I have heard countless stories from Coloradans who stopped trying to get mental health or substance use assistance because they couldn’t figure out how and where to get services. For years, providers have shared how the administrative burden of the State’s fragmented system takes them away from patient care, and drives up costs.

The good news: These are problems we can solve.

The less-than-good news: It will take some time to solve these problems. That does not mean that we should give up.

Per legislation, the BHA is expected to be partially functional by July 2022. A phased approach to getting the BHA fully operational is the best way for us to ensure we do it the right way. What is most important to know is that the BHA will not be able to solve all of our system’s problems overnight. That does not mean we shouldn’t do it. We must stay focused on the long goal.

Meanwhile, there are still people who need help. Fortunately, there are providers who are doing good work and offering services across the State. And as we reform our system, the ability to access those services will only get better. 

What is the most pressing behavioral health issue in your community currently? 

CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes Gives Update on BHA Model
After months of research and discussion, we are continuing to identify the elements of the proposed Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) model that will put people first. Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services and chair of the Behavioral Health Reform Executive Committee, gave an update on the Committee’s work during a Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing summit last week. View the presentation slides. 

What's Next?
The Behavioral Health Reform Executive Committee needs your input as we finalize the model. In the coming weeks, we’ll offer several opportunities for feedback to ensure the model works for communities, providers and consumers. Your input will inform our final recommendation and report to the Colorado legislature, due November 1, 2021.

Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Begins Interim Work

5280: Colorado Isn’t Prepared To Deal With the Mental Health Fallout From COVID-19

Colorado Newsline: Behavioral health task force prepares to tackle mental health, overdose crises in Colorado

Fox 21: Denver’s behavioral health task force to convene in Aug.

Pagosa Daily Post: Legislators, Community Members Urge Transformation of Colorado’s Mental Health System

KUNC: Leaving Behind Uniforms And Sirens, Summit County Sheriff Expands Crisis Response

Denver 7: New 988 suicide prevention hotline to start in 1 year

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31

Youth Scholarships for 2021 CBHC Annual Behavioral Health Conference 

The State Youth Council, in partnership with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC), is excited to offer 17 youth scholarships for the 2021 CBHC Annual Behavioral Health Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. Applications are due by Sept. 3.

This opportunity is extended to students ages 18-22 interested in the behavioral health field. Scholarship recipients will receive full paid conference registration, three nights complimentary hotel accommodations, and will be paired with one of Colorado’s Community Mental Health Centers for mentorship. Learn more.

There are many ways to support this work:

• Keep an eye on our webpage for upcoming meetings.

• Encourage friends and colleagues to subscribe to this newsletter.

• Send an idea or suggestion to cdhs_bhtf@state.co.us.