Community Health Partnership

We're so excited to welcome back one of our former staff members, Zephyr Smith! Zephyr (he/him) has been working with systematically disadvantaged populations since 2017. He recently worked for a HUD formula grantee managing grant funds for homeless services providers in the Pikes Peak Region. Earlier in his career, he administered HMIS databases, performed financial modeling for nonprofit organizations, taught young people with disabilities, and offered one-on-one tutoring services for students struggling with math and science. Zephyr holds a BA in Economics from Rice University and has completed coursework in statistics, computer science, finance, and accounting. Having grown up in Arizona, Zephyr enjoys spending free time outdoors. He cycles, backpacks, or kayaks most weekends. He hopes to begin recreationally flying non-powered aircraft in the near future.

Amber P., CEO of Community Health Partnership, was honored to attend and be part of the 3rd Annual Colorado Opioid Abatement Conference earlier this week. As a member of the panel for "Spotlight on Community Innovations & Emerging Best Practices," Amber presented findings from a report CHP compiled on emerging best practices from eight of the state's 19 Regional Opioid Abatement Councils. We are so impressed with the dedication of everyone we interviewed for this report and how much progress has been made in such a short amount of time. Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/gpE7Bftg. https://lnkd.in/gkehwZDN

Please help us give a warm welcome to Taylor Hageman (she/her), CHP's new Director of Operations! Taylor believes positivity, collaboration, and trust can change an organization (and the world). Prior to joining CHP, she spent 8 years as the Director of Operations and Sales for an Agile Transformation and IT Leadership Development organization where she specialized in leading operational transformations and developing comprehensive growth strategies. In her past roles, she has worked with clients across various sectors, including national security, aerospace, telecom, hospitality, and nonprofit. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Troy University and numerous certifications in Agile Leadership, Project Management, and IT. She serves on the boards of the Mountain Post Spouses Club and Resolute Warriors, and volunteers with organizations supporting military spouses and professional networks. Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys hiking, camping, and being a taxi driver for her children’s sports commitments. Being from Myrtle Beach, SC, she misses the beach but spends as much time in the mountains as possible.

Hispanic and Latinx communities face unique mental health challenges, including stigma and barriers to accessing services that meet their cultural and linguistic needs. Between 2018-2021, the age-adjusted suicide rate among Hispanic individuals increased nearly 7%.   Visit Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Latinx and Hispanic Communities (available in English and Spanish) Talk Saves Lives TM | AFSP   If you or a loved one needs local mental health information or is in crisis, please call or text 988.  Visit spcollab.org for more resources. 

When it comes to fixing broken systems, CHP believes there are few skills more fundamental than advocacy. Used effectively, advocacy gives individuals and coalitions the power to address policy, resource flows, practices, relationships, power dynamics, and mental models – all of which are necessary for addressing complex problems. Advocacy can show up in many different ways, from organizing rallies to emailing your representatives. And as Lee Lehmkuhl proves, becoming an advocate doesn’t have to happen overnight. Small steps can lead to big impact. To read more visit https://lnkd.in/gTaaNh-6

We're so excited to introduce you to Jessica Davis (she/her), our Office & Facilities Coordinator. Even though she's only been with CHP for a few weeks, she's already made a huge difference in the way things run around here. A Washington State native, Jessica holds an undergraduate degree in Health Care Science and a master’s degree in health promotion from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Prior to joining CHP, Jessica was in administration, operations, and management while serving as an Office Coordinator for UCCS. She has a passion for creating a community that incorporates a sense of belonging and support amongst all individuals. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, while discovering the beautiful Colorado hikes and scenic drives. Welcome, Jessica!

Thank you to Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Councilmember David Leinweber for their joint proclamation recognizing September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month. Staff from CHP and members of the Suicide Prevention Collaborative of El Paso County (The Collaborative) were in attendance. Cass Walton, Chair of The Collaborative and ED of the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, expressed her appreciation for the Proclamation, spoke about the importance of making self-care a priority, and encouraged the City to host a QPR suicide prevention training for its staff. If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional, mental health, or substance use concern, call or text 988, or live chat at 988Colorado.com.

Today, we’re celebrating all the incredible nonprofits in our community who are coming together to solve complex community health issues. Whether it’s addressing homelessness, improving mental health, preventing suicide, or supporting LGBTQ+ health, these organizations are making a profound impact. Collaboration is key to creating transformative change, and we’re proud to work alongside such passionate and dedicated partners. Let’s continue to support and uplift each other as we work towards a brighter future. #NationalNonprofitDay #CommunityHealth #TogetherWeThrive

Transgender History Month is a time to honor the rich history and contributions of transgender history makers, pioneers, trailblazers and affirm the presence of transgender people around the world. https://lnkd.in/gse5-SBt #TransgenderHistoryMonth #TransHistory #LGBTQ

Make plans today to attend the Workplace Well-Being Summit in Colorado Springs August 22nd. Designed for workplace teams of 2-5 members, this immersive event offers highly interactive sessions where attendees will: · Gain valuable insight into reducing workplace stress. · Discover best practices for workplace well-being initiatives. · Learn how to reduce the tragedies of suicide, overdose, and the consequences of addiction. Don't miss this opportunity to create a healthier, safer, and more productive workforce. Space is limited. Register today at www.tinyurl.com/HOPE-COS