Chaffee County Public Health Launches Behavioral Health Coalition Chaffee County, Colorado

After years of dedicated preparation and collaboration, Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Chaffee County Behavioral Health Coalition (BH Coalition). This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the county’s behavioral health challenges and gaps while fostering coordination, collaboration, and community-driven solutions.

The first BH Coalition meeting will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Salida First Presbyterian Church. A complimentary lunch will be provided, and all community members invested in improving behavioral health services are encouraged to attend.

The Coalition’s vision is simple: “Everyone in Chaffee County has access to the mental health and substance use treatment they need, from prevention through recovery.” Its mission is to cultivate a comprehensive and inclusive network that promotes the continuum of behavioral health services, supports, and resources.

“This Coalition has been years in the making,” said Andrea Carlstrom, CCPH Director. “We’ve heard from so many of you about the need for better behavioral health resources and coordination. Now, we have the opportunity to come together and build a resilient network of care that benefits everyone in our community.” Agenda items for Coalition meetings will include:
● Networking and introductions to foster connections within the behavioral health space.
● Areviewof the Coalition’s vision, mission, and expectations.
● Discussions on current behavioral health priorities informed by the Community Health Assessment and Access to Healthcare Survey.
● Interactive feedback exercises to guide future Coalition efforts.
● Opportunities for education and resource sharing.

Looking ahead, the BH Coalition will host regular meetings alternating between Salida and Buena Vista, with tentative dates scheduled for March 20, May 15, July 17, September 18, and November 20.

“We invite healthcare providers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience, and anyone passionate about making a difference to join us,” Carlstrom added. For more information, please contact Andrea at the provided contact information. To RSVP for the first meeting, e-mail Kelly Landau at klandau@chaffeecounty.org.