Second Wind Fund helps Colorado children at risk of suicide

Nearly one in five high school students in Colorado reported that they have seriously considered suicide, according to the latest survey data on the topic.

This startling statistic makes the work that Colorado nonprofit Second Wind Fund does all the more important, said Anna Bishop, development director of the organization that connects Colorado youth under the age of 20 who are at risk of suicide to accessible mental health care.

To access the organization’s services, parents or youth professionals such as school counselors complete an online form on the Second Wind Fund website, describing what the young person is struggling with in their life and what barriers they face in care .

“We’re really looking for reasons to serve youth,” Bishop said, noting that a child does not have to explicitly state that they are suicidal to get help. Past mental health problems, coming from an abusive home, or suddenly withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed can all be indicators that a young person needs mental health care.

Once Second Wind Fund receives a referral, staff reviews it within 48 hours and if they move forward with the referral, the organization provides a list of therapists best suited to the child’s needs, Bishop said.

Second Wind Funds works with a network of approximately 900 therapists across the state with varying expertise.

Once a child is connected with a therapist, the provider is expected to see the child within seven business days, Bishop said.

If a child’s family has financial constraints, the Second Wind Fund will cover the costs of 12 to 20 therapy sessions.

Last financial year the organization managed 1,114 referrals and provided more than 4,600 therapy sessions.