News

Children in Colorado’s Lowest Income Counties Face Grief at Disproportionate Rates

December 4, 2024

Examining the link between childhood bereavement and household income in Colorado.

In a recent interview with the Colorado Sun, CEO Micki Burns discusses our recent Key Topic report that reveals that children in Colorado’s poorest counties, children face a disproportionately high likelihood of losing a parent or sibling. This disparity, particularly pronounced in rural counties, underscores the urgent need for equitable grief support resources. Without early intervention, these children face increased risks of mental health challenges and academic setbacks. Bridging this gap is essential to fostering healing and resilience statewide.

In the state’s lowest-income counties —like Costilla, Jackson, and Crowley— with median incomes between $34,000 and $65,000, 1 in 8 children faces the death of a close family member before turning 18. This figure drops to 1 in 20 for children in the highest-income counties in the state such as Douglas, Broomfield, and Elbert where the median income is $110,000 to $140,000.

It is clear that children are experiencing grief disproportionately in Colorado’s most rural regions, where access to essential services—healthcare, mental health support, and education—is limited. Micki Burns emphasizes “these counties tend to have less access to things like healthy food, health care, quality education, clean water and stable housing.”

Losing a parent or sibling has long-lasting impacts. Children who don’t receive proper support may face academic struggles, mental health issues, and challenges in their personal and professional lives. Reaching rural communities remains a challenge. Only by acknowledging and addressing these disparities can we ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the chance to heal and thrive.