Racquel Garcia Resigns as BHAAC Co-Chair
The courageous and exceptionally talented Racquel Garcia has chosen to step down from her position as co-chair of the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council. Yesterday, Racquel shared her resignation letter on her Facebook channel.
The departure of Racquel, with her authentic leadership, unique perspective, boundless compassion, and profound expertise, represents a significant setback for the BHA and the residents of Colorado. JFM hopes that Racqual’s contributions are not erased like Dr. Medlock’s.
Under the leadership of Michelle Barnes and Summer Gathercole, numerous individuals have departed from the BHA, and this unfortunate trend continues to grow with each passing day.
JFM is proud to use its platform to share Racquel’s message:
Last Tuesday, I resigned as co-chair for the Behavioral Health Advisory Council. In full transparency here is the letter I wrote to our lived experience council and the BHA.
To My Fellow Council Members,
I want to emphasize that what I've shared about my experiences within the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is not just about my personal struggle. I have done my best to share your views as well for those who have asked me to. I am in solidarity with each and every one of you, and I understand that the harms I've faced are not isolated incidents. We are all in this together, and it's crucial that we address the challenges we collectively face.
The recent changes made by individuals like Barnes, and Shelton, who seemingly altered the rules and requirements to create obstacles for me, have inadvertently created additional difficulties for many of you. Bob and other leadership changed the signature requirements without considering the ramifications for those council members who rely on accessibility technology to interact with documents. This oversight has caused frustration and hindered the very work we are meant to do to improve behavioral services in Colorado.
It's essential to recognize that my fight is not just mine alone; it's a battle for all of us and the communities we represent. The anger and need to punish me have taken precedence over the mission that Dr. Medlock originally built—the mission to provide essential behavioral services to the people of Colorado. This harmful dynamic threatens to tear down the foundation Dr. Medlock laid, undermining our collective efforts and the well-being of countless individuals who rely on these services.
Sharing stories like mine, and all of ours, is of paramount importance because they shed light on the injustices and discrimination that persist within our organization and beyond. Our stories serve as a testament to the challenges we face and the urgent need for change. They are not just personal narratives; they are calls to action, invitations for empathy, and opportunities for growth.
It's important to recognize that everyone has their own journey, and we must respect each individual's choices regarding how they engage with these challenges. There are no winners or losers in this fight, as defined by a system of supremacy. In reality, every one of us who signed up to serve on this council is already a hero. Our commitment to advocating for those in need and working toward a more equitable future is a heroic act in itself.
BIPOC leaders, lived experience leaders, community members, and those who have been forced out since Dr. Medlock's removal are heroes in their own right. Their resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice deserve recognition and support. We are all doing what we can to confront the toxic power dynamics perpetuated by individuals like Barnes and others. It's a difficult battle, and we should take comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone.
We will rely on each other for strength, encouragement, and solidarity as we continue to work towards dismantling the barriers of systemic racism and discrimination. Together, we can bring about meaningful change, honoring the legacy of Dr. Medlock and ensuring that our shared commitment to serving our communities remains unwavering. Thank you all for your service, your commitment, and your resilience.
This experience has been exhausting, but it has also reinforced my commitment to fight for justice and equity. I may be stepping down as co-chair, but my resolve remains unbroken. I will continue to advocate for the change that is so desperately needed, no matter the obstacles placed in my path. It is my hope that, one day, the BHA will live up to its mandate and truly prioritize the well-being of all, rather than perpetuating the cycle of harm and injustice.
This experience has been painful but has also ignited a fire within me to continue fighting for justice. I refuse to be silenced, tokenized, or brushed aside. It's time for the leaders of the BHA, Michelle Barnes and those who watch without words, to be held accountable for their actions and the harm they have caused not only to me but to other BIPOC leaders who have faced similar challenges.
As I look ahead, I am more determined than ever to use my platform and my voice to push for real change within the BHA. It's time for genuine inclusion, equity, and accountability to prevail. No more tokenism, no more oppression—only justice and fairness for all.
I've reached a painful crossroads in my journey as co-chair of the Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC), and it's with a heavy heart and a deep sense of exhaustion that I must share my decision. I've made the agonizing choice to resign from my role as co-chair, not because I want to, but because I feel forced out, pushed to the brink by the relentless hurt and harm I've endured.
This decision is not taken lightly, for it carries significant consequences, not just for me but for the community I represent. You see, my grant funds, the lifeblood of the work I do to support those in need, are provided by the very same BHA whose leadership has caused me so much pain. They hold the purse strings, the power, and the control, making it clear that my voice, my advocacy, and my well-being are secondary concerns.
I find myself fighting a battle on multiple fronts, and it's a lonely, isolating experience. In this moment of reflection, I am reminded of the strength and fierceness that brought me here, but I am equally aware of the fatigue that has taken hold of me. The weight of these battles, the relentless struggle for justice, fairness, and accountability, has left me drained.
My fellow BHAAC co-chair, Bob, is also in a precarious situation, dependent on grant funds provided by the BHA to keep the doors of our important work open. It's a stark reminder of how the system can wield its power to maintain the status quo, even when it comes at the cost of our principles and well-being.
As I step down from my position, it's not out of defeat, but rather a strategic move to protect myself and the integrity of the work I do. I love the work I get to do for the state of Colorado, everywhere else I go except for here. This space has me in therapy again.
My resilience remains intact, my determination unshaken. This decision is a temporary setback, a tactical retreat to regroup and come back stronger, better prepared to confront the injustices that persist. I was not ready.
I may be resigning from a title, but I am not resigning from the fight. I will continue to advocate for justice, to demand accountability, and to work tirelessly for the people of Colorado. I won't let this isolation and exhaustion define me; instead, they will fuel my determination to bring about real change. This is not the end of my journey; it's a pivotal moment in a much larger battle for a brighter, more equitable future.
- Racquel Garcia, NCPRSS
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Racquel Garcia, Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) Co-Chair, founded HardBeauty in 2019 with the mission of empowering people to rise and thrive beyond their circumstances through a trauma-informed healing-centered approach. At the root of all of her work, Racquel believes that building community and exploring all pathways are the basis of thriving in a life of recovery. Learn more at https://www.hardbeauty.life/.
CALL TO ACTION:
Even little actions make a big impact, so let’s share some goodness with Racquel and her team. This movement is educating for no cost so if you have learned from JFM’s work, please consider giving something back.
Donate to HardBeauty Foundation: A $70 donation sponsors recovery coaching for an individual who is in need and uninsured/underinsured or give what you can.
Shop for a Cause: HardBeauty has an online boutique so please consider showing Racquel and her community love with some retail justice.
Follow Along on Social: Follow HardBeauty on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow HardBeauty Foundation on Facebook.