Buffs4Life launches crisis hotline to help

BOULDER» More than a year ago, Buffs4Life, a nonprofit dedicated to helping former University of Colorado student athletes and coaches, rebranded its focus on mental health.

The organization has now taken a big step to further that mission.

On Wednesday, Buffs4Life launched a redesigned website and introduced a crisis hotline, 833-303-BUFFS, which will provide former Buffs in need a chance to talk with a licensed counselor any time of day.

“It doubles our abilities,” said Buffs4Life president and former CU football player Sean Tufts. “In a lot of cases, people are shy about these topics and having a third party that you can open up to is a whole different avenue for us. Giving our players another way to reach out, another way to get help, something that’s branded just for us, is going to be a life saver.”

Buffs4Life has partnered with the Rocky Mountain Crisis Center, which operates the hotline.

“There’s a team of people in place to answer that phone,” Buffs4Life publicist Kimbirly Orr said. “They are trained and licensed counselors to talk to people about whatever issues they might be having.”

Buffs4Life was founded in 2005 by former CU player and head football coach Jon Embree, as well as others, after learning about former teammate Anthony Weatherspoon being diagnosed with leukemia. Buffs4Life was able to raise funds and help the Weatherspoon family with medical costs. Over the years, several CU student-athlete alums have been helped with various needs.

In 2017, the organization recognized a significant need for mental health support. Former CU football great Rashaan Salaam committed suicide on Dec. 5, 2016, and another former standout football player, Drew Wahlroos, took his life on Sept. 2, 2017.

For more information about Buffs4Life, visit buffs4life.org.