University of Colorado Anschutz Vulnerable Elder Services, Protection and Advocacy Team (VESPA)
The University of Colorado Anschutz’s Vulnerable Elder Services, Protection, and Advocacy Team (VESPA) was established in January 2021 to provide elder abuse consultation services at University of Colorado Hospital and Denver Health. The VESPA Team is the only one of its kind in Colorado, and only 2nd in the nation to support, educate and consult with hospital partners concerning elder abuse cases.
Mission
The VESPA team will provide a robust, coordinated, and consistent response, across our health systems, to patients and families experiencing elder maltreatment. To this end, we will improve: elder maltreatment recognition; reporting; evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions and treatment; and comprehensive follow-up and care coordination. We will also serve as a resource to providers, law enforcement, social services, and policy makers across our state and region to help improve care for older adults.
Guiding Values
We believe:
- All people, regardless of age, should be able to live with dignity and free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Health care providers have a responsibility to advocate for older adults and their families and play an important role in identifying and treating abuse.
Our Funding
VESPA is grateful for a generous 2-year grant provided by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and administered by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice.
To ensure our Colorado communities continue to have the VESPA Team as a resource please consider a donation:
In Collaboration With Our Healthcare Partners:
