$300K Grant Fuels Mesa County's Behavioral Health Services
Mesa County Behavioral Health is collaborating with Mind Springs Health to enhance access to mental health care, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the State of Colorado Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration, appropriated by Senate Bill 22-196. The grant focuses on early intervention and prevention in the criminal justice system. It targets at-risk adults, aiming to stabilize and support them through improved intervention strategies.
As part of this contract, Mind Springs Health is now part of the Multi-Agency Collaboration (MAC), which serves as the community's single entry point for case management. MAC will review referrals and assign the level of service and appropriate provider. All referrals will be reviewed, discussed, and assigned by MAC team leadership, which includes Mesa County Behavioral Health and Contractor Supervisors with each contracted agency.
“We are grateful for the support of the 196 Grant, which enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact, providing critical behavioral health services to those in need,” said Mesa County Behavioral Health Director Lisa Mills. “Our contract with Mind Springs represents our ongoing commitment to enhancing access to behavioral and mental health services.”
The collaboration is designed to enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable population, guiding them toward long-term recovery through Targeted Case Management (TCM) services.
These services are crafted to prevent homelessness and incarceration, divert individuals from unnecessary inpatient emergency room use and institutional levels of care, and increase community stability and tenure through engagement in behavioral health treatment and support services.
TCM services for adults include:
• A comprehensive assessment to determine individual strengths and service needs
• Development of an individualized, person-centered plan of care with the individual and
with informed consent, their family and significant others
• Connection to community resources
• Assistance in securing entitlements and benefits
• Connection to behavioral and somatic health care
• Assistance in developing social support systems
• Monitor engagement in services and support
• Advocacy on behalf of the individual
With referrals from various community partners, including local hospitals, law enforcement, the City of Grand Junction Fire, the Mesa County Probation Department, Criminal Justice Services, and the Mesa County Detention Facility, the contract is designed to create a cohesive system of care that prioritizes mental health as a key component of public safety and community well-being.
To view the approval of this grant at the April 2 administrative public hearing, click here (video timestamp 4:16).
