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Children and youth with special health care needs

We ensure that children and youth with special health care needs have the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop to their highest individual potential. The vision that guides our work is: Thriving families supported by proactive, integrated systems that adapt to meet needs.
 

2021-2025 Maternal and Child Health Priorities

Learn more about the FY 2021-25 Maternal and Child Health Priorities.

Explore recent Colorado and national data, including maternal and child health performance measures and other measures of interest for the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs population.

The HCP Program is a care coordination program for children and youth with special health care needs. HCP works with partners and local public health agencies to connect families to resources, provide care coordination, and improve access to pediatric specialty care. HCP provides information and resources for families of children and youth with special health care needs. *HCP does not provide emergency care.

Medical emergencies

If you or your child are having a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek emergency care. 

Emotional support

988 Colorado Mental Health Line is a service that connects people in Colorado to trained crisis specialists offering compassionate mental health, emotional, and substance use support by phonecall, text, and live chat.  

Please connect with your pharmacy and/or your primary care provider for prescription refills and concerns.
 

Health First Colorado Free Nurse Advice Line
  • The Health First Colorado Free Nurse Advice Line is just for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members and you can call it 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Help is available in both English and Spanish. If you are not feeling well but are not sure if you need to go to the doctor, call the Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-283-3221.
 Children's Hospital Colorado ParentSmart Healthline™
  • Children's Hospital's ParentSmart is a 24/7 phone line that connects parents and caregivers with a qualified pediatric nurse. It is available 24/7. When you call ParentSmart an experienced pediatric nurse will ask you questions about the reason for your call, your child’s healthcare history, and what symptoms they’re experiencing. Your child doesn’t need to be a current patient for you to call ParentSmart. Depending on your child’s situation, they might recommend at-home care options or refer you to a pediatric urgent care or emergency room location. All guidance given is compatible with American Academy of Pediatrics and telehealth guidelines used in most pediatric offices. ParentSmart also provides information on community resources and can help you find a doctor or pediatrician in your area.

CO4KIDS

The presence of a single sign does not mean that child maltreatment is occurring in a family. However, it may be necessary to take a closer look at the situation when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination. Trust your gut instinct and call CO4KIDS at 844-CO-4-Kids if you are concerned for the safety and well-being of a child or youth.

  • CO4KIDS. (CO4KIDS website, available in a variety of languages)