Behavioral Health Response

Livable

Housing & Human Services

FY2024 Budget

Program Budget Overview

Description

  • The Behavioral Health Response program is comprised of Behavioral Health Strategy Partnerships including the county-wide Behavioral Health Roadmap and support for the Regional Opioid Council; the Crisis Intervention and Response Team (CIRT); and a new pilot program for 2023 to support non-law enforcement alternative response, called Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE), for a subset of low-level emergency and non-emergency calls. Collectively, these strategies and services are designed to decrease trauma and unnecessary engagement with the criminal justice system and to increase mental well-being among Boulder community members in need.

Summary of 2024 Budget Enhancements/Realignments:

  • The Behavioral Health Response program enhancements total $735,000 in 2024, including the following investments:
    • $471,000 for a one-time enhancement of a State of Colorado HHS Behavioral Health Administration Grant to support staff training and administrative costs associated with the program.
    • $200,000 in ongoing funding for community-based mental health and behavioral health services, such as residential substance use disorder treatment, through Boulder mental health providers.
    • $64,000 for additional non-personnel expenses, such as computer equipment and supplies, for 5.0 new FTE added mid-year in 2023 to the CARE program.

Sustainability, Equity and Resilience (SER) Goals & Objectives: Livable

  • Objectives
    • Supports the physical and mental well-being of its community members by providing public gathering places and programs to encourage social connection and prevent isolation.
    • Prevent crime, alleviate harm, and improve quality of life for community members and visitors while minimizing disparate impacts on community members of color and considering the needs of different cultures, individuals, and community values.
    • Fosters a climate of safety for individuals in homes, businesses, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
    • Enhances and facilitates transparency, accuracy, efficiency, effectiveness, and quality customer service in all city business.

Program Outcomes:

  • The Behavioral Health Response program aligns with HHS Strategic Goals including:
  • Increased positive health outcomes and fewer negative health impacts.
  • Reduced health disparities.

Measurements

  • CIRT/CARE metrics:
    • Reducing the % of encounters involving use of force by an officer.
    • Reducing the % of persons assisted through the program who were involved in an arrest.
    • Increasing the # of people served compared to previous program periods.
    • Effective match of program hours with high-volume demand hours.