Jefferson County proclaims April ‘Blue Envelope Autism Awareness Month’; sheriff rolls out countywide blue envelope program

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners on April 1 declared April 2025 as “Blue Envelope Autism Awareness Month” and heard about a new countywide program the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says will help first responders communicate with people who have autism or other communication challenges.

The proclamation, presented at the start of the meeting, states Jefferson County’s commitment “to foster a community built on understanding, inclusion and respect for all individuals, including those with autism spectrum disorder.” Commissioner Leslie Dahlkemper read portions of the proclamation and recognized the sheriff’s office for the program.

Sheriff Marinelli described the Blue Envelope initiative as a voluntary identification and information system intended to give first responders quick access to communication needs and other helpful details. “The sheriff’s office is host is the host office for the Jefferson County Blue Envelope Program,” Sheriff Marinelli said. She told the board the county program started from an idea first used in Connecticut in 2020 and is the first countywide program in Colorado. Marinelli said the program provides free identifying items — stickers for cars or front doors, keychains and seat‑belt markers — and an information envelope that can hold vehicle registration, proof of insurance or whatever information a participant wants to share with a…