Public Health in the Rockies 2026

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line provides individuals experiencing emotional, mental health, or substance use concerns with 24/7 access to trained crisis specialists through call, text, and chat services. As Colorado continues to strengthen statewide behavioral health infrastructure, understanding how communities utilize 988 Colorado services and how the system can support broader public health efforts is increasingly important. The Evaluation Center (TEC) at the University of Colorado Denver partners with the 988 Colorado team to provide evaluation and data analytic support related to service utilization and outcomes.

This session will include three components. First, representatives from 988 Colorado will provide an overview of the service model, available supports, and the role of 988 within Colorado’s behavioral health response system. Second, TEC staff will present utilization data and evaluation findings, including trends in call, text, and chat volume over time; common reasons individuals contact 988; and regional differences in service utilization across Colorado. Findings will highlight patterns relevant to public health and behavioral health professionals working in diverse communities throughout the state.

The final portion of the session will focus on facilitated audience discussion and interactive engagement. Participants will be invited to reflect on how utilization patterns align with their professional experiences, discuss perceptions and awareness of 988 within their communities, and identify opportunities for collaboration across public health and behavioral health systems. The additional 30 minutes requested for this session will support meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and discussion of practical strategies for strengthening awareness, access, and coordination related to 988 services in Colorado. Participants will leave with increased awareness of 988 Colorado as a statewide behavioral health resource and with actionable ideas for supporting crisis response and prevention efforts within their own communities.