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epilger@steamboatpilot.com
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration will continue to offer the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for those experiencing a crisis, regardless of federal funding cuts by the Trump administration, according to a news release from the department.
Locally, Routt County organizations, such as Steamboat-based Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide and Queer Futures, will continue to offer support for those experiencing mental health issues in the face of the cuts.
The announcement came after the Trump administration moved to discontinue the LGBTQ+ centered support line as a part of the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — which provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress — starting July 17.
The federally mandated change will remove the “Press 3” option that connects callers to a separate support line designated to serve the LGBTQ+ community, according to the news release.
“LGBTQ people face disproportionate rates of mental health issues like suicidality, depression and anxiety,” said Chelsie Holmes, program director of Queer Futures. “That isn’t because there is something inherently wrong with them, it’s because of the discrimination and minority stress they face.”
For LGBTQ+ people looking for immediate mental health support, Holmes recommends reaching out to the 988 Colorado hotline or other national LGBTQ+ oriented organizations like The Trevor Project or the Trans Lifeline.
“This will impact our community and could potentially impact our losses in the valley,” said Mindy Marriott, executive director of REPS. “Meeting the needs of the people in the community is really my main priority.”
Although 988 Colorado will no longer operate a separate line dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, the hotline staff will receive training specifically designed to support the LGBTQ+ community, according to a spokesperson for the Behavioral Health Administration.
According to a statement from Gordon Coombes, director of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, “988 Colorado will continue to serve as a trusted lifeline for all people in Colorado in need of immediate mental and behavioral health support without exception.”
Although REPS and Queer Furtures do not offer a 24/7 crisis service, the organizations are working to increase long-term local care for anyone struggling with mental health.
Holmes encourages the LGBTQ+ community in the Yampa Valley to utilize resources Queer Futures offers, including support groups, events and an art therapist who works directly in the Queer Futures resource center.
“I’d really like to see more therapists (in the resource center) so that people can seek services here in their safe space and in a place they feel comfortable,” said Holmes.
REPS is also hoping to increase timely care amid the federal cuts to help provide crucial services to anyone in the Yampa Valley.
Marriott added that REPS is working hard to answer phone calls and voicemails as soon as possible through increased staff and volunteers. Marriott also noted that anyone looking to support mental health in Yampa Valley communities can volunteer or donate to REPS.
“At the end of the day, I feel like it’s the right thing to be able to do — to be here,” said Marriott. “We’re working towards that at this time.”
REPS also offers five free sessions of therapy by connecting Yampa Valley residents to local providers.
In 2024, REPS served over 400 individuals and invested over $150,000 in counseling services, according to the REPS website.
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