DENVER….When Jeannie Ritter became Colorado’s First Lady, she knew immediately that mental health would be her official cause. Advisers questioned her choice and encouraged her to take on something with more “universal appeal.” But, Jeannie was adamant and for four years, she helped bring unprecedented attention to mental health in Colorado.

Jeannie’s quest to normalize mental health continues as she joins the WellPower as a Mental Health Ambassador. In this full time position, she is tasked with helping to educate the community about issues surrounding mental health and the role the nationally recognized WellPower plays in helping enrich the lives and minds of people living with mental illness.

Jeannie stated, “Considering that one in five people struggle with mental illness and that a mental health issue will likely impact each and every one of us at some point in our lives, the time is right to challenge misperceptions and help change the conversation around something that is so very common and incredibly important.”

“We are thrilled that Jeannie is joining the WellPower as our mental health ambassador,” said Dr. Carl Clark, CEO of the WellPower. “Our practice and philosophy are built around recovery and Jeannie’s passion will be a great asset as we continue to educate the community about how common mental health issues are and that recovery can and does happen.”

Jeannie is best known for serving as the First Lady of Colorado from 2007 to 2011. She taught for Denver Public Schools for ten years and is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado.

The WellPower (WellPower) is a private, not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3), community mental health center, providing treatment and prevention services to the residents of the City and County of Denver since its founding in 1989. WellPower believes that people can, and do, recover from mental illness and that treatment works and improves the lives of people of all ages. Through more than 35 community sites, mental health providers in 18 Denver public schools, collaborations with community partners and home-based outreach, WellPower provides a comprehensive, innovative and accessible array of mental health and substance abuse services to over 15,000 children, families and adults annually.