Opinion: Youth mental health must be a defining issue for Colorado’s next governor

May 21, 2026 - 10:50

A growing coalition of advocates and organizations across Colorado is pushing for a major shift in how the state addresses the mental health of its young people. The message is clear: the next governor must treat this crisis not as a side issue, but as a defining challenge of their administration. With rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among teens and children remaining stubbornly high, the state has a chance to become a national leader in prevention and care.

The coalition argues that current efforts, while well-intentioned, are fragmented and underfunded. Schools are often the first line of defense, yet many lack the counselors and resources to meet the demand. Rural communities face even steeper barriers, with few providers and long travel times for care. The group is calling for a comprehensive state strategy that includes expanding school-based health centers, investing in early intervention programs, and building a larger, more diverse workforce of therapists and psychiatrists.

This is not just a health issue. It is an education issue, an economic issue, and a public safety issue. When young people cannot get the help they need, they fall behind in school, struggle to hold jobs, and sometimes end up in the juvenile justice system. Colorado has the wealth and the talent to change this trajectory. The next governor has a real chance to set a new standard for the nation, but only if they treat youth mental health with the urgency it demands.