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From our Executive Director :
An essential part of what our organization does is to advocate on behalf of Coloradans who have symptoms of psychiatric disabilities. In 2009, 172 people died by suicide in El Paso County, Colorado.
My late mother, Joyce Bell, committed suicide when I was 19 and she was only 40. Depression is
the primary cause or factor in most suicides. Therefore access to affordable, quality behavioral
health care (including doctors, medications and counseling), AND respect for the human rights of
patients who seek or receive treatment and follow-up support are top priorities for our Board of
Directors. Tragically, Colorado is 39th in the United States in public funding and spending for
behavioral health care.Joining with other advocates and community organizers, we are dedicated
to changing these situations.
Whether it's helping with the establishment of a Mental Health Court or creating more hospital beds and more competent care for our peers in Colorado Springs, or educating public policy makers about how to build-up a stable, well-paid and peer-centered behavioral health workforce....we will not be silent. We refuse to be lableled, ignored or patronized. Since I became an active participant in the work of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in 2006, I have observed the following : we are not sick, broken or helpless. Our brains are wired differently which often leads to creative and innovative thought and action ---- that can change the world.
We Need Your Money, Time & Expertise
Serving our peers is a 'labor of love'. But it takes money to pay the bills and
expand our reach across Colorado. A donation of $10, $20 or $30 can make a
big difference. And whether you are a peer, a family member, a college student,
a retiree, a military veteran, a business owner or a health care provider, sharing
a few hours a month of your time and expertise will be life-changing for the people
we serve and for you as well. To volunteer (and you don't have to live in the Springs), contact us via email. To donate: please send a check or money order to
DBSA Colorado Inc.
1352 N. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909.
Steve Bell
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