Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It's just as important as physical health and can be affected by many factors. Family history, trauma, exposure to violence, food and housing insecurity, discrimination, poverty, and other experiences can all play a role in mental health. The good news is that people with mental health conditions can heal and thrive, and there are many ways to support yourself, your loved ones and your patients. Below are resources from Mental Health America and NAMI:

High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—is a major risk factor for heart disease. Please visit this link from the National Institutes of Health for education materials, eating plans and other resources to encourage your clients to know their blood pressure numbers and learn ways to keep it under control.

On March 24th and 31st, Lt. Governor Primavera, Health Cabinet executive directors and industry leaders for the Health Cabinet Policy Summit was hosted by the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. Topics included health care affordability for Coloradans; behavioral health transformation; Hospital Insights Report findings; COVID-19 pandemic to endemic, future readiness; and keeping Coloradans covered after the public health emergency. Please visit this link to view materials from the summit.

Please make sure that your information is updated or current in the provider directory with your contact information, specialty, cultural competency, ADA compliance, and all other categories. This is to ensure appropriate referral information can be provided to members. Use this link to update your information.

CHI has released their 2022 agenda for addressing health care in Colorado. They have included three focuses:

Visit this link to learn more about these initiatives and other resources

As a reminder, you can access The Provider Handbook on Health Colorado's website under the Provider Handbooks & Policies section. Please utilize these resources to answer questions in regards to member services, provider information, key performance indicators, etc.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released the 15th Amended Public Health Order 20-38, extending the order for four weeks through May 13, 2022. 

The public health order is effective until May 13, 2022 unless extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

Throughout the pandemic, Coloradans saved countless lives by getting tested and vaccinated and following public health protocols. Governor Polis and administration officials outlined “Colorado’s Next Chapter: Our Roadmap to Moving Forward” and discussed the steps the administration believes are necessary to maintain a level of preparedness and agility that will keep Coloradans Safe and health. Click here to read the official roadmap.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released a quick reference guide for healthcare professionals including information on the proper storage, preparation, and administration of the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccine products in the United States.

For vaccine information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, visit this webpage.

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has unveiled the "Update Your Address Campaign" for Health First Colorado. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage members and stakeholders to update their contact information, and provide clear instructions for the process. The messaging is available at the below links on the HCPF website:

•      Member Page

•      Provider/Stakeholder Page

In March 2022, a new redetermination process for all Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members was implemented.  For more information on how this impacts providers and why it is important, see the Renewal Revamp presentation, workbook and FAQ on HCPF's Eligibility Partner Trainings webpage or view the Renewal Guidance for Medical Assistance Memo. Refer individuals to this link for information on finding a provider within your region.

Whole Health Action Management (WHAM), a peer-led program that gives members the tools they need to stay healthy after leaving your care to help members reach their goals of mental and physical wellbeing. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s intense, two-day training program empowers your peer counselors to play a critical role in treating members whose mental health challenges are compounded by conditions like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. They will learn how to identify members’ strengths, develop a realistic action plan, and help members create and sustain new health behaviors through self-management. Use this link to sign up to train your peer counselors in WHAM to give your members the confidence to manage their whole health.

Beacon and Health Colorado will assist with questions new members have regarding Medicaid benefits.

Beacon and Health Colorado invites anyone to participate in this "working" workshop where forms are available for members to state their wishes if they were unable to communicate them.

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are conditions in which people live that affect their health risks and outcomes in a variety of ways. In this 2 hour webinar, attendees with learn to identify SDoH and understand how they affect physical and behavioral health disparities and outcomes. We will also explore ways to assess and address SDoH in practice. No CE credit or certification is associated with this training.

The purpose of the health equity public meetings is to provide space for providers, members, and community stakeholders to learn about HCPF's Health Equity Plan, and to provide input and feedback. Their goal is to establish the current state of health equity, and strategically look at innovative ways to improve health outcomes and decrease health disparities for our members in Colorado. Download this brochure for more information.