The recent Ag Behavioral Health Work Group Meeting held by the Colorado Department of Agriculture on April 22, 2025, highlighted significant initiatives aimed at improving mental health support for youth in rural communities. The discussions centered around two key programs: the I Matter program and the Lift the Label campaign.

The I Matter program offers six free counseling sessions for youth, available in both English and Spanish. This initiative is particularly beneficial for rural areas, where access to mental health services can be limited. Participants can choose between live or remote sessions, making it easier for young people to receive support regardless of their location. Notably, youth can sign up for the program independently, although there are age restrictions for those under a certain threshold.

In addition to the I Matter program, the meeting also introduced the Lift the Label campaign, which focuses on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. A unique aspect of this campaign is the introduction of recovery cards—greeting cards designed to foster conversations about addiction and recovery. These cards contain encouraging messages and serve as a tool for community engagement and support.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of accessible mental health resources for youth, particularly in rural settings where traditional services may be scarce. As these programs roll out, they have the potential to significantly impact the well-being of young individuals and contribute to a broader cultural shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed in Colorado.

Moving forward, stakeholders are encouraged to promote these initiatives within their communities, ensuring that young people are aware of the resources available to them. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration to enhance mental health support systems across the state.