Mental health care in Colorado: Findings from a statewide assessment

Carol Breslau, MPA, The Colorado Trust, 1600 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203, Carol A. Plock, MSW, Health District of Northern Larimer County, 120 Bristlecone Dr, Ft. Collins, CO 80535, (970) 224-5209, cplock@healthdistrict.org, and Andrew Keller, PhD, Triwest Group, 3870 Grand Oak Trail, Petoskey, MI 49770.

A collaborative of eight foundations in Colorado joined together in 2001 to collectively address the issue of mental health care needs in Colorado. In order to better understand the problem, an extensive assessment and critical analysis of the public and private mental health systems in the state was conducted. Findings from this study show alarming trends for this fragmented health care system. This presentation will highlight the seven major findings regarding mental health needs as well as provide recommendations for change in the future. Implications for other states’ mental health systems will be discussed, as will strengths and challenges that face foundation collaboration.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusions of the session, the participant will be able to

1.List the seven major findings regarding the mental health system in Colorado.
2.Describe recommendations for improving this fragmented system.
3.Identify strengths and challenges to a collaborative approach to such a needs assessment.

Keywords: Mental Health, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Mental Health Poster Session III

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA