Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration visited the Grand Valley on September 25, 2025, to connect with residents and share updates on mental health support. Commissioner Dannette Smith led a community conversation in Clifton, focusing on new resources and ways to build stronger behavioral health services for the Western Slope.
Event Highlights and Key Discussions
Local leaders and residents gathered at the event to hear from Smith about ongoing efforts to improve access to care. She stressed the value of these talks in shaping policies that fit real community needs.
Smith explained that feedback from places like the Grand Valley helps guide decisions made in Denver. Attendees asked questions about local challenges, such as long wait times for services in rural areas.
The conversation also touched on how behavioral health ties into everyday life, including schools and workplaces. Smith noted that events like this build trust and encourage people to seek help early.
Introducing the LIFTS Network
A major part of the visit was unveiling Colorado LIFTS, which stands for Linking Individuals and Families to Services. This new system aims to connect people across the state to behavioral health support through a network of providers.
Smith described LIFTS as a way to make sure calls to hotlines lead to quick, fitting help. The state divides into four regions, with United Healthcare handling Region 1, which includes much of the Western Slope, and Signal Health covering the rest.
This setup promises better coordination, especially in underserved areas. By linking services, BHA hopes to reduce gaps that leave people without timely care.
Officials shared that LIFTS builds on past reforms, like the Behavioral Health Task Force started in 2019. That group laid the groundwork for today’s changes, pushing for a more unified system.
Priorities for Better Care
BHA outlined top goals through LIFTS, starting with wider access to behavioral health services for everyone. This includes more options for therapy, crisis support, and prevention programs.
Another focus is creating strong systems for both adults and youth. Smith highlighted the need to address rising mental health issues among young people, often linked to stress from school and social media.
The plan also aims to blend behavioral health with the criminal justice system. This could mean more mental health screenings in jails and diversion programs to keep people out of prison.
- Increase access: Expand hotline responses and local clinics.
- Support youth: Partner with schools for early intervention.
- Reduce suicides: Target high-risk areas with tailored resources.
- Justice integration: Train officers and provide alternatives to arrest.
These steps align with broader state efforts, such as the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations set to launch in July 2025.
Impact on the Western Slope
The Western Slope faces unique hurdles, like vast distances between towns and fewer specialists. Smith pointed out how LIFTS can help by boosting resources in places like Mesa County.
She mentioned goals to cut suicide rates, which remain higher in rural Colorado than in urban spots. Data from recent years shows rural areas report more mental health crises per capita.
BHA plans to work with schools to spot and help kids in need. This ties into statewide pushes for better youth services, following trends seen in events like the Rally for Recovery held in Denver on September 20, 2025.
Residents shared stories of how better access could change lives, from quicker crisis responses to ongoing counseling. Smith assured the crowd that BHA aims to meet these goals by December 2026.
Challenges and Future Steps
While the visit brought hope, some attendees raised concerns about workforce shortages. Colorado’s behavioral health field needs more trained professionals, a problem BHA addressed in a 2022 strategic plan.
That plan called for community partnerships to grow the workforce. Recent updates show progress, with new training programs at community colleges across the state.
Funding remains key, as state leaders push for more investment in mental health. Compared to neighboring states, Colorado has stepped up spending, but gaps persist in rural zones.
| Challenge | Current Status | Planned Action |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Shortages | Low number of specialists in rural areas | Expand training at colleges and offer incentives |
| Access in Remote Areas | Long travel times for services | Build regional networks via LIFTS |
| Suicide Rates | Higher in Western Slope | Targeted prevention programs by 2026 |
| Youth Mental Health | Rising crises in schools | School partnerships and early screening |
These efforts reflect a shift toward proactive care, inspired by successful models in cities like Denver, where mental health teams respond to non-violent calls.
Broader Statewide Context
BHA’s work fits into Colorado’s larger push for reform, sparked by the 2019 task force. Since then, the state has rolled out tools like the OwnPath Care Directory to help find services.
Recent sessions across Colorado, including online ones, gather input on rules for the new system. This ensures voices from all regions shape the future.
With behavioral health needs growing nationwide, Colorado’s approach could set an example. Events like the Grand Valley visit show commitment to listening and adapting.
As BHA moves forward, residents can track progress through state updates. Share your thoughts on local mental health needs in the comments below, or pass this article to someone who might benefit from these resources.
