Colorado Behavioral Health Administration

“The launch and progressive implementation of our Five Priorities is the transformation of the behavioral healthcare system that BHA is charged with delivering for the people of Colorado.” - Dannette R. Smith, BHA Commissioner Learn more at https://bit.ly/4eHW1Tf.

Juneteenth marks the date that Federal Troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed - to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. It is both a celebration and a somber reminder of the persistence of systems of power and oppression. For too long, high-quality behavioral healthcare has been something accessible only to a few. At BHA, we have the privilege of working every day to create a behavioral health system in Colorado that meets the needs of ALL people in our state, no matter their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Learn more about BHA resources at bha.colorado.gov.

BHA had an amazing time at UCHealth’s annual home run derby where $120,000 was raised for the Next Chapter program and its community partners. Next Chapter focuses on suicide prevention and wellness for Veterans, providing vital behavioral health services through collaborative efforts with community partners. We're honored to support Next Chapter and partners like UCHealth in this crucial mission. Learn more about the event from KRDO's news story: https://bit.ly/3KLPx8c

BHA Commissioner Dannette R. Smith joined Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera at Serve Colorado's Commissioner's retreat to discuss the groundbreaking Youth Mental Health Corps program. Together with partners like the Schultz Family Foundation, AmeriCorps, and more, we're taking proactive steps to combat America's youth mental health crisis. We thank Serve Colorado for hosting us! Learn more about the initiative on the Lieutenant Governor's website: https://bit.ly/3XjRZdH

According to the 2023 Colorado Health Access Survey, nearly 55% of LGBTQIA2S Coloradans reported poor mental health, compared to nearly 30% of straight and cisgender Coloradans. The Behavioral Health Administration acknowledges and values members of the LGBTQIA2S community and is here to support them in accessing the behavioral health care they deserve. Visit https://bit.ly/3M3klSZ for information on resources. #ColoradoForAll #PrideMonth

The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration is seeking a dynamic leader for the role of Deputy Commissioner of Administration (Finance, Strategy, and Operations). Join us to make a meaningful impact on behavioral health services across Colorado.

It’s official! The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration’s I Matter program is now permanent after Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 24-001 into law on Tuesday. We would like to thank Senator Michaelson Jenet, Senator Cutter, Representative Brown, and Representative Rutinel for their unwavering support, as well as Governor Polis for his continuous belief in this program. https://bit.ly/4eaXLnN

Colorado is a place where everyone works together to support the mental health of our friends, neighbors and youth. Thank you to the Colorado Attorney General's Office for working hard to address youth mental health needs! https://bit.ly/4aNg3J2

Keith Hayes is a respected advocate in the Denver recovery community and has shared his story with Lift The Label to help reduce stigma. Now, he’s sharing his messages of hope with CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta as a part of Champions for Change, which spotlights extraordinary stories of pioneers driving us towards a brighter future. Keith directs the recovery program at 5280 High School, creating bold, prepared, and balanced students who are dedicated to living life in recovery. Congrats on this well-deserved recognition! #MentalHealthMatters #FightStigma #RecoveryIsPossible #LiftTheLabel

As we wrap us Mental Health Awareness Month, we reflect on the need for mental health support in our state, and celebrate the mental health resources available to every person in Colorado. Mental Health support is for everyone. Learn more about how we can support you at bha.colorado.gov. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters