I haven’t spent a lot of time on social media over the past few months, which has been better for my overall emotional health. But I haven’t totally cut myself off and when I started scrolling through the news stories this morning, my heart broke. It was story after story about senseless murders and people suffering from COVID isolation. But I did have a glimmer of hope: at the end of almost every article, there was information about how to get help if the reader or a loved one is struggling. Most articles directed people to utilize the Colorado Crisis Services line. 

This speaks to how all of us are talking about and thinking about behavioral health differently. We still have a lot of work to do to overcome the stigma—and people are starting to understand that it’s okay not to be okay. There are more articles, more news stories, and more conversations than ever before about the need to ensure people are able to access services. Let’s help to keep those conversations going so that we don’t have to hope for a better behavioral health system. We will have a better health system. 

Onward, 
Summer Gathercole
Senior Advisor for Behavioral Health Transformation

HB 21-1097 directs the Colorado Department of Human Services to create a Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) by July 2022 and temporarily house it through November 2024. Colorado Representatives Mary Young (D-50) and Rod Pelton (R-65) and Senators Rhonda Fields (D-29) and Bob Gardner (R-12) sponsored the bill. 

Establishing a BHA was a unanimous recommendation put forth in Colorado’s blueprint for behavioral health reform, which the Behavioral Health Task Force published last September. Governor Polis convened the Task Force in April 2019 and charged its members to reimagine state behavioral health care. 

Moving to Stage 2

Health Management Associates (HMA) is now in Stage 2 of their 3-stage change management process. Stage 2 is focused on drafting proposed options and solutions for how the BHA comes together using the valuable input gathered in Stage 1. A huge thank you to all of those who have taken the time to share their thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns with the HMA team. 

HMA will incorporate your feedback into discussions with the Behavioral Health Reform Executive Committee and Governor’s Office, which will make the ultimate decision about how the BHA is formed based on your valuable input.​

The goal of this open forum is for HMA to collect your thoughts on each idea. HMA will incorporate your feedback into discussions with the Behavioral Health Reform Executive Committee and Governor’s Office.​

Virtual Community Open Forum
May 7, 2021 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Open for all to join!

We would love your help in promoting this open forum within your communities! Click here for resources to make it easy for you to share.

Have questions or looking for more information? Please continue to visit the change management webpage for up-to-date information about the project, FAQs which are updated weekly, opportunities to engage, and access to resources in English and Spanish. 

5280: Coloradans Are Bracing for a Mental Health Crisis After COVID-19

Colorado Public Radio: ‘All Kinds Of Trauma’: Students Are Returning To School, But Are We Ready To Help Them Cope?

Colorado Sun: Colorado is on track to give teens three free therapy sessions to help them cope with coronavirus

Sterling Journal Advocate: PELTON: Legislative and state budget updates at mid-point of session

CNN: Colorado bill would give children free mental health services during the pandemic

State of Reform: Q&A: Rep. Mary Young on reforming Colorado’s behavioral health system

KKTV: 3-digit suicide hotline coming summer 2022; easier for Coloradans to get mental health resources

Colorado Springs Gazette: EDITORIAL: Legislators should assail the mental health crisis 

Medical Services Board Looking to Fill Open Positions

The Medical Services Board that governs regulations for HealthFirst Colorado, the state's Medicaid program, is looking to fill five vacancies starting July 1, 2021. Individuals interested in serving on this Board must have knowledge of medical assistance programs and may submit an application through the Governor’s Office of Board and Commissions.   

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing would like to have a diverse Board with various points of view and expertise and is currently in need of an individual from Congressional District 2. Presently the Board does not have a Behavioral Health professional/expert, who would be a true benefit to the people of Colorado. State employees will not be considered. 

The Medical Services Board (MSB) was established by law effective July 1, 1994. Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Colorado Senate. Members are expected to thoroughly review technical documents, attend and contribute to monthly meetings. Meetings are scheduled for the second Friday of each month and are open to the public. The Board hears each proposed rule twice to allow time for the public to participate. If you have any questions or concerns about any part of this process, please feel free to contact chris.sykes@state.co.us. 

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.