MHAC Hosts 2015 Tribute kickoff

It’s not a secret anymore that mental health concerns affect virtually every family in one way or another. It’s time to stop hiding behind the stigma and take action. Colorado is one of the nation’s leaders in suicides and unfortunately was the site of one of the worst mass shootings in history. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression…these are all sicknesses that need to be brought out from behind the shadows and treated, like any other illness. But since they are not physically based, they are sometimes difficult to define.

In order to call attention to this ever-pressing problem, Mental Health of America of Colorado is hosting their annual Tribute gala on October 3, 2015. Honorees will be the dedicated group of climbers who are in the process of scaling all 54 “fourteeners” in Colorado in 10 weeks to put a spotlight on mental illness. This project, which already has gained media attention, is called “Climb Out of the Darkness.”

A kickoff reception for Tribute was held on Thursday at the Cherry Hills Country Club. New MHAC President and CEO Andrew Romanoff gave an impassioned speech calling supporters to action. Board Chairman Chuck Reyman also thanked sponsors, volunteers, staff and committee members. Kay Greene added sentiments about why she has joined the fight against mental illness and one of the Tribute chairs, Monika Dewitt, talked about why she was recruited for the effort.

To find out more information about Tribute or to find out about mental health programs in Colorado, log on to www.mhacolorado.org.