SEE SENIORS

The Third Thursday at The Hub event is hosted by the Living Well and Aging committee in Lone Tree, a nonprofi t that serves area seniors. PHOTO BY JESSICA GIBBS

SENIORS

community, support educational opportunities for them and offer social activities.

As the name suggests, the Third Thursday event happens every third Thursday of the month. The program relaunched in June after taking a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. People from throughout the area are welcome to come — it’s not exclusive to Lone Tree residents — and the agenda is simple. Attendees can play games, talk and get face-to-face interaction.

Julie Simmons learned about Third Thursdays through the South Suburban Parks and Recreation catalog and says the events are fun. The events are casual and fl exible in what activities people do when there, she said.

For Louise Barnard, the events are a way to get out of the house. She no longer drives, so her daughter drops her off. During COVID, she stopped attending activities at the recreation center, but she’s able to keep up with Third Thursday. “It’s just a place for me to socialize,” she said. Barnard has also enjoyed other Living Well and Aging events. The committee traditionally offers luncheons twice a month at the golf club and potlucks twice a year. Both typically draw 30 to 40 people and feature live entertainment or speakers, Lew said. Between two and 10 people have attended Third Thursdays. Amid lower turnout, the committee isn’t sure how long the event will keep going, she said, but the committee is grateful to be back to holding inperson events. who have mental illness with severe “We try to fi ll the need for socialization,” she said.

HEALTH

FROM PAGE 21

care for his daughter, his family had needs in Colorado. Investing in children’s mental health is investing in this country’s future.” helped his daughter over 15 months, In presenting solutions to the problem, the playbook points to local policy changes that should include more federal funding with a local impact and more local infrastructure for sustainable funding. stressed how frustrating it has been The panel pointed to the funds coming from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 where milthe means to take the steps they did, lions have been earmarked for states noting that he has friends in similar to use for mental health. Panel members are asking Colorado lawmakers to designate one third, or $150 million, of all the funds to youth mental health. The state got $450 million from the American Rescue Plan. Williams said this is a fair amount to ask for given that Colorado youth and young adults under the age of 24 make up 31% of the state’s population. Zach Zaslow, director of government affairs at Children’s, said fundand the industry is overwhelmed be-ing cannot stop with the American Rescue Plan. For actual changes in Colorado, Zaslow said lawmakers at the state and federal levels must commit to fi xing the crisis by creating sustainable programs and funding beyond 2021. By creating the sustainable programs, Zaslow said children and youth will be able to get the care they need before a crisis. Meharena said part of the problem is the system is designed to be reactive rather than proactive.

As part of the solution, the multiagency playbook calls for state policies to prioritize children and youth mental health through continued federal funding investments and to make sure the new Behavioral Health Administration is child focused.

Other solutions addressed by the panel include pushing lawmakers to change how the health care system separates physical and mental health. Currently, CHC Chief Medical Offi cer Dr. David Brumbaugh said the way insurance companies manage mental health makes it hard for families to afford proper care.

Creating more virtual options for rural communities is also a solution, Zaslow said.

Rebecca Doughty -- program director of Four Corners Youth Clinics, a member of the Colorado Association of School-Based Health Clinics -- said a shortage of trained psychologists and staff is a major problem in rural communities.

Zaslow said having the ability to speak to qualifi ed professionals without having to drive to Aurora would help get help to the young people struggling beyond the Front Range.

Dr. Jenna Glover, a Children’s clinical psychologist, said the playbook the panel is introducing offers tangible information that will show lawmakers how they can begin to repair a broken system.

Glover and members of the panel are urging the public to push lawmakers at all levels to start making mental health care for youth a priority.

County O ces Closed Nov. 25 & 26

Douglas County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 in observance of Thanksgiving. Many county services are available online at douglas.co.us/online-services Skip the trip - motor vehicle services just a click away

Renew your driver license or motor vehicle registration and more from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop. You can also renew vehicle registrations at MVExpress kiosks. Find information at

DouglasDrives.com

Public Health Improvement Plan (PHIP) Community Meetings

Join us for a series of community meetings on prioritized health topics - Dec. 6, 7, and 8. The meetings will be held via Zoom. Learn more and how to participate at douglas.co.us/health-

department/community-health-assessment

Douglas County needs you

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity in your community? Share your talent and expertise on one of our many Citizen Advisory Boards, Committees or Commissions. Apply online by Dec. 1 at douglas.co.us and search for Board and Commissions.

Need help with home heating costs?

Eligible low-income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information or an application, please visit douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

Voting open for Art Encounters outdoor sculptures

23 sculptures are showcased throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough. Visit the sculptures and nominate your favorite for a People’s Choice Award by Jan. 31, 2022. For art locations, voting online and more visit artencounters.douglas.co.us Funds available to veterans

Emergency assistance is available for veterans struggling with housing (mortgage/rent), transportation, employment, healthcare or other emergency needs. To apply for the veteran assistance funds visit douglasveterans.org or call 303-663-6200.