent and deeply felt—now, that vision is becoming reality.

“Recovery Café’s expansion to Boulder has been a long-time coming,” says Chris Poma, Program Manager at Recovery Café Longmont. “Since the beginning, we have heard from the community how the city of Boulder needs a Café, and it is so exciting to finally be able to provide our services even further across the county. CUCC has been such an amazing partner in bringing the Café to Boulder. From our initial conversation to now, CUCC has modeled its commitment to the community and our shared values.”

“My experience volunteering at RCL has been a blessing. It’s an opportunity to get outside of yourself and enter into the lives and hearts of those who are struggling and just need someone to listen, and quite possibly help,” says veteran volunteer, Naomi Plate. “I am thrilled to be starting this Café in Boulder and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The pilot program represents an opportunity to foster healing in new spaces and deepen partnerships rooted in shared compassion and justice.

“What an honor and privilege it is to work alongside CUCC,” says Jennifer Jepsen, Executive Director of Recovery Café Longmont. “Their warm welcome and hospitality are the perfect building blocks for a foundation of support for those we serve through Recovery Café Longmont. This is truly an exciting opportunity to expand the Café’s services, doing what we do best as a community of refuge and healing for individuals in recovery.”

“We are excited about this pilot project with Recovery Café Longmont, and we see it as another way that our congregation can help make community happen!” says Rev. Nicole Lamarche, Pastor at CUCC. “Community United Church of Christ has a long tradition of putting hearts and hands together to make the world more just and loving. We have always held space for people of all kinds to form deep relationships and individual and collective healing. We are grateful to be a part of this collaboration for people in Boulder County and beyond to find refuge and healing!”

Recovery Café Longmont and CUCC invite the community to join this pilot effort by spreading the word, participating, or supporting its mission to offer radical hospitality and long-term recovery support.

About Recovery Café Longmont
Established in 2019, Recovery Café Longmont is a healing community for people in recovery from trauma, mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and more. Through peer support, radical hospitality, shared meals, and recovery circles, RCL creates a space where everyone can be seen, known, and loved.

About Community United Church of Christ (CUCC)
Located in Boulder, CUCC is a progressive Christian community committed to social justice, inclusion, and compassionate action. Celebrating 60 years of service, CUCC continues to evolve its mission of building community and offering space for healing.

If you would like more information about this topic, please visit www.recoverycafelongmont.org

“I am so excited for Recovery Cafe’s expansion to Boulder. Since the beginning, we have heard from the community how the city of Boulder needs a Café, and it is so exciting to finally be able to provide our services even further across the county. CUCC has been such an amazing partner in bringing the Café to Boulder. From our initial conversation to now, CUCC has modeled its commitment to the community and our shared values.”
Chris Poma, Program Manager at RCL

“What an honor and privilege it is to work alongside CUCC. Their warm welcome and hospitality are the perfect building blocks for a foundation of support for those we serve through Recovery Café Longmont. This is truly an exciting opportunity to expand the Cafe’s services, doing what we do best as a community of refuge and healing for individuals in recovery.”
Jen Jepsen, ED at RCL

“We are excited about this pilot project with Recovery Café Longmont, and we see it as another way that our congregation can help make community happen! Community United Church of Christ has a long tradition of putting hearts and hands together to make the world more just and loving. We will soon celebrate our 60th Anniversary, and we are grateful to continue to be able to live out our mission and vision in ever-evolving ways. We have always held space for people of all kinds to form deep relationships and individual and collective healing. We are grateful to be a part of this collaboration for people in Boulder County and beyond to find refuge and healing!”
Rev. Nicole Lamarche, Pastor at CUCC

The post Recovery Café Longmont Launches Pilot Program in Boulder in Partnership with Community United Church of Christ appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.