Donovan’s Bipartisan Bill to Invest $5 Million to Improve Behavioral Health Access for Colorado’s Native American Tribes Clears Committee
Legislation would provide grant funding for Colorado land-based Tribes through federal pandemic relief package
DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee yesterday approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) to increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes.
SB22-148, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), is part of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.
“The Tribes are our partners and neighbors and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” said Sen. Donovan. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities and this bill will support the Tribes’ efforts.”
To further Colorado Tribes’ ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health care in specialized facilities, this bill will provide a one-time $5 million grant to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a Tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing.
The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.