DENVER, CO (November 10, 2023) - As the nation prepares to honor the brave people who have served in the United States armed forces, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) proudly acknowledges Veterans Day and highlights the Next Chapter Pilot Program—a program that provides comprehensive behavioral health services to veterans in El Paso, Teller, and Pueblo Counties in Colorado.
The Next Chapter Pilot Program is a collaborative effort between BHA, UCHealth, and other community partners, designed to address the unique behavioral health needs of veterans as they transition to civilian life. This innovative program offers a range of services, including counseling, peer support, and tailored mental health resources, to assist veterans in navigating the challenges associated with reintegration.
"Veterans Day is a time to honor and express our gratitude to those who have served our country. At BHA, we are committed to ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to thrive in their next chapter of life," said Thomas Miller, Interim Deputy Commissioner at BHA.
According to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, veterans made up 30% of all suicides in El Paso County for the 2021 reporting period. In the 2022 reporting period that number dropped to 25% of all suicides.
“The Next Chapter Program makes an impact on our veterans and their family members. We honor their service and sacrifice and challenge the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care with this program, which we believe is contributing in some way to reducing the loss of veterans’ lives to suicide,”said Damian McCabe, a veteran of the Army and the Director of Behavioral Health for UCHealth.
BHA encourages veterans, their families, and the community at large to explore the Next Chapter Program and take advantage of the valuable resources available. To learn more about this program and how it can make a positive impact on the lives of veterans, visit nextchapterco.org/about/.
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About the Colorado 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 https://bha.colorado.gov/ or follow us on social media at @BHAConnect.