‹‹ Purplish

With mental health, can Colorado achieve ‘transformative’ change?

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27min 41sec
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Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
David Wasserman travels for more than an hour by bus each way from Centennial to Denver Health’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic for addiction treatment. Photographed entering the clinic on April 15, 2022.

Colorado ranks last in the nation, when it comes to mental health care available, compared to the number of people who need it. This year state lawmakers are hoping to make a big difference in the problem.

If you are in crisis or are looking for mental health services for you or someone you know, you can call the Colorado Crisis Services hotline at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak with a trained counselor or professional.

Purplish is hosted by Bente Birkeland and Andrew Kenney. The show is edited by Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Brad Turner is the head of CPR's Audio Innovations and composed our theme music.

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