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.

Minding the Wealth Gap

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...

Wash

Ebony Stewart’s "Wash" is a powerful, unflinching poetry collection that draws the reader into a world of raw emotion, deep introspection, and lyrical brilliance. As I read through the poems, I found myself captivated by Stewart’s honest reflections on identity, love, loss, and healing. Her voice is unapologetically bold, revealing the complexities of being a Black womxn navigating relationships, societal expectations, and hard-fought victories toward self-worth. Yet, her themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and relationships. What struck me most was Stewart’s emotional transparency: each poem feels like a cleansing, a shedding of shame, doubt, and grief, revealing the triumph of knowing one’s value in a world that often seeks to diminish it. Stewart doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of extractive love or the vulnerability of desire, but she also leaves room for empowerment and resilience. As a celebrated spoken word ...

A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga

The modern practice of yoga in Western culture is often criticized for disconnecting from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots. In many studios and gyms, yoga is reduced to a fitness routine—focused on stretching rather than its original purpose of enlightening the mind. In "A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga," celebrated practitioner Nikita Desai reconnects readers with yoga’s ancient Indian origins. Drawing on her Indian heritage, Desai explores the deeper meanings behind yoga’s forms, postures, and intentions, offering a rich historical and philosophical context for those seeking a more authentic practice. Desai shares her personal journey of reclaiming yoga’s essence, inviting readers to do the same by integrating cultural awareness into their practice. Her tone is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Although I do not practice yoga, my meditation roots lie in Zen Buddhism. Through conversations with prac...

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