DENVER (June 8, 2022) - Veterans and their families in El Paso County now have access to a pilot program called Next Chapter to help prevent suicide through wraparound support, community connection, and improved linkages to resources, thanks to a partnership with UCHealth and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Senate Bill 21-129 established Next Chapter, which can serve up to 700 veterans and their families per year by providing free behavioral health services to reduce suicidal ideation and the suicide death rate amongst this population. Services are at no cost to the recipient, stigma-free, and confidential. The program includes therapy, crisis management, case management, family support (even without the veteran), employment services, and peer and group support.
“With Next Chapter, Veterans and their families in El Paso County can turn to one entry point to help navigate essential behavioral health resources in their community and access treatment to alleviate factors that may be contributing to suicidal ideation and actions,” said BHA Crisis Program Manager, Megan Lee.
To ensure utilization, satisfaction, and efficacy of the program, it will be evaluated by The Evaluation Center at CU Denver. UCHealth and the Evaluation Center, alongside the BHA, are working to avoid duplicative efforts with existing programs and campaigns and to fill gaps instead.
Next Chapter runs through June 2025. For more information, call 1-888-719-VETS or visit www.nextchapterco.org.