A new task force created by Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado Department of Human Services Director Michelle Barnes is setting out to examine the state's behavioral health system with the overarching goal of reforming it.
The Behavioral Health Task Force is soliciting public input to learn more about how the behavioral health system is and is not working throughout the state. Opportunities for people to offer public testimony about their personal experiences accessing behavioral health in Colorado will be held through November.
People wishing to participate in one of the four public testimony events can attend in-person, by phone or by webinar. Anyone wishing to testify must register at least three days in advance.
Public testimony events begin on Aug. 28 with an event from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Douglas County Department of Human Services building, 4400 Castleton Court in Castle Rock.
The next event is Sept. 10 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Colorado Department of Human Services, 1575 Sherman St. in Denver. A third will be Oct. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek S. Drive in Denver. The final event is Nov. 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the DORA Division of Insurance, 1560 Broadway in Denver. Events may be recorded.
Registration is available at calendly.com/BHTF and more information on the Colorado Behavioral Health Task Force webpage at colorado.gov/cdhs. For questions or additional information, call 303-866-2354 or write summer.gathercole@state.co.us.
