Colorado Mandates New Mental Health Training for Youth Coaches, Overlooking Eating Disorders
Colorado has implemented new legislation, 'Alyssa’s Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act' from 2026, requiring middle, junior high, and high school coaches in both public and private schools to undergo training on mental health. This mandated training covers critical concerns specific to young athletes, including stress, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. The act was named after a 13-year-old athlete who died by suicide following mental health struggles potentially linked to multiple concussions. While the legislation broadens the scope of mental health education for coaches beyond previous concussion recognition trainings, it does not explicitly include education on eating disorders, despite their significant prevalence among youth athletes and the potential for coaches to play a crucial role in identification and support. 
