For Immediate Release
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Media Contact: Lauren Kamm, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, laurenk@bgcmd.org
September 13, 2023
Suicide Prevention Month Resources
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver Shines Light on Suicide Prevention During September's Awareness Month
Denver, CO (September 13, 2023) - This September, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is actively working to raise awareness, share warning signs, and provide education regarding protective factors. Suicide is a leading cause of death for Colorado's youth and young adults. As one of many local teams committed to youth-wellbeing, the organization is dedicated to creating safe and supportive spaces for youth across Metro Denver and providing consistent mental health support and resources.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver recognizes that growing up can be challenging, especially as kids and teens face unprecedented mental health struggles. The organization believes that youth need to be able to cope with adversity, manage their emotions, and ask for help when needed. Together, they are taking action to ensure that Club kids and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.
The organization is committed to providing accessible mental health support at its 25 locations across the city at no extra cost to Club members. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver maintains a team of full-time mental health professionals who support the mental health needs of children in the community. Each of the 25 Clubs has a mental health team member present multiple times each week to facilitate individual connection sessions and small social-emotional learning groups. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver's programs normalize seeking help and break the stigma around talking about mental health struggles.
The Clubs also serve as a protective factor and resource for Club kids and families. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, having an adult to go to for help with a serious problem is one of the strongest protective factors for young people, and 88% of Club members say they have an adult at their Club they trust with big problems (2022 NYOI Survey).
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is committed to raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action to save lives.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver changes lives. From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, we help kids succeed in school, develop good character and citizenship, and live healthy lives. At 25 neighborhood Clubs and our summer camp in Ward, CO, we provide our members with safe, supportive, fun, and enriching environments that inspire and empower them to achieve their greatest potential.