Blog Post

Sept. 24, 2021: Invest in Kids is an OBH sub-contractor receiving High-Risk Families Cash Funds to implement Child First—a national, evidence-based, two-generation, trauma-informed, home-visiting model that works with young children and their caregivers who are most impacted by systemic and structural inequities through intensive, home-based services. In this blog post, Child First Program Director Marisa A. Guillicksrud, LCSW, offers a glimpse into her team’s efforts to roll out the program’s first cohort.

​ Update Sept 1, 2022:  A FFY2022/2023 grant application is now available for submission. Sept. 1, 2021: The Office of Behavioral Health is seeking public comment on Colorado’s combined mental health and substance use federal block grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2022-23. The deadline to submit comments is Oct. 1, 2021.

July 20, 2021: July is Black, Indigenous and People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month. To learn more about culturally-responsive care, we spoke to Neva Martinez Ortega, MA, LPCC, and Anaisa Lua, MA, LPCC, two providers with Servicios de La Raza. Servicios de La Raza is an Office of Behavioral Health grantee and a Community Mental Health Clinic. 

June 24, 2021: As we amplify voices from Colorado’s LGBTQIA+ communities this Pride Month, we must also affirm and address individuals’ behavioral health needs.

Behavioral health was front of mind throughout the 2021 Legislative Session with the creation of several new behavioral health programs and increases to funding for current behavioral health services across Colorado for years to come.

Many people use their identification cards every day without much thought, but for those leaving Colorado’s jails, an ID is a ticket back into the community. Learn how the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health and the Department of Revenue are teaming up to bring identification services directly to jails.

May 19, 2021: Managed Service Organizations (MSOs) Signal Behavioral Health Network (Signal), West Slope Casa, and Diversus Health have posted grant application opportunities to increase substance use disorder capacity and services in rural and frontier communities. The funds for this opportunity are appropriated through House Bill 19-1287.

May 10, 2021: For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting providers and advocates who are making a difference in our communities. Dr. Lisa Latts, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Rocky Mountain Health Plans, discusses the role that behavioral health providers can play in helping each other heal as we begin to consider what comes after the pandemic.

May 1, 2021: For Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting providers and advocates who are making a difference in our communities. Shannon Secrest wants you to know that while her experience is complex, it’s not unique.