SB21-137: Behavioral Health Recovery Act Summary

• Establishes comprehensive behavioral health recovery programs funded by federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act, allocating over $550 million to expand mental health and substance use disorder treatment services across Colorado.

• Creates multiple new programs including housing assistance for individuals with substance use disorders ($4 million), recovery support services grants ($1.6 million), workforce development initiatives ($18 million), and statewide care coordination infrastructure ($26 million).

• Expands substance use treatment capacity through county-based grant programs, jail-based behavioral health services, medication-assisted treatment initiatives, and support for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders.

• Establishes new centers and programs at universities including the Regional Health Connector Workforce Program at CU School of Medicine and the Colorado AgrAbility Project expansion for rural farmers and ranchers.

• Requires screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through Medicaid and implements standardized utilization management processes for residential and inpatient substance use disorder treatment using ASAM Criteria standards.