|
Grading the States 2009 Report Card: Colorado
In 2006, Colorado received a U grade for “unresponsive” because the Division of Mental Health (DMH) did not assign staff to complete the survey. Three years later, transparency has returned, and the state’s mental health care system receives a C grade. It is a baseline to measure future progress. Full narrative (PDF).
-
Health Promotion and Measurement: F 25% of Total Grade
Basic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices,
emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.
-
Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: B 45% of Total Grade
A variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.
-
Consumer & Family Empowerment: C 15% of Total Grade
Includes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the
state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.
-
Community Integration and Social Inclusion: D 15% of Total Grade
Includes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.
Innovations
- "Data dashboard" initiative
- Connection to benefits legislation
- Expansion of parity legislation
Urgent Needs
- Crisis services
- Alternatives to incarceration
- Interagency health information systems
- Non-Medicaid mental health services
|
"There is little care available if you have no insurance or Medicaid. Also, most people do not have a clue how to navigate the system."
"The people working at the county mental health center really care and do their best for each patient even when they are severely overloaded."
"The inclusion of peer support specialists is the best thing that has ever happened in public mental health."
