Until I left for college, my family had a December tradition: a day trip to New York City. We would visit the tree at Rockefeller Center, stop inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and marvel at the holiday windows at Macy’s. Those trips were also the only times I saw people experiencing homelessness. At the time, I’m ashamed to admit, my reaction was often, …

When the Behavioral Health Task Force established by Governor Polis recommended the creation of the Behavioral Health Administration, the original concept suggested that all programs and funding related to behavioral health in the Executive Branch would move under this new entity. It would ensure that our system was more efficient and effective. Or, that was the intent. At the time, we engaged Health Management Associates (HMA) – a national consulting firm – to help us do the research to determine the right model for the BHA.

We cannot give up hope and should continue to implement solutions that require little resources.

Over the past decade, there have been a multitude of committees, task forces, and work groups dedicated to improving Colorado’s behavioral health system. People have volunteered thousands of hours developing solutions, many of which are still relevant and cannot be overlooked or forgotten. We must lean into the recommendations that have already been identified to ensure we are not having the same conversation in 10 years. 

Over the past few years, Pitkin County has seen an increase in the number of people who are experiencing homelessness. This is happening across Colorado. With the increasing cost of