Denver Broncos Community | Youth Health and Wellness Initiatives

Nearly one in five Colorado youth experience mental health challenges, yet approximately 17% report not receiving the care they need due to barriers such as cost, stigma, and limited access to services. For many youth from diverse backgrounds, these challenges are compounded by a lack of culturally responsive care, increasing the risk of social isolation, academic struggles, and long-term negative outcomes.

Colorado LiftED Foundation (formerly Colorado "I Have a Dream" Foundation) addresses these gaps through its LiftED Horizons program, previously known as Beyond Dreams Therapy, which provides affordable, culturally responsive behavioral health services to youth in under-resourced Denver communities. Grounded in emotional wellness development, the program focuses on building emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, and fostering goal-oriented growth, while creating a safe and trusted environment for youth to receive personalized care.

To expand access and meet growing demand, the Denver Broncos Foundation is underwriting a minimum of 600 additional no- to low-cost therapy sessions while supporting the development of the behavioral health workforce through stipends for master's-level therapist interns. With 93% of participating youth meeting at least one therapy goal this past year, this investment will increase capacity for full-time clinicians to serve more youth each week and ensure that culturally responsive mental health services remain accessible to those who need them most.

Female adolescents participate in sports at significantly lower rates than boys and drop out of sports at nearly twice the rate, with 70% leaving sports by age 13. This disparity is further compounded by a lack of research focused on female athletes, limiting the development of evidence-based strategies that support their long-term health, safety, and engagement in sports.

Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO) is addressing this gap through a multi-year research partnership with the Denver Broncos Foundation to better understand the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of girls flag football. Building on initial findings, the next phase of this work will focus on identifying key factors that influence safe, sustained participation in sports for female adolescents, with the goal of improving outcomes both on and off the field.

The Denver Broncos Foundation is supporting the final phase of this research to translate these insights into actionable strategies for schools, coaches, and healthcare providers. The study will inform the development of practical tools and guidance that promote safe participation, strengthen athlete well-being, and encourage sustained engagement in sports, helping to create more equitable and supportive pathways for girls in athletics.