For most of the past decade, Colorado has seen historic cuts to mental health funding and services, putting pressure on an already overburdened system of care. The economic downturn of 2009 catapulted many families into uncertainty, increased stress and even job loss.

Preventing mental health issues and increasing access to mental health care saves money for families, for communities and for our state. Families in Action for Mental Health was created to provide local support for local families.

Families in Action is a coalition of mental health advocates: Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health – Colorado Chapter, Mental Health America of Colorado, NAMI Colorado and WE CAN! of Colorado formed Families in Action for Mental Health.

Families in Action for Mental health will provide the opportunity for taxpayers to contribute to vital mental health programs through the checkoff program on state tax forms. Contributions collected from the tax checkoff will go directly to four mental health partners that provide education, advocacy, and support programs across Colorado.

Families in Action for Mental Health will:

• Increase access to appropriate mental health services, which will strengthen and enhance Colorado’s mental health safety net system;
• Ensure that families obtain community supports and services to ensure children grow up healthy and are able to maximize