The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) released Empower Denver, Denver’s strategic plan to improve behavioral health services for those experiencing a crisis, such as substance misuse, job loss or mental health issues.
Empower Denver builds on Denver’s existing network of resources, systems, and providers to deliver the critical services needed for comprehensive behavioral health care.
Doctor Examining Patient
Empower Denver revolves around three overarching goals easily accessible to the public: 1) Making City resources related to and supporting behavioral health, 2) Making information and awareness related to and supporting access to behavioral health resources, & 3) Promoting consistency in how the City collects, shares, and uses data related to behavioral health.
Strategies include the already deployed mobile behavioral health unit known as the Wellness Winnie, which from August to December 2020 assisted 1,316 patients in Denver. Of those the Wellness Winnie helped, 69% reported experiencing unstable housing, and 40% requested assistance with finding and accessing essential resources.
Additional priorities within Empower Denver to be addressed now through 2023 include: 1) Implementing a 24/7 crisis stabilization and transitional housing program for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis (Behavioral Health Solutions Center) opening Spring 2021), 2) Creating a 24/7 care coordination center for people living with behavioral health conditions, 3) Diverting those experiencing a behavioral health crisis from jail by providing easy access to appropriate services, 4) Launching a behavioral health stigma-reduction campaign, & 5) Training communities to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.
“Our many systems and resources must work together to provide comprehensive care for our residents,” says Robert McDonald, Executive Director of DDPHE and Public Health Administrator for the City of Denver. “Empower Denver outlines a clear path toward collaboration and partnerships that will dovetail to better support and begin to heal those experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”