The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise proudly announce the launch of a campaign to increase awareness and utilization of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988). The service connects people in Colorado to trained crisis specialists offering compassionate mental health, emotional, and substance use support via call, text, and chat.  

Colorado has been a pioneer in delivering life-saving crisis services since 2014 with its Colorado Crisis Line, well ahead of the federal mandate for state-provided crisis services. With the nationwide introduction of 988 in July 2022, there is now a unified, easy-to-remember number for those in crisis. 

“This is an exciting moment that further demonstrates Colorado’s commitment to leading the nation in providing high-quality crisis services to anyone in our state who finds themself in need,” BHA Commissioner, Dannette R. Smith, said. “While many people in Colorado have long been aware of the Colorado Crisis Services Line, only about 5% of people in Colorado know about 988.  

“In Colorado, there is no wrong door for receiving crisis services, through CCS and 988, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to further promote the three easy numbers that will lead to life-saving support for our communities,” Smith said. “Our goal is to ensure every Coloradan knows that help is just a call, text, or chat away.” 

“The 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise is thrilled to partner closely with BHA to launch this campaign to raise awareness and promote critical 988 services,” said Juan Escobedo, 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise Board Chair. “Through funding from our Board and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we were able to spend the past year conducting extensive research and community engagement – including conversations with youth and adults – to ensure that the messages included in this campaign are culturally relevant, inclusive, impactful and can effectively reach and inform communities all across Colorado.” 

Now, 988 in Colorado has a new website, logo, and name designed with the input of Coloradans. It is important to note that those who are familiar with CCS will still be able to call or text to get the support they need from the number they know well. But now, they’ll have an additional option with the extremely easy to remember 988 number. 

To learn more about key 988 partners and the future of Colorado Crisis Services, BHA invites the public to a 988 Informational Session on Wednesday, July 31, from noon – 1p.m. Register in advance via Zoom. To learn more, visit the 988 Colorado website.