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Focus on Behavioral Health Equity

Karen McNeil-Miller
The Colorado Health Symposium convened more than 600 public, physical and mental health professionals and clinicians, community activists and philanthropic leaders to discuss innovative approaches to addressing a myriad of behavioral health issues in Colorado's diverse communities.

Over the last two-and-a-half days, I had the honor of being part of the social media cohort for the 2018 symposium. Helping to amplify the critical conversations at #18CHS through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook has been a truly rewarding experience. The Colorado Health Foundation President and CEO Karen McNeil-Miller and her board leadership continues their commitment to advancing statewide discussions about prioritizing health equity

Issues and concerns that are shared by both urban and rural communities were addressed, such as early childhood and adolescent services, strengthening family and community supports, substance use interventions, and addressing social determinants of health. Many speakers discussed the confluence of societal factors that impact mental health disparities and outcomes. There was much discussion about the need to preserve -- as well as grow --  access to the health care safety net in Colorado that was made possible by Medicaid expansion through the Affordable Care Act. Many solutions are anchored in policy, with intentionality toward health access and health equity.

I'll have more to share about conference proceedings, but in the meantime, here are select video archives of presentations and panel discussions that featured diverse voices in our community,

Comilla Sasson, MD, shares her journey from surviving a difficult childhood marred with domestic violence, bullying, depression and anxiety to discovering her life purpose of becoming a healer.



CHF Board President Jerome Davis talked about stories that he heard from communities across Colorado, and how the listening tour has served to sharpen the Foundation's resolve to focus on behavioral health inequities that impact the lives of Coloradans.

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