Colorado lawmakers can pass “Alyssa’s Act” to help coaches and parents monitor mental health (Opinion)

March 23, 2026 - 00:57

A powerful legislative effort is taking shape in Colorado, inspired by profound personal tragedy. The proposed "Alyssa's Act" seeks to provide critical tools for coaches and parents to monitor the mental well-being of young athletes.

The bill is born from the loss of Alyssa, who died in 2019 after struggling with her mental health following multiple concussions. Her story underscores a growing medical understanding of the link between head injuries and serious psychological challenges. Research indicates concussions can be connected to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and increased suicidal ideation, particularly among adolescents.

The proposed legislation focuses on education and awareness. It aims to ensure that coaches, athletic staff, and parents receive training to recognize the warning signs of mental health distress. The goal is to create a knowledgeable frontline of support around student-athletes, enabling early intervention. By bridging the gap between physical injury and psychological care, the act hopes to foster environments where young people feel seen and supported, potentially saving lives. The measure represents a significant step toward treating mental health with the same urgency as physical injury in youth sports.