Press Article: Colorado’s Mental Health Care Crisis: Promises Unmet
In 2020, Governor Jared Polis vowed to tackle Colorado’s pressing mental health care crisis by establishing the Behavioral Health Task Force and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). This initiative aimed to centralize and improve Colorado’s fragmented mental health system, but recent reports reveal that progress has stalled.
A study by the Common Sense Institute reveals that Colorado now has the second-highest prevalence of mental illness in the U.S., with over 530,000 adults grappling with depression. This mental health crisis costs the state an estimated $1.16 billion to $2.52 billion annually due to lost productivity. Alarmingly, state spending on mental health has decreased, falling by $7 million between Fiscal Year 2024 and FY 2025, while the BHA’s staffing levels have also seen a decline.
The BHA, meant to streamline funding and oversight, has reportedly failed in its mission to centralize mental health care. Thirteen state agencies continue to control funding distribution, limiting the BHA’s authority to allocate resources where they are most needed. “The agency has been unable to oversee real dollars for behavioral health care,” said Kelly Caufield, executive director of the CSI.
Recent leadership changes have further complicated the BHA’s effectiveness. The departure of its first director amid allegations of racial discrimination has led to extended timelines for its full operational setup. Coupled with potential losses in federal grants—totaling $31.5 million—this paints a bleak picture for Colorado’s mental health landscape.
However, some local initiatives offer hope. Larimer County has seen significant improvements, notably a 27% reduction in suicide rates since 2018, attributed to a local sales tax increase funding behavioral health services. This success stands as a potential model for the BHA and other regions struggling with similar challenges.
As Colorado grapples with its mental health crisis, the need for effective leadership and localized strategies has never been more urgent.
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Photo credit denvergazette.com
