Date: 01/26/2012
Final
Behavioral Health Transformation Council Briefing
COMMITTEE ON JOINT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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03:34 PM -- Behavioral Health Transformation Council
Reggie Bicha, Executive Director of the Department of Human Services, provided an overview of the Behavioral Health Transformation Council. Mr. Bicha introduced Dr. Lisa Clements, Director of the Office of Behavior Health of the Department of Human Services, and Tom Dillingham, Executive Director of the Federation for Families. An informational packet was provided to the committee (Attachments H through J).
Dr. Clements provided the history of the creation of the council, including an explanation of the planning process related to behavioral health care system transformation and the implementation of Senate Bill 10-153, which created the policy framework for behavioral health transformation and established the council. She described the council membership.
03:44 PM
Mr. Dillingham reviewed the priorities of the council, which include improving behavioral health prevention and early intervention services, improving services to the high-risk and high-need populations, and reducing recidivism in the criminal justice population. He reviewed the accomplishments of the council, which include but are not limited to publishing the Behavioral Health High Utilizers Report, developing and implementing a policy to streamline behavioral health paperwork, implementing the Supported Employment Initiative to increase employment and education opportunities for individuals with serious mental illness, and obtaining grants for various projects.
Dr. Clements described the System of Care Expansion Planning Grant that was awarded to Colorado and goals related to the System of Care Planning Grant. Representative Kefalas asked how the work of the council is improving people's lives. Mr. Dillingham provided testimonials about individuals who have been involved in the behavioral health system and described the need for wrap-around method of care in Colorado. Dr. Clements addressed questions about the impact the council is having on individuals with behavioral heath needs, including improving employment opportunities for individuals with mental illness. She described the efforts of the council related to the partnerships the council has with various state departments to address winnable battles, trauma informed care, and adolescent behavioral health; the integration of behavioral health and physical health; and staffing and patient care at the Colorado mental health institutes.
The committee dialogued about the efforts of the council. The committee, Dr. Clements, and Mr. Dillingham dialogued about the professional development and work force needs related to behavioral health services.
04:13 PM
The committee adjourned.