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The 2024 Community Challenge to Fight Suicide & Fentanyl Overdoses
Nearly $30,000 raised for suicide and overdose prevention in Boulder and Broomfield counties.
For the last 7 years, Mental Health Partners (MHP) has hosted its annual MHP Community Challenge to raise awareness and money for suicide prevention. In the last couple of years, funds raised also went to opioid overdose prevention resources in our community – specifically to address rising overdoses from the concerning and deadly drug, fentanyl.
On Saturday, September 14th, 17 runners participated in the challenging Skyline Traverse Challenge, braving 19+ miles of difficult terrain across the five peaks that form Boulder's iconic backdrop. This tough trail symbolizes persevering through the many ups and downs of life. From June through September, more than 200 people contributed to the Skyline Traverse Challenge, MESA Ramble & Poker Run, Bike Challenge, and Couch Challenge.
This year, we raised $29,848!
All the proceeds from the Challenge go directly to supporting lifesaving initiatives directly in our community – including free suicide prevention trainings and kiosks containing NARCAN©/naloxone at no cost. The “winners” of each Challenge are determined by who raises the most money by September 30th.
Bill Farrow, a co-founder of the MHP Community Challenge and longtime participant, donor, and volunteer said:
I support the Challenges because of MHP’s track record of providing suicide prevention training and no-charge Narcan kits throughout their served communities. This addresses issues that impact everyone either directly or indirectly.”
Colorado suicide and opioid overdose statistics
The Challenge was created in response to concerning and growing trends.
Suicide is a persistent and serious problem throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, including along the Front Range. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Colorado, according to Colorado’s Department of Public Health & Environment. In the last 20 years, nearly 21,000 Coloradans have died by suicide, ranging from age 10 to 75 and older. The suicide rate peaked in 2021 (at 1,370) but remains at record highs.
Likewise, an estimated 150+ people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, according to the University of Colorado. Of the 1,659 drug overdose deaths in Colorado in 2021, nearly 50% involved fentanyl (up from 37% in 2020). Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine but 100 times more potent, and 50 times as potent as heroin.
How you can make a difference
While powered by individual donations, this year’s fundraising event was also supported by several local businesses and organizations – including KeyBank, Boulder Valley Rotary Club, Centennial Peak Hospital, Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric, NoCo Community AdSpace, FullCycle, Atlas Purveyors, Backpacker’s Pantry, and Skratch Labs.
We are deeply grateful to all our participants, donors, and sponsors for this year’s successful Challenge! While this fundraising event has ended, we have several other exciting initiatives ongoing – including raising money for suicide prevention training for youth sports coaches.
According to Bill Briggs, another a co-founder of the Challenge and a longtime participant, donor, and volunteer:
The Challenge is just one of many events that supports MHP’s mission of providing vital mental health support services to Boulder County. Focusing on suicide prevention and drug overdose prevention, the Challenge has raised over $200,000 for this critically important cause since it began. Personally, the MHP and its Challenge events are among the most important causes I support."
Visit our Donate page to learn more about how you can get involved and support our mission.