Artful focus on behavioral health kicks off in connection to the Governor’s Sesquicentennial celebration
DENVER (Jan. 22, 2025)—Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and its Recovery Cards Project are spotlighting the importance of mental health and substance use disorder recovery as part of the state’s “Sesquicentennial” celebration. In 2026, Colorado will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the state’s entrance into the Union, while the nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These twin anniversaries will present an opportunity for the people of Colorado to pause, reflect upon and honor Colorado’s shared history. It also provides a moment to collectively imagine our future through community events, educational opportunities, statewide celebrations and more.
BHA will honor this marquee moment by kicking off the creation of a commemorative card series in 2025 within the existing Recovery Cards Project that focuses on recovery and mental health well-being for the people and the diverse communities of the Centennial State. A call for artists will commence in January and conclude on Feb. 26, 2025, with the cards being unveiled on Colorado Day in August 2025 and used for celebratory moments through 2026. This card series will include up to 6 distinct cards, including:
- A card that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary
- A card that celebrates Colorado’s 150th anniversary
- Four additional cards that represent the diverse regional of the Centennial State
Recovery Cards Project works with artists to develop greeting cards that celebrate recovery, the efforts of those working to achieve it and the people who support and encourage them every day. BHA has distributed more than 150K free recovery cards since September 2019. In addition, through the Encouragement Delivered arm of the program, hundreds of cards have been filled out by strangers at community events to support those in recovery by writing words of encouragement.
“Recovery Cards Project was created by BHA to bring attention to the importance of recovery from substance use disorders,” said BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith. “Working with artists, we’re able to shine a spotlight on the efforts of those working to achieve recovery, and the communities of support that surround them. Through Encouragement Delivered, supporters, even strangers, can send messages of strength and love - that is the Colorado way in times of need.”
Artists interested in being considered for this commemorative card series of the Recovery Cards Project are invited to fill out this form by the February 26, 2025, deadline. Recovery Cards Project will select artists in March 2025 that represent the diverse regions and languages spoken across the state as well as expects to release new card designs on Colorado Day in August 2025. Artists will be compensated for their time and contributions that help to lift up the recovery community through this project.
Image: Card 1: Clouds by Amanda Valverde; Card 2: Heart Hands by Taylor Macmahon; Card 3: Shine Bright by Lexi Hazelwood; Card 4: Un Dia by Joana Segura
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About the Behavioral Health Administration
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is the state administration responsible for ensuring all people in Colorado have access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services, regardless of where they live, or ability to pay. As a regulatory body, BHA brings together community groups and governmental agencies to create a behavioral health system for all people in Colorado that is easy to access, and offers high-quality care that considers the whole person and their needs. Find us online at https://bha.colorado.gov/ or follow us on social media at @BHAConnect.
About the Recovery Cards Project
A part of the Lift The Label campaign, the Behavioral Health Administration’s (BHA) stigma reduction campaign, Recovery Cards Project works with artists to develop greeting cards that celebrate recovery, the efforts of those working to achieve it and the people who support and encourage them every day.
About the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission
Housed within History Colorado, the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission is charged with celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary of its entrance into the Union in ways that empower every Coloradan to participate. The Commission consists of 15 members who represent Colorado’s diverse communities and several state agencies. The Commission was created by the Colorado General Assembly with the support of Governor Jared Polis and works closely with members of an Advisory Panel representing communities throughout the state. Visit www.am250co150.org for more information.