JFM is Exhausted by the Perpetuation of Mistruths and Harm without Accountability

JFM feels exhausted by the media's perpetuation of mistruths without accountability or journalistic integrity.

In an article released nationally by State of Reforms digital and social platforms this morning, they stated that Dr. Medlock resigned from her position over internal conflicts. Dr. Medlock did not resign. It is discouraging and painful that this collective must continue to elevate the truth while those paid to hold government accountable only follow its narrative. Please listen to and believe the stories of BIPOC. Publishing and sharing misinformation is a form of anti-Black oppression and causes harm.

The same article references an interview with Rep. Mary Young sharing two disparaging thoughts praising white leadership and erasing the impact of Dr. Medlock’s work, another instance of the harm of legislators' unwarranted criticism of the BHA's progress.

Rep. Mary Young share #1 from the State of Reform story: My belief is that the change in leadership will work very well for the administration,” Young said. “Commissioner Barnes has led the [Behavioral Health Task Force], and she saw what the task force produced and understands [the issues]. 

JFM honors the Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF) and is compelled to clarify that the task force’s work ended in September 2020, according to the webpage on the BHA website. It is alarming that the contributions of Barnes, who is white-identifying, are celebrated when the contributions of Dr. Medlock, who is Black-identifying, are disparaged. As the BHTF delivered its blueprint for behavioral reform, Colorado ranked near the bottom of the National mental health rankings. Under Dr. Medlock’s transformational efforts over the past year, Colorado increased ten places in the National rankings, an honorable and incredible achievement. Dr. Medlock’s approach to co-creation, centering BIPOC, and elevating lived experience was a path to true transformational reform threatening the people who currently hold power and may be unwilling to share control. 

JFM struggles to find hope for Colorado’s behavioral health reform. Denying the contributions of Dr. Medlock is an unacceptable act of harm. The erasure of Dr. Medlock's successes carries profound dangers, from perpetuating historical injustices to impeding progress and perpetuating systemic biases. Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black leaders is crucial for fostering an inclusive, equitable society that values the diverse contributions of all its members. As Dr. Medlock posted on LinkedIn, “Equity means that there is room to focus on those who are marginalized while lifting outcomes for all."

Highlighting BHTF contributions without acknowledging Dr. Medlock operationalizing those findings in building the BHA is an example of anti-Blackness. The BHTF's blueprint is represented in the BHA's DNA and elevated throughout its intentional commitment to equity and co-creation because of Dr. Medlock. Many former BHTF members are the people with privilege and power sharing mistruths and harmful personal opinions about Dr. Medlock. Dr. Medlock faced these types of roadblocks and barriers because of her racial identity starting when she accepted the role. 

Rep. Mary Young share #2 from the State of Reform story: Obviously, in the transition in working with the BHA as the leader of CDHS, she also saw what was happening—she was aware of some of the gaps that were occurring in leading to the successful development of a BHA. 

JFM has shared articles about Dr. Medlock’s impactful contributions and performance with analysis grounded in facts and specific examples. It is disheartening that those applauding Dr. Medlock’s removal continue to weaponize vague language claiming that there were gaps, performance issues, or timeline delays without evidence. 

In the realm of public discourse, vague language has become an increasingly prevalent tool for those in positions of power and privilege to disparage individuals without providing concrete evidence or specific examples. State of Reform not clarifying or challenging vague comments is an example of how white-identifying authority figures are not held responsible for their statements and can harm others without consequences.

Deliberate vagueness undermines the reputation and credibility of the targeted individual and perpetuates a culture of harm and misinformation. Furthermore, there is a lack of accountability for those employing such tactics. Referring to “gaps” as reasoning for a Black leader, beloved by community, to be removed from their role is fundamentally inequitable as that measurement does not define success for all cabinet members.  

The erasure of Dr. Medlock's contributions is apparent, along with the need to recognize and celebrate the achievements of BIPOC leaders. If people who remain in power were truthful, they would acknowledge the actual work and successes of the BHA rather than relying on cutting remarks and personality-based criticism that feel more grounded in jealousy than reality. 

Only through a collective commitment to truth, fairness, and justice can we dismantle oppressive systems and create a Colorado that embraces and uplifts the contributions of all individuals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or background. JFM believes in a future where Leaders of Color are supported, celebrated, and trusted so the collective will continue to call for justice for Dr. Medlock. 

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).