The Health Subcommittee meets to discuss issues, programs and ideas geared towards the mental, behavioral, and other health related needs of children/youth ages 0-21 and their caregivers.
The Jeffco Community Health Improvement Network is a group of multi-disciplinary coalitions in Jefferson County, Colorado working together to increase physical activity, healthy eating, and psychosocial well-being among low-income families with children ages 0-18. By working together, partners throughout Jefferson County plan to use a collective impact framework to collaboratively and strategically improve the health and well-being of our community. Please visit their site regularly to view the updated plan and obtain information about the six coalitions (CoiNs) comprised of active living, food access, healthy beverage, health in early childhood, school wellness, and preventive care / behavioral health resources.
Let's Talk Colorado
Let’s Talk Colorado is funded by a State Innovation Model grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The purpose of the funding is to improve the health of Coloradans by providing access to physical and behavioral health care.
The goal of the Let’s Talk Colorado media campaign is to reduce the stigma around mental illness so that people who need treatment are more likely to seek it. Visit their website for marketing ideas, materials and information.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK (8255), text "TALK" to 38255, or go to the Colorado Crisis website to access a live chat available in 17 languages. Help and hope are available 24 / 7 / 365.
Did you Know?
Did you know that stress has an immediate effect on your body. In the short term, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but chronic stress puts your health at risk. Insomnia, high blood pressure, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, infertility, aches/pains, and a suppressed immune system are all possible side effects of chronic stress. Try squeezing a stress ball, holding play dough, listening to music, deep belly breathing, taking a warm shower/bath, exercising or stretching to lessen stress. To read more about the symptoms, causes, impact of and ways to reduce stress visit Healthline.com.
The Science of Happy
For centuries, the field of psychology focused on addressing the negative—investigating what was "wrong" with us, or relieving suffering from depression, trauma, and addictions. But over the last decade, we've seen a significant shift: Scientists are now turning their attention to what makes people thrive. What thoughts, actions, and behaviors make us more productive at work, happier in our relationships, and more fulfilled at the end of the day? That is the focus of the field of positive psychology, often referred to as the science of happiness. Its goal? To investigate what makes us flourish, according to Dr. Martin Seligman, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a pioneer in the field. Positive psychology doesn't turn a blind eye to suffering or psychological illness, but it does encourage individuals and even communities to adopt practices that can boost optimism, increase resilience, and live happy, engaged lives.
Happify was founded in New York City in 2012 by three serial entrepreneurs united by a belief that technology should be used to make peoples' lives better. They reviewed the field of positive psychologyand the potential it had to be life changing potential. With their expertise in gaming and technology, they built a unique opportunity to bring the science to life in a fun, engaging way that could help people everywhere live more fully. Check out Happify.com for fun tidbits that will bring a smile to your face.
Visit Jefferson Center for Mental Health to learn more about services (therapy, navigation), look through their deciding together library, sign up to take a class from the Wellness catalog, or schedule attendance at an upcoming training (First Aid Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Systemic Training for Effective Parenting). Their interactive website is updated regularly with services, classes and wellness opportunities.