March Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Newsletter

[Behavioral Health Administration]

Welcome Deputy Commissioner Maycheco, Universal Contracting Provision Forums, and BHASO Updates

Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organizations (BHASOs) Update The primary goal of the BHA in establishing the BHASO regional structure is to ensure equity of services in each region and maximize funding for services to priority populations. The feedback from stakeholder engagement and data analysis were key to establishing three BHASO regions that are the most equitable in terms of population, behavioral health need and funding, while also considering local preferences for accessing care. The map above shows the BHA's current three region approach. The BHA is currently considering BHASO region placement for Weld, Lake, Elbert, Larimer, Boulder, and Park Counties. If you have thoughts or ideas about the placement of any counties or the distribution of regions, please send an email with your suggestions to Meghan Shelton at meghan....@state.co.us.   Deputy Commissioner Maureen Maycheco Maureen Maycheco (she/they/ella) is the new Deputy Commissioner of System Equity and Effectiveness for the BHA. This position is focused on achieving a system-wide approach to behavioral health equity and a strategy for measuring and communicating equitable outcomes. This timely choice concludes a four-month search for an innovative and people-focused leader to help the BHA collectively move toward co-creating a more just world for the people of Colorado.  Maureen is an award-winning, multi-racial, strategic storyteller, who has valiantly led our Communications Team since the launch of the BHA. With the Commissioner, she co-authored the BHA values of truth, equity, collaboration, community-informed practice, and generational impact. Maureen has also launched the state’s first Behavioral Health Joint Information Center, a weekly interagency approach to bringing together 17 Communications experts across state government to center truth and transparency for the people of Colorado. Since joining team BHA, Maureen has daily invited us to consider how our presence, power, and language impact community-building; this new role underscores her importance in transforming our culture.  A personal note from Maureen below:  "I am honored to accept and move into the role as Deputy Commissioner of System Equity and Effectiveness. I am excited to work across the BHA, the continuum, with interagency partners, throughout Colorado, and nation-wide to transform big ideas into meaningful results. I plan to center belonging, to build accountability into our reform efforts, and to redefine what trust means for our friends, family, and neighbors as they seek meaningful behavioral health care.  My family and our experiences with behavioral health care and the harm caused by the system are my motivation to serve. This work is personal and I believe in our collective power to deliver transformational reform. I am in awe of the dedication of this BHA team as a whole. I am fortunate to have led the powerhouse and dynamic communications team since March and I look forward to scaling my leadership style while harnessing my unique strengths to reimagine systems and internal processes with thoughtful balance. I am incredibly grateful to be uplifted in this way." Recovery Cards Project Call for Artists Recovery Cards Project is looking for new artists! Created by Lift The Label, Recovery Cards Project spotlights the importance of recovery. Various artists have created greeting cards to celebrate recovery, the efforts of those working to achieve it, and the people who support and encourage them every day. Currently, artists can apply for consideration to join the roster. Apply to Be a Recovery Cards Project Artist Funding Opportunities Update The BHA is announcing that two HB22-1281 grant programs have closed after the completion of the first round of applications. The BHA is not accepting any further applications into these grant programs at this time.   1. RFA IBEH 2023000173 Community Investment Grant; and  2. RFA IBEH 2023000172 Substance Use Workforce Stability Grant. Although the award process for the first round is not complete, the BHA expects that funding for these two grant programs, approximately $48 million, will be exhausted after the first round of applications. The BHA has been excited to see the outpour of interest and amount of applications for these grant programs. The BHA is eager to partner with the proposed awardees and implement innovative programs which will greatly enhance the behavioral health system in Colorado. Find more information on grants and the next steps on the BHA Funding Opportunities page. Behavioral Health News and Events Find all public meetings on the BHA Meetings and Events calendar. Update on BHA Provider Rule Timeline, March 2023 Colorado pilots first-of-its-kind legal competency program for individuals with brain injuries  Colorado Level II Education & Therapy For DUI - What You Need To Know Colorado Colleges to Add Suicide Hotlines to Student IDs Colorado Invests in VR to Train HHS Staff in Accessibility  Tips for Recognizing, and Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress in Yourself  Talking Mental Health as Denver Students Get Mental Health Day Quarterly Peer Forum March 30 The Quarterly Peer Forum is a place for peer support specialists to gather and talk with the BHA on issues and updates that affect the peer workforce. If you or someone you know is a peer professional, join us on March 30 at 12 pm MST. Register for the March 30 Quarterly Peer Forum. Topics include: Rule and licensing updates Billing for Peer Services covered by Medicaid Professionalizing Peer Support Specialists BHA Town Hall This month's BHA Town Hall answered questions from the community, highlighted OwnPath portal updates, and discussed the new Behavioral Health Entity Licensing rule process. Town Hall Slides | Town Hall Video Join the BHA Division Director, Strategy Planning and Engagement Closes March 29 Licensing Manager, Adult Beds Closes March 30 Contracts & Procurement Coordinator Closes April 9 Provider Convenings and Community Forums The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) will be holding space to introduce and share ideas about future activities. Join the BHA to learn more and share your knowledge. Find more information on future provider meetings at the BHA Resource Provider Hub.  Weld County Universal Contracting Provisions Forum When: Friday, March 31  Forum part one: 10 am - 12:00 pm for state-contracted behavioral health providers Register for Weld County Forum Part One Forum part two: 1 pm - 3 pm for other behavioral health providers, Regional Accountable Entities, Managed Service Organizations, Administrative Service Organizations, and other stakeholders Register for Weld County Forum Part Two March Provider Convening When: March 16 at 1:00 pm  Statewide Programs team spoke about the important work it does with communities in Colorado. There were also segments about BHA legislative activities, the latest on new behavioral health licensing rules, and universal contracting provisions.  Review March Provider Video | Download March meeting slides Technology Office Hours Registration The BHA technology team has open office hours on the second Wednesday of every month at 1 pm for behavioral health providers, specifically data/admin team members. Each meeting has news on changes and improvements to BHA-managed technology systems and allows you to discuss technology-related questions with the BHA tech team. Please email cdhs_bha_pro...@state.co.us with the subject line “Office Hours” with any accommodations you will need during the meeting.  Take our Hot Topics Survey to let us know what you’d like to discuss at future Technology Office Hours.    Bed Capacity Tracker Survey Results We sent out a system-wide survey around Bed Capacity Tracker priorities and shared definitions. There were 102 responses from providers and stakeholders who shared their perspectives. Thank you to those who answered. You can find more results and information from the research from the BHA Technology Office Hours. Tech Office Hours Video | Tech Office Hours Slides Medicaid and CHP+ Postpartum Coverage Medicaid and CHP+ members enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+ while they were pregnant are now eligible for full Medicaid and CHP+ benefits for 12 months after their pregnancy ends. This only impacts members who meet current Medicaid and CHP+ requirements.  Find out how members can receive extended postpartum coverage at the Health First Colorado website. For help with any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844- 493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255. Our trained professionals provide free, immediate, and confidential help, 24/7/365. Everyone deserves someone who will listen and care, including you and your loved ones. Learn more at ColoradoCrisisServices.org. PURPOSE: All people in colorado deserve to experience whole person health VISION: Behavioral health services in colorado are accessible, meaningful, and trusted MISSION: Co-create a people-first behavioral health system that meets the needs of all people in colorado. VALUES: Truth  |  Equity  |  Collaboration  |  Community-informed practice  |  Generational impact   Copyright © 2023 Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), All rights reserved. We're so glad you're here. Thank you for subscribing to BHA updates, behavioral health news, calls to actions, program announcements, and information on how to receive care for you, your family, and chosen family in Colorado. Because we believe all people in Colorado deserve to experience whole-person health, we envision a world in which behavioral health services are accessible, meaningful, and trusted. So, we have made it our mission to co-create a people -first behavioral health system that meets the needs of all people in Colorado. Our mailing address is: Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) 710 S. Ash Street, C140 Denver, CO 80246 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.