Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Invest $11.1 Million to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Care for Colorado Youth Clears Committee
SB22-147 will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions
DENVER, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services Committee today unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial) to improve access to behavioral health care for Colorado youth.
Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. SB22-147, cosponsored by Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), will allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and provide school-based support for kids and their families.
“Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” Kolker said. “We must act urgently to address this crisis and provide critical support to our state’s young people where and when they need it most. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives."
SB22-147 aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families through three programs:
$4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP):
This bill supports and codifies the CoPPCAP program, which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat behavioral health needs. The program connects pediatricians with pediatric psychiatrists who can provide consultations, resources, and referrals for children with mental health or substance use disorder needs.
$5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program:
This program appropriates $5 million in funding to an existing grant program which provides schools with funding to increase the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students.
$1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program:
This program appropriates $1.5 million in funding to an existing grant program to help support school-based health centers in Colorado.
SB22-147 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.