BOULDER, CO - May 1, 2008 - This year alone, one in five Coloradans will suffer from a mental health disorder. Despite the fact that these are real and highly treatable conditions, fewer than half of these individuals will seek help, and less than one third will receive adequate care. The social, cultural, and economic repercussions of mental illness are visible throughout all aspects of our community - especially in our hospitals, schools, jails, homeless shelters, and the workplace. Major depression alone remains the leading cause of disability within the U.S. among individuals ages 15-44, costing an estimated $44 billion dollars per year.

Additionally, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher noted that 90 percent of suicides are associated with a history of mental illness, usually depression or substance abuse. In 2005, Colorado's rate of completed suicides was the 5 th highest in the country - 55 percent higher than the national average. Suicide was also the 7 th leading cause of death in Boulder County during 2006, (N=48).

In response, many faith communities have begun to play a critical role in helping to promote mental health awareness. "We have endured unfathomable losses over the last few years: first our son, later our daughter, died of suicide. The support of our church community has been incredibly important to our survival," said Susan Marine, a member of the First Congregational Church in Boulder. "The help we've received motivated me to work to create a Task Force on Mental Health at our church. (Our) mission is to educate, to counteract the stigma associated with mental illness, and to provide support. We've planned the May 20th event to foster networking among Boulder's faith communities on these issues."

In honor of 'May is Mental Health Month', The HOPE Coalition of Boulder County will be hosting "Depression Over the Life Cycle & the Role of Faith Communities" on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 from 8a.m. - 12 p.m. at TheFirst Congregational Church of Boulder. This half-day conference will address depression in youth, middle-aged, and older adult populations, focusing on proactive engagement strategies and exploring the collaborative role of local faith communities. Members from more than 50 congregations throughout Boulder and Broomfield Counties are expected to attend. Participating will be keynote speaker Amy Robertson, suicide prevention coordinator, University of Colorado at Boulder and discussion panel members: Alan Johnson, moderator, First Congregational Task Force on Mental Health, Dr. Jan Hittelman of Boulder Psychological Services, and Rhonda Racicot, The Mental Health Center Geriatrics Team. This event is free and all are welcome to attend. To register, please visit www.hopecoalitionboulder.org.

"This conference is another step for addressing depression head on and offering resources to help - especially ways that faith communities can take action," said Alan Johnson, a member of The First Congregational Church Task Force on Mental Health. "Having lived with bipolar illness in my family and experiencing my brother's suicide, I have become a strong advocate for education and action in overcoming stigma that surrounds mental illness."

Moreover, congregations are finding themselves in a unique position to proactively address mental health issues. "Faith communities can - and do - work in partnership with community-based groups to provide support for people with mental illnesses and their families," said Joanne Kelly, vice president of the Colorado chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "Supportive faith communities can give affected individuals hope, strength and motivation that can help them cope. They also can be tremendously helpful to family members who don't know where else to turn for comfort. I would like to see us build a strong network of congregations in Boulder and Broomfield counties that work together to fulfill this important role."

"Depression Over the Life-Cycle & the Role of Faith Communities" is proudly sponsored by: The HOPE Coalition, The First Congregational Church UCC of Boulder, Boulder County Aging Services, NAMI Boulder County, The Mental Health Center Serving Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and Restoring the Soul.

About the HOPE Coalition:

The HOPE Coalition was formed in 2005 and is comprised of concerned community members whose mission is to educate, engage, and empower the community about depression awareness and suicide prevention in order to save lives. "We believe that with proper attention and intervention, lives can be saved. And it takes a community." To learn more, please visit: HopeCoalitionBoulder.org

References:

NAMI, Facts & Numbers, Oct. 2007; Mental Health America of Colorado - Impact, 2008; Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Office of Suicide Prevention, 2008; Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, 2006.

Colorado 'May is Mental Health Month' Resources:

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

Senate Joint Resolution 08-032

For More Information, Please Contact:

Keith Matney
Recovery Project Coordinator
The Mental Health Center Serving Boulder & Broomfield Counties
Phone: (303) 413-6289
Email: kmatney@mhcbbc.org

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