Today, the Colorado Department of Human Services and Executive Director Michelle Barnes announced public testimony days for the Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF). This task force will evaluate Colorado’s behavioral health system and author a statewide, strategic Blueprint to reform the system with the goal of enabling every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs to receive timely, high-quality services in their communities.
The BHTF wants to hear from the public about their journey within the behavioral health system; the challenges that are still being worked through, suggestions to make the behavioral health system work for all Coloradans and the resources that helped find success.
“We must work together to improve the behavioral health system, and that is why we are kicking off these public testimony days. We want to hear you. We want to see you. We must end the stigma and talk about this to find solutions,” said Senior Advisor for Behavioral Health Transformation, Summer Gathercole.
The BHTF will be offering at least one public testimony opportunity each month through June 2020. Four dates and locations have been identified thus far, with the first occurring Wednesday, August 28, 2019, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Douglas County Department of Human Services, 4400 Castleton Ct, Castle Rock. Visit the BHTF website to view additional dates and times.
Anyone wishing to testify will need to register at www.calendly.com/BHTF by 10:00 a.m. on the previous business day. Remote participants may use audio on their computers or phone to testify.
If you have questions, contact Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications, Colorado Department of Human Services by email at madlynn.ruble@state.co.us; or by phone at 303-866-3411 (office).