What's New
Commissioner's Note
Dear BHA Community,
I hope that no matter where you are, this newsletter finds you well! Spring is always an incredibly busy season here at BHA as we close out the legislative session, prepare for the launch of new initiatives at the beginning of the next year, and, of course, celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month!
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for us to share about the resources that support the mental and behavioral health of the people of Colorado. Equally importantly, it reminds us to reflect on our individual mental health and the practices that we have in place to sustain ourselves during challenging times.
For me, remaining in a space of gratitude is essential. In this season, I am grateful for the community in Colorado that both supports and challenges BHA in our mission to transform the behavioral health system in service of the people of Colorado. I am grateful for the BHA team and for the opportunity that we all have to work together and that we are driven by a spirit of innovation.
While the challenges we are facing as a community are real, I remain hopeful because of the commitment to collaboration that I have witnessed in every corner of the state over the last year. I had the opportunity to speak about that hope with the Vail Daily recently and to talk a bit more about why the launch of our Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs) and the streamlined network of Safety Net Services that they will coordinate is such a critical step forward for our state. (Read on below for additional information.)
To celebrate that step, we will be gathering on the West Steps of the Capitol on July 9 for a rally and mini Safety Net resource fair. We'd love to have you there! We'll be sending out an official invite soon, but in the meantime, mark your calendars and plan your best green outfit in celebration of mental health, recovery, and new growth.
This month, I hope that you will take care and hold strong to the truth that our work in service of the people of Colorado is as important as ever.
With gratitude,
Commissioner Dannette R. Smith
Safety Net Network News
Stay Tuned for a Big Announcement Coming Soon
You may know that when the Behavioral Health Taskforce concluded its work in 2020, they created a "Big 3 to System Reform:"
- Create a Behavioral Health Administration ✅
- Implement Care Coordination 📈
- Develop Top 19 Recommendations within Six Pillars 📋
This July will mark a big milestone in our progress in items two and three on that list as we launch the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASO) model to streamline Colorado's network of Safety Net Services. We've got a big announcement about that network and care navigation within it soon. Stay tuned, and join us on the Capitol Steps on July 9 to learn more!
Are you a Safety Net Provider With Questions Regarding This Change?
If you are a current Safety Net Provider in Colorado unsure of the role you might play in the new streamlined network, please contact the BHASO for your region (see map below).
The BHASOs (Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Signal Behavioral Health Network) are in the process of constructing and connecting the first iteration of their networks.
Signal Behavioral Health Network: find...@signalbhn.org
Rocky Mountain Health Plans: rmhpmso...@uhc.com
BHA and the BHASOs will also be hosting a provider webinar in June. Watch for details in our next newsletter.
BHASO News
BHASO Regional Councils Aim for Feedback Loop With Local Communities
BHA has a steadfast commitment to our mission to co-create a people-first behavioral health system that meets the needs of all people of Colorado. One way we can realize the values of truth, equity, collaboration, and community-informed practice to effect generational impact is through advisory councils composed of community members who inform the work BHA does.
The launch of the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs) awarded to Rocky Mountain Health Plans (Region 1) and Signal Behavioral Health Network (Regions, 2, 3, and 4) will provide a full continuum of behavioral health services throughout every region of Colorado. The BHASOs will establish four regional councils to promote local community input pertaining to behavioral health service needs pursuant to section 27-50-703 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Here are a few areas where the expertise of the BHASO Regional Council will inform how the BHASO in each region improves services, accountability, and transparency in that respective region [section 27-50-703 (1.3), Colorado Revised Statutes]:
- When determining what services are needed to establish a full continuum of care in the region
- When addressing barriers to individual access quality and timely care in the region
- When developing the statewide care coordination infrastructure
- When identifying needed specialty services for priority populations
Soon, we'll share additional opportunities to be a part of improving behavioral health service delivery in Colorado in your region. Applications for the Regional Councils will be available June 1, 2025, through August 29, 2025, with a goal to launch the councils in Fall 2025.
Team Update
Southern Ute Tribe Recovery Housing Project Underway
The Colorado Land-based Tribe Behavioral Health Services Grant Program was established through state legislation in 2022 and has allocated funding for the Southern Ute Tribe's Recovery Housing Project. Located on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe lands in the southwest region of Colorado, the project is anticipated to break ground in January 2026.
BHA's Tribal Affairs Specialist Shawna Maher has had the privilege to partner closely with the Southern Ute Tribe's Behavioral Health Office by providing ongoing technical assistance, participating in intertribal and state-level coordination, and supporting Tribal leadership through regular engagement and culturally informed guidance throughout the planning process. This effort has been further strengthened by the contributions of Andrea Jones, BHA Deputy Policy Director, whose ongoing partnership has helped maintain continuity and reinforced BHA's commitment to supporting Tribal-led initiatives.
While the project is still in its early phases, meaningful progress has already taken shape through deep relationship building, collaborative planning, and alignment with Tribal leadership. Site planning began last year, coordination between Tribal departments is underway, and the project reflects the Tribe's vision for healing on their own land. This process has also been an opportunity for BHA to build relationships with the Southern Ute community and support their priorities through respectful, government-to-government partnership.
The Tribe's commitment to culturally responsive care is vital to the healing and long-term wellness of their community, and this housing effort is a powerful reflection of that commitment in action.
BHA Out in the World
Help Us Raise Awareness This May for Mental Health Awareness Month!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Observed since 1949, MHAM exists to help address mental health struggles that many Americans face, to educate people about resources available to them, and to reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking support. Explore BHA's MHAM toolkit for sample communications you can share with your community about the importance of mental health for all people in Colorado!
Legislative and Governmental Affairs Updates
BHA Celebrates Expansion of Military Family Behavioral Health Grant Program With Signing of HB25-1132
With the recent signing of HB25-1132, Commissioner Smith shared the following about this important program:
BHA is thrilled that this program, which has been very successful during its pilot period, will have the opportunity to grow and expand to support more of Colorado's veterans and their families. Colorado, and southern Colorado in particular, has historically had one of the highest veteran suicide rates in the country, increasing year over year until 2022, the first year of the grant program's operations.
Since then, more than 1,000 veterans have received care, and veteran suicide rates in El Paso County have dropped by 20%. BHA looks forward to working closely with providers to ensure that the unique mental and behavioral health needs of our veterans can be addressed and that they and their families have access to the kinds of wraparound services that are proven to support whole-person health.
SB25-236 Streamlines Crisis Services in Colorado
Governor Jared Polis recently signed SB25-236 into law, designating the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line as the immediate way to connect to free emotional, mental health, or substance use support 24/7.
Starting July 1, 2025, calls or texts to the Colorado Crisis Services Line will be forwarded to the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line for support and services. The seven-member, volunteer, governor-appointed board has been responsible for governing the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line and its implementation in Colorado since July 2022. The 988 Enterprise Board and BHA will work together to facilitate this streamlining, with a comprehensive plan that prioritizes access to immediate support for all people in Colorado.
How does this impact people in Colorado? The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is the primary way for the people of Colorado to receive emotional, mental health, or substance use support. 988 is an easy to remember number you can call, text, or live chat 24/7.
What does this mean for the Colorado Crisis Services line? Starting July 1, 2025, calls and texts received through the Colorado Crisis Services Line will be forwarded to and answered by the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to 988Co...@state.co.us.
Federal Updates
BHA Federal Updates for Behavioral Health Providers and Grantees
With ongoing changes at the federal level, BHA is committed to providing updates with our community as they are available. We recognize the challenge that uncertainty presents and remain your partners in navigating those changes. There are a number of things that BHA is doing to prepare for any additional changes that come as a result of adjustments to federal and state funding, including:
- Monitoring - we are closely monitoring proceedings in the federal Executive and Legislative branches to ensure we are up-to-date.
- Preparing - Internally, BHA is evaluating a number of different funding scenarios so that we can efficiently and effectively prioritize ongoing service for the people of Colorado.
Temporary Restraining Order Remains in Place
Following a notification regarding the termination of four federal grants provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the State of Colorado led other states in filing a lawsuit to block the abrupt end to the funding. On the afternoon of April 3, a federal judge granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). As a result, affected subgrantees have been able to continue their services for the people of Colorado. At this time, the TRO remains in place, and subgrantees should continue their work as they have been since April 3. The State is awaiting a ruling from the judge on a Preliminary Injunction. BHA anticipates additional information soon, which will be shared with the subgrantees currently receiving those funds.
Subgrantees with questions should reach out directly to their BHA Grant Monitor.
ARPA Funding Wind Down
As a reminder, much of the American Rescue Plan Act funding that has been distributed for behavioral health work all across the state is beginning to wind down. All grantees should take this opportunity to check the terms of their BHA grants and reaffirm the end date of that funding. Any subsequent questions should be directed to BHA Grant Monitors.
Partner-State Agency Update
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is Helping Colorado Understand the Impact of Potential Federal Funding Cuts to Medicaid
Medicaid covers the care of 1 in 4 people in Colorado. While the federal government deliberates significant cuts to that program, HCPF is sharing important information about what that would mean for our state.
Check out this informative page on their website and Executive Director Kim Bimstefer's recent message to learn more.
BHA is working closely with HCPF to evaluate the impact for behavioral health and to make plans should these cuts be enacted.
Q & A With BHA
Are you a BHA partner with a success story about the work your organization does? Do you have ideas for the kind of content you'd like to read in the newsletter? Please share through our BHA Newsletter Feedback form.
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