In recent media comments, Representative Judy Amabile made unwarranted and harmful remarks in an op-ed about the progress of the Behavioral Health Administration and the removal of Dr. Medlock. Such comments from legislators and individuals in positions of power have detrimental effects on the individuals who work for the BHA and the community that contributed to its efforts. JFM delves into the harm caused by these comments, highlighting the BHA's commitment to co-creation, the invaluable contributions of its lived experience advisory council, and the importance of using your platform responsibly and thoughtfully.

In recent media comments, Representative Judy Amabile made unwarranted and harmful remarks in an op-ed about the progress of the Behavioral Health Administration and the removal of Dr. Medlock. Such comments from legislators and individuals in positions of power have detrimental effects on the individuals who work for the BHA and the community that contributed to its efforts. JFM delves into the harm caused by these comments, highlighting the BHA's commitment to co-creation, the invaluable contributions of its lived experience advisory council, and the importance of using your platform responsibly and thoughtfully.

In a recent example, the BHA Chief of Staff was offered an eight-week sabbatical, while other employees were not. This raises questions about the fairness and equity of BHA sabbatical policies and their potential impact on workplace dynamics. The Chief of Staff who was granted this opportunity is responsible for organizational-wide policy creation. Does a BHA sabbatical policy exist?

As a Black woman leader in her tenure launching and leading the BHA and in the face of people in power continuing to use their platforms to cause pain, Dr. Medlock continues to demonstrate strength, tenacity, and invincibility. All the more reason to support the movement and call for Justice for Medlock.

JFM sources have shared specific examples of harm and racism from across Colorado behavioral health stakeholders. White leaders continue to applaud Dr. Medlock’s removal publicly as those with identities that align with the global majority continue to try to voice support despite fear and roadblocks.

We are alarmed by this attempt to blame Dr. Medlock while many members of the BHA’s leadership remain in their positions and were aware of and involved with these timelines. Yet critics like Rep. Michaelson Jenet center their criticism on Dr. Medlock. We believe it is harmful for large publications like State of Reform to publish unsubstantiated personal critiques on the removal of a cabinet member and we encourage the outlet to print an apology or retraction.

We encourage you to share your experience and the impact of the oppressive actions taken against to Dr. Medlock with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). The BHA has a community engagement calendar with upcoming public town halls, provider convenings, and public events here and a public email address, CDHS_BHA@state.co.us.

Dr. Medlock focused on developing a comprehensive and coordinated system of care that is person-centered and responsive to the needs of individuals and families seeking services.

Dr. Medlock’s visionary leadership ensured the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration’s strategic plan released in January 2023 aligned with the intentions and goals of HB22-1278, the 2022 Behavioral Health Administration Legislation. Both the strategic plan and HB22-1278 prioritize the need to expand access to behavioral health services, promote prevention and early intervention efforts, and address disparities in access to and quality of behavioral health services.

Dr. Medlock’s vision for the BHA was to create a system of care that is comprehensive, coordinated, and equitable for individuals and families seeking behavioral health services in Colorado.

When BIPOC are excluded from or forcibly removed from positions of power and decision-making, it reinforces the idea that they are not valued or respected in the workplace. This a clear example of how bias, discrimination, and racism manifest.

Here are 5 key takeaways from the BHA’s implementation and monitoring dashboard on the BHA website, during Dr. Medlock’s tenure as BHA Commissioner.

Anti-racism is important for Colorado's behavioral health reform because it recognizes that racism and systemic oppression are significant contributors to health inequities and disparities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical to state government policy-making because they ensure that policies and decisions are equitable and just for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

Here are four ways BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) behavioral health community organizations are creating a sense of belonging and reasons why you should support them during Mental Health Awareness month, and beyond.

Here are five resources for white allies seeking to learn how to better support Black leaders and social justice movements.

Why show up as white ally to support Dr. Medlock? Here are three reasons to show up as a white ally to support Dr. Medlock’s reinstatement.