Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It’s Wednesday September 23rd, and we’re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, and then a quick summary of other important things happening in our state. Today our focus is on mental health in rural Colorado counties.


But before we begin, let’s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett’s book “Colorado Day by Day”:


Today, we’re going back to September 23rd, 1909 when President William H. Taft, standing on a stage in Montrose County, set a golden bell down on a silver plate. An electric current opened the gates holding back the Gunnison River and water flowed through a 6 mile tunnel to the Uncompahgre River valley. President Taft predicted that “this valley, with an unpronounceable name, is going to blossom like a rose”, and within a few years 470 miles of canals were built to encourage diverse agricultural products.



Now, today’s feature story.


Five people have taken their own lives in the span of a month in the rural counties of Moffat and Routt, and it’s alarming mental health workers who consider the deaths part of the pandemic aftermath.

Suicide prevention coordinators in both counties said people calling their help line and walking through their doors are talking about coronavirus, how it has upended their lives and added to their financial struggles.

One of the challenges in rural areas, where many locals are gun owners, is having productive conversations about suicide prevention without turning it into a political battle.

Meghan Francone, director of the suicide prevention group Open Hearts Advocates said that [quote] “I do not see death by firearm as a political statement, if you choose to own a firearm, you get to choose the responsibility to keep it safe”

So the two counties have joined a state health department initiative called the Colorado Gun Shop Project, which educates gun shop owners on suicide prevention.

Anyone who buys a gun receives multiple pieces of literature about gun safety and how to suggest to a friend who is struggling with their mental health that they give up their guns temporarily.

 

Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown is joining us on the podcast today,

Jennifer, how is the community reacting to these deaths?

And specifically how is the pandemic affecting mental health in these counties?


The May suicide of a pyschologist who had practiced in Steamboat for 30 years and helped open the former Steamboat Mental Health clinic was particularly tough on the small community.

The psychologist, who had helped dozens of others work through the stresses of the pandemic and everyday life, had held stress management workshops and mentored fellow mental health workers. He formed the nonprofit Routt County Alcohol Council, which in 1976 was a pioneering approach to addiction treatment, his colleagues wrote in a tribute published in the Steamboat Pilot.

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Mental health experts across the nation are watching the pandemic’s effect on the suicide rate. It’s too soon to tell what has happened statewide, since state health department statistics are not yet available for this year.

Some counties are not experiencing more suicides so far this year compared with 2019, according to data requested by The Colorado Sun from several coroner’s offices.

The number of suicides in Arapahoe County, for example, is similar to last year. In 2019, 69 people died by suicide from March through the end of September. Since March, 63 people have taken their lives, the coroner’s office said.

But in northwestern Colorado, mental health providers say the consequences of the pandemic have been deadly. And while it’s true that the reasons someone takes their own life are unique to each person, many of those seeking help for suicidal thoughts the past few months have mentioned coronavirus.



Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today:

 

Some Colorado state workers have been ordered to take unpaid furlough amid state budget shortfall.

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Dozens Coronavirus “long haulers” in Colorado have reported a wide range of lingering symptoms including shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, fatigue and malaise, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, body aches, and brain fog.


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Will the University of Colorado’s two-week coronavirus pause be enough to turn the corner?

Some experts say that a two-week pause may also lead to longer remote learning and even sending students home.

-

Colorado may be a leader or a laggard on climate policy. On one hand, the state has adopted some of the most ambitious climate laws in the county; on the other, critics say Gov. Jared Polis’ administration has failed to use the laws to their fullest.

For more information on all of these stories, visit our website, www.coloradosun.com.


The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you.


Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you’ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don’t forget to tune in again tomorrow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning, Colorado, and welcome to the Daily Sun-Up. It&rsquo;s Wednesday September 23rd, and we&rsquo;re feeling lucky to start the day with you. Every day we&rsquo;re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, and then a quick summary of other important things happening in our state. Today our focus is on mental health in rural Colorado counties. But before we begin, let&rsquo;s go back in time with some Colorado history adapted from historian Derek R Everett&rsquo;s book &ldquo;Colorado Day by Day&rdquo;: Today, we&rsquo;re going back to September 23rd, 1909 when President William H. Taft, standing on a stage in Montrose County, set a golden bell down on a silver plate. An electric current opened the gates holding back the Gunnison River and water flowed through a 6 mile tunnel to the Uncompahgre River valley. President Taft predicted that &ldquo;this valley, with an unpronounceable name, is going to blossom like a rose&rdquo;, and within a few years 470 miles of canals were built to encourage diverse agricultural products. Now, today&rsquo;s feature story. Five people have taken their own lives in the span of a month in the rural counties of Moffat and Routt, and it&rsquo;s alarming mental health workers who consider the deaths part of the pandemic aftermath. Suicide prevention coordinators in both counties said people calling their help line and walking through their doors are talking about coronavirus, how it has upended their lives and added to their financial struggles. One of the challenges in rural areas, where many locals are gun owners, is having productive conversations about suicide prevention without turning it into a political battle. Meghan Francone, director of the suicide prevention group Open Hearts Advocates said that [quote] &ldquo;I do not see death by firearm as a political statement, if you choose to own a firearm, you get to choose the responsibility to keep it safe&rdquo; So the two counties have joined a state health department initiative called the Colorado Gun Shop Project, which educates gun shop owners on suicide prevention. Anyone who buys a gun receives multiple pieces of literature about gun safety and how to suggest to a friend who is struggling with their mental health that they give up their guns temporarily. &nbsp; Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown is joining us on the podcast today, Jennifer, how is the community reacting to these deaths? And specifically how is the pandemic affecting mental health in these counties? The May suicide of a pyschologist who had practiced in Steamboat for 30 years and helped open the former Steamboat Mental Health clinic was particularly tough on the small community. The psychologist, who had helped dozens of others work through the stresses of the pandemic and everyday life, had held stress management workshops and mentored fellow mental health workers. He formed the nonprofit Routt County Alcohol Council, which in 1976 was a pioneering approach to addiction treatment, his colleagues wrote in a tribute published in the Steamboat Pilot. - Mental health experts across the nation are watching the pandemic&rsquo;s effect on the suicide rate. It&rsquo;s too soon to tell what has happened statewide, since state health department statistics are not yet available for this year. Some counties are not experiencing more suicides so far this year compared with 2019, according to data requested by The Colorado Sun from several coroner&rsquo;s offices. The number of suicides in Arapahoe County, for example, is similar to last year. In 2019, 69 people died by suicide from March through the end of September. Since March, 63 people have taken their lives, the coroner&rsquo;s office said. But in northwestern Colorado, mental health providers say the consequences of the pandemic have been deadly. And while it&rsquo;s true that the reasons someone takes their own life are unique to each person, many of those seeking help for suicidal thoughts the past few months have mentioned coronavirus. Thanks for listening. Before we go here are a few stories you should know about today: &nbsp; Some Colorado state workers have been ordered to take unpaid furlough amid state budget shortfall. - Dozens Coronavirus &ldquo;long haulers&rdquo; in Colorado have reported a wide range of lingering symptoms including shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, fatigue and malaise, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, body aches, and brain fog. - Will the University of Colorado&rsquo;s two-week coronavirus pause be enough to turn the corner? Some experts say that a two-week pause may also lead to longer remote learning and even sending students home. - Colorado may be a leader or a laggard on climate policy. On one hand, the state has adopted some of the most ambitious climate laws in the county; on the other, critics say Gov. Jared Polis&rsquo; administration has failed to use the laws to their fullest. For more information on all of these stories, visit our website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.coloradosun.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.coloradosun.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1600915086913000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEeRIYDO8fNWtWv0y1-en1eGjvNPQ">www.coloradosun.com</a>. The Colorado Sun is non-partisan and completely independent. We're always dedicated to telling the in-depth stories we need today more than ever. And The Sun is supported by readers and listeners like you. Right now, you can head to ColoradoSun.com and become a member. Starting at $5 per month for a basic membership and if you bump it up to $20 per month, you&rsquo;ll get access to our exclusive politics and outdoors newsletters. Thanks for starting your morning with us and don&rsquo;t forget to tune in again tomorrow.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

The Daily Sun-Up

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

Our intro music is by Matt Skellenger Group: https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission 

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we&rsquo;re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at <a href="https://coloradosun.com/">https://coloradosun.com/</a>.
Our intro music is by Matt Skellenger Group: <a href="https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission">https://mattskellenger.bandcamp.com/album/subspace-transmission</a>&nbsp;