Dear Friends,
This month I will be riding in the Children’s Hospital Colorado 2024 Courage Classic with the Psyched to Climb team! The team directly supports the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Hospital; this is where I had the privilege of working for five years.
This year I will be riding the "Copper Triange", 80 miles, 3 mountain passes. Every training ride, whether on the Peloton or outdoors I am reminded of what and whom I am riding for.
We are in a state of Emergency for pediatric mental health. Suicide rates in our youth population are at AN ALL TIME HIGH. Our state has seen a 90% increase in demand for behavioral health treatment in the past two years. Colorado is in a full blown crisis and we have reached a tipping point in our ability to address this crisis. Read more here: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/about/news/2021/may-2021/youth-mental-health-state-of-emergency/
Even before Covid, suicide was the leading cause of death for 10-24 year olds in Colorado. The negative impact of isolation, particularly on youth who seek critical social engagement and connection with their peers, has compounded the crisis. The statistics are staggering and the problem is simply too large and too complicated for any one institution to tackle alone. My hope in making this bold statement is to raise attention and resources to facilitate progress in solving the current mental health crisis in Colorado across the region.
We have all been affected by mental health challenges, whether in our immediate community, a friend, a relative, our child or our own issues.
I humbly ask you to join me in helping to heal our community. Please click on the link below and support our team’s efforts.http://support.childrenscoloradofoundation.org/site/TR/?px=1321847&pg=personal&fr_id=1751
Many thanks to those of you who have donated to my rides the past 7 (!) years. The work is ongoing and I ask that if you cannot give this year, that you'd please share this page. Any exposure to this growing crisis and ways we can all support is a win and appreciated.
Please join me in being part of a much needed change!
Thank you so very much!!!
Humbly,
Anne
