Old blog

July 27, 2020: The Forensic Support Team Workgroup was created to serve as an informal executive group with the goal of improving interagency partnerships and working together to develop and support the FST.

July 23, 2020: Current law requires a competency report to include an opinion regarding whether a defendant can be restored to competency and participate in their own defense. SB 20-181 made updates to the competency reporting requirements effective July 1, 2020.

July 23, 2020: This July the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) is recognizing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to underscore the importance of improving access to mental health treatment and breaking down barriers to care.

July 21, 2020: On July 13, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill (SB) 20-007 consolidating and modernizing Colorado's laws regarding the emergency treatment and voluntary and involuntary commitment of persons for treatment of alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder (SUD).

July 17, 2020: Julia Lamb is the music therapist at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan (CMHIFL). Over the past four years, she has facilitated animal-assisted therapy (AAT) sessions with Bentley, the dog, and his handler, Arne. With AAT, clients often brighten and engage in ways not experienced or observed in other forms of therapy or interactions.

June 26, 2020: The Long Bill brought cuts to almost every line item pertaining to community-based mental health, substance use treatment and prevention services, and integrated behavioral health services, totaling more than $20 million in cuts to the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) Community Programs Division for Fiscal Year 20-21.

June 24: 2020: The Colorado Department of Human Services is deeply saddened by the killing of George Floyd and stands against racism in all of its manifestations. At the Office of Behavioral Health, we are challenging ourselves and all of our partners to reflect on how we promote equity in our policies and work.

May 20, 2020: The Forensic Community Based Services (FCBS) team of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) is working hard to ensure no Coloradan is left behind during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

May 8, 2020: As communities respond to the COVID-19 emergency, Colorado prevention programs are continuing to serve youth and families with commitment, care and a dash of creativity.

April 29, 2020: The staff of the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP) have been at the heart of keeping all of CMHIP safe and continuing to provide care with as much normalcy as possible. The staff has adjusted to new protocols and schedules, made masks to keep patients and staff safe, and brought joy to patients' lives during this uncertain time.