Lisa had spent more of the last six months in hospital beds for her chronic heart disease than she had on the streets she returned to after discharge. Hustling to keep herself out of withdrawal, find food, and locate a safe place to stay, she had little time to manage her chronic medications, which were often lost or stolen. Lisa enrolled in Denver Health’s opioid treatment program (OTP) in March, and since then, she has been hospitalized just once. She’s taking medications regularly, eating better, and has stabilized her opioid use, avoiding withdrawal symptoms that strained her heart.

We can all help prevent suicide. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness month, a time when communities can come together and share their stories and resources to help spread awareness about suicide in the hope of preventing another individual from taking their life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.

In a heartwarming celebration filled with laughter and cupcakes adorned with trucks and basketballs Will Ewing marked a significant milestone this past July: his second birthday. However, this birthday was not just a celebration; it was a joyous testament to the resiliency of a young child and the dedication of an exceptional medical team. At 11 months old, Will suffered a traumatic brain injury that resulted in a tumultuous journey for him and his family.

By: Alonso Daboub 

We lead busy lives full of important tasks in and out of the workplace, keeping us occupied for what can feel like every second of the day. August is National Wellness Month, a time for people to reflect on their wellness at individual, professional and community levels. Wellness Month encourages everyone to prioritize their health and well-being — not just for August, but for months and years to come.

According to NoHeatStroke.org, 949 children have died due to vehicular heatstroke since 1998. Yet, all these deaths could have been prevented. The number of child hot car deaths for 2021 was 23. In 2022, 33 deaths were reported, and so far in 2023, nine deaths have been reported. On average, 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.