This month’s newsletter includes a conversation with one of Colorado’s leading health policy voices, Lt. Gov. Primavera, about behavioral health, reducing health care costs, and taking a multi-siloed approach to health policy making. We also feature an update on key health legislation moving through the legislature, recent action regarding Colorado’s Hospital Transfer Center, and HCPF … Read more
The Colorado Legislature introduced a bill on Wednesday that would officially create the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). House Bill 1278 codifies the rules of the administration in the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to, “increase efficiency, transparency, and ease of access for behavioral health services,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of CDHS. On Friday … Read more
Robert Werthwein, director of the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) at the Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS), recently announced his departure in late February from his position. He currently does not have definitive plans for future employment and is still “exploring his options.” He cites the upcoming creation of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)—through … Read more