1

How does the Commission work?

Members

The Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) appoints members to the Commission. The twenty-two commissioners represent Coloradoans who have direct personal experiences with suicide, who work in suicide prevention organizations and programs, and who come from communities that face high suicide risks in our state. 

Meetings

The full Commission meets four times a year. At these meetings, the Office of Suicide Prevention provides updates on its work, commissioners discuss and approve recommendations for suicide prevention, and members of the public and suicide prevention professionals provide their expertise on what forms of suicide prevention are needed.

Suicide Prevention Commission Workgroup Meetings are an opportunity for members of the public and commissioners to research specific aspects of suicide prevention, collaborate to connect existing resources and services, and create recommendations for the full Commission to discuss and approve.

Work

Recommendations are at the core of the Commission's work and help determine the priorities for the Office of Suicide Prevention’s work. Recommendations provide examples of what a comprehensive solution to suicidal despair can be for organizations, government programs, and individuals across the state.

The Office of Suicide Prevention works to incorporate the guidance into its work by adapting existing programs or by seeking new funding and creating new initiatives after a recommendation is approved by the Commission. Additionally, recommendations empower community members and organizations by providing suggestions and road maps about how to best prevent suicide locally. Recommendations can be incorporated into a school or organization’s suicide prevention strategies, cited as a rationale for community organizations seeking grant funding, or to provide inspiration for individuals to take action in their communities.

Commission materials

A commission members list, agendas for upcoming meetings, meeting minutes, and more are available online.

Questions? Comments?

Please email us at cdphe_suicideprevention@state.co.us with any questions.

Related programs