For Our Community Archives

A Statement on the Tragic Events at Evergreen High School

Written by Josh Engard on September 11, 2025. Posted in For Our Community.

Jefferson Center is heartbroken over the tragedy at Evergreen High School yesterday. Our hearts are with the students, families, school staff, and the broader community who have been impacted by this devastating event.

We recognize the profound impact such violence has on individuals, families, and communities, and we are committed to standing alongside Evergreen during this time of grief and healing.

Our Community Disaster Response Team is mobilizing to provide mental health services in the area in collaboration with our community partners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 for immediate support or go to the Walk-in Crisis Center located at 4643 Wadsworth Blvd.

We urge our community to check in on one another, show compassion, and use available resources as we navigate this painful time together. Healing will take time, but together we can foster resilience and hope.

— Sarah Alquist
Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Center

At a wooden desk, a case worker in a white shirt holds up a clipboard with a "Health Insurance" form on it. They use a pen to point to a line on the form while a client looks on. A laptop and a coffee cup are also visible on the desk.

Keeping or Restoring Your Medicaid Benefits

Written by Josh Engard on January 29, 2024. Posted in For Our Community, Medicaid, Navigation Resources.

Have you lost your Medicaid benefits and aren’t sure why? Are you confused about why you lost your Medicaid benefits? You may still be eligible to receive Medicaid. Some cases may even be eligible to have past services covered. These resources can help:

Local Resources – Jefferson County:

Jefferson County Dept. of Human Services
900 Jefferson County Parkway
Suite 170
Golden, CO 80401

Phone: 303-271-1388
Fax: 303-271-4207

Waivers Served: Brain Injury Waiver (BI), Children with Life-Limiting Illness Waiver (CLLI), Children’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver (CHCBS), Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS), Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver (CIH), Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD)

Developmental Disabilities Resource Center
11177 W. 8th Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80215

Phone: 303-233-3363

Waivers Served: Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES), Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP), Children’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver (CHCBS), Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD), Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS)

Local Resources – Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties:

Adult Care Management, Inc. – Single Entry Point (SEP)
1455 Dixon Avenue
Suite 105
Lafayette, CO 80026

Phone: 303-439-7011
Fax: 866-931-0763

Developmental Disabilities Resource Center
11177 W. 8th Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80215

Phone: 303-233-3363

Waivers Served: Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES), Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP), Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD), Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS)

Other State Resources:

Connect for Health Colorado

Insurance Broker Help Center

Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus Grievance Form

For the first time in more than three years, Coloradans who are no longer eligible for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) are losing their coverage.

Jefferson Center Navigation can help you apply for Medicaid- and help in-person with paper applications or virtually with online applications! We can also assess eligibility for sliding scale and get that established in the interim. Medicaid typically back-dates coverage for up to 3 months to cover accruing expenses while people are waiting for benefits to be approved so clients can be reimbursed for costs once approved as well. We also have information on Marketplace insurance we can share for individuals who are over income for Medicaid, but we are unable to assist with these applications specifically.

Resource flyers from the Colorado Department of Health:

English

Español

Keep Children Covered

Mental Health First Aid

Written by jeffersonc on August 8, 2023. Posted in For Our Community, Training.

Join the more than four million Americans who have taken the first step to stomp out stigma in their own communities with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). When you attend Mental Health First Aid, you’ll learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of a range of mental health and substance use disorders, and will build the skills and confidence to help someone in crisis.

In Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), “#BeThe1in15” is a campaign goal to train at least 1 in 15 people in America to be Mental Health First Aiders. The “1 in 15” figure is based on the idea that most people have an inner circle of around 5 to 15 close friends and family, meaning having one First Aider for every 15 people could help ensure support is available when it’s needed.

This course is designed for anyone who would like to make their community a healthier, happier, and safer place for all. Mental Health First Aiders are neighbors, parents, friends, veterans, first responders, people in recovery, and community leaders. Everyone is welcome to join this community!

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid

Suicide Prevention

Written by jeffersonc on January 4, 2023. Posted in For Our Community, Suicide Prevention.

Suicide Is Preventable. If You Think Someone You Know Might Be Considering Taking Their Own Life, Remember, It’s Ok to Ask. In Fact, It’s the Most Responsible Action You Can Take.

Psychologists tell us phrases such as “Are you OK?” or “You seem really down today. Tell me what’s going on” or “Tell me how you’re feeling right now” are door-openers to the conversation. (Also see 5 Action Steps below). You must also ask directly: “Are you having thoughts about killing yourself?” (If that’s too uncomfortable for you, find someone who can ask).

It’s always better to ask directly than not to do so.

Suicide Warning Signs

Suicide is not inevitable. It’s preventable. Here are some warning signs to look for:

Noticeable change in behavior.
Signs of depression (sleeping problems, change in appetite, feelings of hopelessness, etc.)
Alcohol or drug abuse.
Obsession with death.
A decline in performance or participation in activities.
Suicidal gesturing or reckless behavior.
Giving away prized possessions.
Unusual purchases (weapon, rope, pills).
Sudden happiness after a prolonged depression.
Talking about suicide or dying.
Withdrawal from friends or family or saying goodbye to them.
Previous suicide attempts.
Statements about hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness.
Inability to concentrate or trouble remembering.
Chronic pain or frequent complaints of physical symptoms.

Learn more by attending suicide prevention training – sign up for a class today!

What You Should Do

Listen and express concern in a non-judgmental way.
Take action. – get them connected with professional help.
Ask questions openly (e.g., “Do you have a plan?” “Will you talk with someone who can help?”)
Show that you care.
Take suicide threats seriously.
Save the suicide hotline numbers in your phone for quick access

What Should You NOT Do

Do NOT keep it a secret.
Do NOT sidestep the issue or treat it lightly.
Do NOT leave the person alone.
Do NOT offer simple solutions.
Do NOT judge.
Do NOT offer or suggest drugs or alcohol.
Do NOT try to be a therapist – get professional help.

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain

Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk people if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-8255 (TALK). You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Resources