Harmful Scapegoating and a Lack of Accountability at BHA

The announcement of Leora Joseph's decision to run for Denver District Attorney adds another layer of facts and complexity to JFM’s fight for justice. Joseph serves as the Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services’s (CDHS) Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) which also reported to Barnes. Like Barnes and Gathercole, Joseph’s career is thriving as she launches a bid for Denver DA. 

As JFM previously shared, CDHS faced a budget gap that prompted a supplemental budget request. However, it is essential to clarify that the management and oversight of the state mental health hospitals, including the budget, is the responsibility of OCFMH. The budget mismanagement and lack of oversight were outside the purview of Dr. Medlock's role as BHA Commissioner. 

Despite this fact, Dr. Medlock's removal was unfairly associated with the budget crisis. This continued lack of transparency raises questions about the State government's decision-making process and whether Dr. Medlock was unfairly used as a scapegoat for other department leadership’s poor management.

A 2021 Colorado Politics article titled, INSIGHTS | Werthwein was never the issue with Colorado’s behavioral health system opens with the line: “Throwing somebody under the bus is an odd visual, but it's a full-contact sport in politics and governing.” And, “He is a martyr to a system politicians don’t know how to fix, so they pin the blame on good people to buy time, like, until after the next election. Lather, rinse, repeat.”

The responsibility for addressing the budget crisis and the management of the mental health hospitals lies with Joseph, the Director of OCFMH, and ultimately with former CDHS Director Michelle Barnes. The public's attention should be directed toward the actions taken by Joseph and Barnes in addressing the budgetary challenges faced by OCFMH.  

These two white-identifying leaders have been given the grace to scramble and rectify the issue without punishment. Yet, the only leader to experience public scrutiny and disparagement was Medlock, who is Black. When does the scapegoating end?

Your Enemies Are Always Closer Than You Think

Related to the JFM drop The Revolving Door of State Employment for Privileged Identities from August 4, Barnes is quoted in the Axios article cited above commenting about Werthwein: “Robert has been an important and integral part of our team at CDHS for nine years, and I know he’s been a dedicated advocate for Coloradans and an ally for all of you,” state Human Services director Michelle Barnes told the staff and public after the news, suggesting he was forced out, broke.

Barnes was quick to defend Werthwein in the media, a privilege Medlock was not afforded, and Werthwein returned to the Colorado state government within a year of his resignation. Werthwein was hired at Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) by Cristen Bates, who formerly worked at OBH/CDHS with Werthwein, Barnes, and Gathercole.

At one of her first meetings with BHA staff, Barnes spoke about Medlock expressing, “Unlike Medlock, she [Barnes] was not all talk.” And, BHA staff shared that Barnes continued to disparage Medlock in response to those who raised concerns about the treatment of a Woman of Color. Barnes responded that she was sent to the BHA to “clean the place up.” Barnes made these statements prior to JFM breaking the news of her own budgetary mismanagement within CDHS. Those who throw stones…

Responses to Medlock’s dismissal seem to come in two forms from those maintaining their power and leadership, public disparagement or silence, the former is disrespectful bullying and the latter is cowardly compliance. 

The Axios article goes on to add, “In other words, your enemies are always closer than you think” which does not describe a workplace environment any person should be subjected to and especially not when your enemies utilize their dominant identities and insider circles to cause racial harm.

________

The power of this movement is sourced from the JFM network. JFM is a volunteer collective and in response to the increase in tips and stories supporting the fight for justice, the collective created a new information-sharing tool! Share information with JFM using this form.

Have you been confronted about your racist, harmful, and oppressive behaviors? JFM encourages you to explore the concept of "processing right to comfort" to better understand its significance. In our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusivity, uncomfortable conversations and confrontations are bound to occur. It's essential to remember that JFM’s intention is not to be adversarial but to promote growth and awareness. If you find JFM’s words hitting close to home, take the opportunity to introspect and understand the reasons behind your reactions.

Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock

On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.

Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).