DENVER ~ Denver, CO - The Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC) in Colorado has been making significant strides in its inaugural year, providing critical mental health support to over 4,500 youth in 15 counties. Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera joined leaders from Serve Colorado, the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest, Behavioral Health Administration, and the Colorado Community College System for a roundtable discussion and school site visits to highlight the program's successes and discuss opportunities for sustainable funding.

Launched in Fall 2024, the YMHC is a first-of-its-kind initiative that trains and deploys AmeriCorps members as peer navigators in middle and high schools across the state. These members play a crucial role in connecting students with mental health resources and building stronger community partnerships in behavioral health. With 127 AmeriCorps members currently deployed, the program has already made a significant impact on youth mental health in Colorado.

During the roundtable discussion, Lt. Governor Primavera reaffirmed the Polis-Primavera administration's commitment to expanding mental health resources for young Coloradans. "Our young people deserve access to high-quality mental health support so they can thrive," said Lt. Governor Primavera. "The Youth Mental Health Corps is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can make a real difference in students' lives across Colorado."

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National service has been a cornerstone of addressing vital issues in communities across Colorado, with every federal dollar invested in AmeriCorps resulting in a return of up to $34.26. This investment not only has a profound and lasting impact on social stability and community resilience but also advances workforce development in key sectors such as behavioral health.

The event also featured remarks from Marie Groark of the Schultz Family Foundation and Alise Marshall of Pinterest, who both emphasized the importance of sustainable investment in youth mental health initiatives. "Access to mental health care is one of the biggest challenges facing young people today, and we believe that they must be at the forefront of shaping solutions that drive meaningful change," said Groark. "The work the State of Colorado has been doing through the Youth Mental Health Corps demonstrates the powerful impact young people can have on their communities."

Pinterest, a social media platform, has also been committed to supporting youth mental health and is proud to partner with Colorado on the launch of their Youth Mental Health Corps. "At Pinterest, we are deeply committed to building a positive and inspirational space for young people online," said Marshall. "Supporting youth mental health requires everyone to leverage their collective expertise and take action together."

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During the roundtable, YMHC members shared their firsthand experiences working in schools and how the program has positively impacted student well-being and academic success. The discussion also included insights from leaders in behavioral health, community colleges, and philanthropic organizations on securing long-term funding for the program.

As Colorado continues to lead the way in youth mental health innovation, today's forum served as a crucial step towards ensuring the program's sustainability and future growth. For more information on how to support the Youth Mental Health Corps' mission, please visit Serve Colorado's website.

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