What's New

With over 9,100 OTP patients and 38 licensed OTPs in the state, Colorado has experienced an 11% increase in total patients and 8% increase in the number of clinics in a little over one quarter! Most patient growth occurring in Pueblo, Aurora, Grand Junction and Denver. 

Behavioral Health Secure Transportation (BHST) 

Through House Bill 21-1085, Behavioral Health Secure Transportation (BHST) is a paid benefit through HCPF effective July 1, 2023. BHST is “urgent transportation services provided to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.” Behavioral health crisis includes crisis due to substance use issues. BHST is available to transport individuals in crisis from the community to a facility or between levels of care.  

BHST services are regulated by individual counties, who are guided by CDPHE Rule 6 CCR 1011-4. Please review your current transportation practices to see if you qualify to become a HCPF BHST provider.  

HCPF is proud to partner with the following BHST providers: 

• Centennial Mental Health Center 
• Diversus Health Services 
• First Response K-9 
• North Range Behavioral Health 
• Poudre Valley Health Care, Inc. 

To learn more, contact hcpf_crisisservices@state.co.us or check out the HCPF BHST webpage. 

Take Note

BHA Quarterly Workforce Meeting Invite 

BHA is hosting their next Peer Workforce Quarterly Collaborative in October. This highly interactive meeting will take place Thursday, Oct. 12, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time. 

Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Registration Now Open for Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention’s 2023 Annual Meeting 

The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention’s 2023 annual meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will be on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, although there will be an online simulcast on Zoom. More information and registration can be found on the Colorado Consortium webpage.

Debunking Myths & Misinformation About Health First Colorado

Did you know… While a license is NOT required to become a Peer Support Service provider, all services rendered to Health First Colorado members must be performed under the supervision of a licensed clinician in order to receive compensation under Medicaid capitation coverage.  

Other Things Happening in the SUD Space

September is National Recovery Month and SAMHSA published a Recovery Month Toolkit  

“With the right treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible for everyone. Use this Toolkit to learn more about what SAMHSA is doing to support people in recovery and how to share this information with your audiences. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders.” 

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser recently announced the launch of "The Connect Effect," an opioid and fentanyl prevention campaign to help communities address the increasing danger of youth pill misuse. 

Visit ConnectEffectCO.org for more information and to access the Connect Effect campaign materials toolkit.