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Today is Veterans Day, and the Good Good Good offices are closed in commemoration of the holiday. We’re dedicating this Goodnewsletter to all things good veteran news: good being done by veterans and for veterans.
Mental Health
Photo by Parker Seibold, Special to The Colorado Trust
A pilot program is helping reduce Colorado’s above-average veteran suicide rate
More than 369,000 veterans live in Colorado, and in 2022 — the most recent data available — 178 of them died by suicide, significantly higher than the national veteran suicide rate and the overall rate for both the state and the country.
To combat those devastating numbers, in 2021 Colorado passed legislation investing $1.6 million in a pilot program called Next Chapter, which pairs veterans with mentors so they have a constant support system, and “know who to call” when they’re struggling. It’s also staffed entirely by veterans, helping clients feel seen and understood.
Initially setting out to connect with 700 veterans, the program has already served over 1,200. A June 2025 report found that more than 80% of participants reported a drop in their thoughts of self-harm and suicide, and of those who had reported prior suicide attempts, the majority had decreased those attempts.
Why is this good news? The VA provides mental health care and resources at eight locations across the state, but the wait time for a new patient seeking services at three Colorado Springs-area clinics in September this year was a minimum of 32 days. Next Chapter gives those same people care within nine days — a potentially life-saving difference.
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How to thoughtfully honor veterans on Veterans Day
Celebrated annually on November 11th, Veterans Day has become a day of recognition, respect, and gratitude for those who have and continue to risk their lives in pursuit of the protection and safety of others.
Upon leaving military service, veterans experience mental health and other health struggles, face homelessness, and more, and often lack the support they desperately need.
Veterans Day should not be the only day we honor veterans. It should be a jumping-off point for us to continue to fight and advocate for these folks at home — 365 days of the year.
