BHA Family Voice Council
In collaboration with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), leveraging their proven proficiency in developing and sustaining a Family Voice Council (FVC)—a model recognized at the national level—BHA is establishing its own FVC. BHA expresses deep gratitude for the counsel and guidance received from CDHS FVC Alumni during this process.
The BHA FVC extends a warm invitation to people in Colorado who have utilized or are currently utilizing at least two mental health, substance use, crisis, or recovery services. Council members can also be the family of a person who has utilized or is currently utilizing at least two of these services. This council, made up of 100% lived experience members, provides people an opportunity and space to offer valuable input and influence positive systemic changes. We encourage participation from individuals in Colorado of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to services utilized, geographic location, age, gender, race, sexual orientation/identity, and profession to contribute insights regarding the programs they have utilized and suggestions for improvement.
Council members serve a one-year term and may serve up to two terms in total. In recognition of their estimated time of three hours monthly and valuable input, members will receive compensation in addition to reimbursement for childcare and transportation when applicable.
BHA Advisory Council
The BHA Advisory Council (BHAAC) invites people in Colorado with lived experience within the behavioral health system to co-create, inform, and implement BHA’s vision and strategic plan. Council members selected for BHAAC ensure that people who have used the behavioral health system and have served those in the system, provide input on BHA activities. The inclusion of the BHAAC is codified in legislation. Specific topics are outlined in legislation which the BHAAC is required to offer input.
51% of people on BHAAC must have lived behavioral health experience. People who do not have lived behavioral health experience are still encouraged to apply, but they must meet one other requirement, which is listed in the interest form linked at the bottom of this email. This Council acts as an advisory Council to the Commissioner.
In addition to the previously stated requirements, BHAAC members must commit to participate in three-hour bi-monthly public meetings. In recognition of their estimated time of three hours monthly and valuable input, members will receive compensation in addition to reimbursement for childcare and transportation when applicable. These meetings are generally virtual.
BHAAC began in 2022, and the members are currently serving their three-year terms that will end in July 2025. As some members have ended their terms early, BHA plans to fill four open seats for BHAAC at this time. New members will serve three-year terms.
We urge you to share news of these opportunities within your networks. If you believe you are a suitable candidate for either council, we encourage you to apply. Please note that individuals can only serve on one of these councils at a time.
Click here to download flyers featuring a QR code linked to the Family Voice Council (FVC) and Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) online interest form. For both Councils, potential members are requested to complete and submit the interest form by March 22, 2024.
If you have any questions, contact Meghan Shelton at meghan.shelton@state.co.us or Chelsey Hall at chelsey.hall@state.co.us.
Additionally, if you are currently experiencing a behavioral health crisis and need access to services, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.