House Bill 22-1281, Senate Bill 22-181 and Senate Bill 22-196, which were passed by the Colorado legislature in 2022, establish grants for behavioral health services using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The BHA delivers these grants to organizations to provide behavioral health services across the state.
HB 22-1281
Access to quality behavioral health services continues to be in high demand throughout Colorado, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue. Colorado has a unique opportunity with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase care and support for Coloradans by expanding services to areas in need and addressing gaps in services. In June 2022, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 22-1281, which created a grant program for programs and services along the behavioral health care continuum in areas of highest need.
- Substance Use Disorder Workforce Program
- Child Youth and Family Services Grant
- Community Investment Grants
SB 22-196
SB 22-196 established the early intervention, deflection and redirection from the criminal justice system for people with behavioral health needs. The BHA provided grants to fund programs and strategies that prevent people with behavioral health disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system or further penetrating into the criminal justice system and redirect individuals with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system to appropriate community-based treatment and support services.
- Criminal Justice Early Intervention
SB 22-181
The swell of people who need care, combined with the additional strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to a nationwide health care workforce shortage. Colorado’s dedicated and compassionate workforce needs to be maintained, supported, and expanded. In response, SB 22-181, allocated one-time federal stimulus funding to strengthen the behavioral health workforce serving individuals at every life stage. The following grant programs are elements of a behavioral health workforce strategic plan that represents a multifaceted approach to ensuring a high-quality, diverse, and culturally responsive workforce.
- Work Based Learning Initiatives
- Behavioral Health Workforce Peer Support Professionals
- Career Pipeline Development
- Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment & Retention Grant
- Resources for SLFRF grant programs