The mission of Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver is to decrease the incidence of teen suicide by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for at-risk youth.
One in four youth will have more than passing thoughts of suicide in any given year, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens. In order to prevent suicide, Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver provides free professional therapy services to uninsured or underinsured youth at-risk for suicide. This is in alignment with the Colorado Trust’s 2009 report which indicates that it is necessary to expand and equalize access to mental health care in order to advance Colorado’s suicide prevention efforts. However, many Americans eligible for treatment have limited or no insurance coverage for mental health services.
According to a survey of individuals who say they are suicidal, cost of treatment was a concern for a high proportion of respondents. Among people who have considered suicide, 62% stated that expense was a factor in their not seeking help.
On average, it takes less than five therapy sessions to move most youth away from considering suicide as a viable option. Second Wind Fund of Metro Denver provides at least eight sessions to each youth referred to the program, ensuring that all youth, regardless of financial constraints, are provided the opportunity to receive life-saving therapy.
