Rep. Amabile Publically Criticizes Dr. Medlock from Affluent Boulder
In recent times, Dr. Medlock's unjust removal from her position at the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has been a topic of much discussion, not only within the organization but also in the public sphere. One notable figure who is particularly critical of Dr. Medlock’s influence is Representative Judy Amabile, who serves the affluent population of Boulder, Colorado. Rep Amabile’s targeted criticism of Dr. Medlock and her focus on racial equity has inspired the following JFM drops:
The Denver Post Coverage: Dr. Medlock Files Federal Discrimination Complaint
The Harm of Legislators' Unwarranted Criticism of the BHA's Progress
The Harm of Privileged Individuals in Power Denigrating Dr. Medlock: Impact on BIPOC Communities
The city of Boulder is known for its affluence and privilege, with statistics and metrics painting a clear picture of the community's prosperity. However, it's essential to recognize that issues like those faced by Dr. Medlock are not confined to any particular demographic, and they can affect individuals from all demographics.
The Denver Post released an article featuring Dr. Medlock telling her story of harm, and Representative Amabile's comments have come under scrutiny. It appears that Representative Amabile has continued to disparage Dr. Medlock in the media and other public forums. Her comments seem to be driven by personal opinions rather than facts, as she attempts to diminish Dr. Medlock's achievements and influence.
Representative Amabile, a Boulder Democrat who sponsored the bill pushing back certain deadlines for the agency, was quoted as saying, "I don’t know if anyone had mistreated Medlock,” but said the Behavioral Health Administration was behind on the work it was supposed to have done by early 2023. She claims that advocates for people with serious mental illnesses, like schizophrenia, also were concerned that the agency under Medlock wasn’t putting enough emphasis on their needs.
“I don’t know what was in anybody’s mind,” Amabile said. “I do know that from the perspective of the people the BHA was meant to serve, the patients, there was a disconnect.”
These statements by Representative Amabile raise important questions. First and foremost, it's crucial to acknowledge that Dr. Medlock is not just anyone. She is a practicing clinical psychiatrist with multiple secondary degrees, and her credentials and experiences are highly respected. In fact, Dr. Medlock held the unique distinction of being the only clinical psychiatrist to also serve as a behavioral health commissioner in the nation. Her supportive peers honored her for these qualifications, which makes Amabile’s criticism of Dr. Medlock about a lack of emphasis on patients' needs perplexing.
Representative Amabile was not Dr. Medlock's supervisor nor a member of the BHA during Dr. Medlock's tenure. While she served on the 2019 Behavioral Health Task Force, her role as a behavioral advocate and elected representative did not grant her day-to-day involvement in the BHA's operations. Yet, she has taken it upon herself to speak on these matters.
This situation highlights a broader issue of accountability and responsibility within the realm of behavioral health. It is concerning that Representative Amabile, who held a position of influence during a critical time when Colorado faced challenges in behavioral health, now distances herself from the consequences of those decisions. Blaming Dr. Medlock for the state of behavioral health care without acknowledging her own role in shaping it, shows a lack of accountability and throws up red flags about transparency in Colorado’s legislature.
It is crucial that public representatives take responsibility for their actions and decisions, especially in areas as vital as behavioral health. Regardless of one's affiliation or status, fostering an environment of constructive dialogue and cooperation is essential to address the complex issues in our healthcare system effectively.
Dr. Medlock's professional background and commitment to her patients were evident throughout her tenure. She dedicated herself to improving the behavioral health landscape and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with serious mental illnesses. Her stellar performance reviews further attest to her dedication and competence in her role.
In light of these facts, Representative Amabile's concern for the patients appears hypocritical and lacks the critical knowledge that Dr. Medlock possessed. If the concern was genuinely about the welfare of those the BHA was meant to serve, Dr. Medlock's expertise and track record should have been a valuable asset, rather than a point of contention.
JFM encourages our incredible and supportive network to help us in fostering a dialogue with Representative Amabile. It is our hope that she will engage with empathy and active listening, taking into account the concerns voiced by this BIPOC collective and our wider community. In closing, the power of advocacy lies not just in speaking but in truly listening.
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Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock: Demand justice for Dr. Medlock signed the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Tell a story: If you have benefited from Dr. Medlock and her leadership, show up and uplift a true people-first leader dedicated to community and transformational reform.
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).