COLORADO SPRINGS — Some of Colorado Springs’ most underserved neighborhoods now have increased access to mental health care. The National Alliance On Mental Health, known as NAMI, has a newly renovated space on the Silver Key campus on the city’s southeast side.
NAMI Executive Director Lori Jarvis said the nonprofit needs more space to help everyone who comes through its doors. Since the pandemic, more and more people are reaching out to them for help, she said.
In 2023, NAMI provided mental health support services to more than 7,000 people in Colorado Springs. Now we have a bigger space and hope to be able to offer even more services.
“Historically, this area has been a very underserved area. It’s been a medical desert,” Jarvis said.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness says its office on Colorado Springs’ southeast side is in the best possible location to help the clients it serves most. In 2019, NAMI moved its offices from downtown to the Silver Key campus near Fountain and Murray Streets.
“We knew there was work left to do to reach communities of color and underserved communities,” Jarvis said.
Jarvis said there is a lot of stigma around mental health in certain demographics.
“I think there’s something like an ethic of keeping one’s business at home and not sharing it widely. So whether it’s the African-American community or the Hispanic community, some That’s still kind of a mantra in the community,” Jarvis said.
Jarvis said conversations around mental health have become more accepted since the pandemic.
“I think if there’s a silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that people are talking more openly about mental health and mental health challenges,” Jarvis said.
Although more people are seeking help, Nami said she didn’t have the space to do so. But after months of renovations, NAMI expanded its office.
“We really stepped up our game by going into space and expanding it. The space we were in doubled,” Jarvis said.
The new office will have such a room, giving individuals more privacy and space to meet with peer support groups. Silver Key President Jason Diabueno said the expansion celebrates an opportunity to bring more support to people living in southeast Colorado Springs.
“We’re very excited to have the space to serve more people. The reality is that sometimes it’s not just a matter of dollars and cents, it’s about what makes sense logistically and securing the space. “Sometimes it’s about being able to do it.’ It’s a place where people can walk in and feel comfortable and feel at home,” de Bueno said.
The space is adjacent to another counseling center, Silver Key, Senior Services and other nonprofit organizations.
Jarvis Nami and nearby nonprofits plan to work together to accommodate the number of people in need.
Jarvis said Diversus Health, another great mental health resource, is also nearby. Diversus Health also helps thousands of people in Colorado Springs access mental health resources.
Diversus Health says it served 12,972 unique patients in 2023. They provided these statistics to her News5.
- Adult patients who complete treatment experience an average reduction of 44% in trauma symptoms
- Depression improved by 48% in adult patients who completed treatment
- Adults who complete treatment experience 100% improvement in anxiety disorders
- 42% improvement in daily functioning *SAMHSA National Outcome Measure
Jalibs said more people are joining support groups and attending educational classes this year. She said the brand new Community Her Room will be able to host more courses and conferences. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please call NAMI at 719-473-8477.
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