As spring arrives, and we fluctuate between warm sunny days and snow falling on fresh shoots of green, it serves as a reminder that change is both unpredictable and inevitable at once. This time of year and the shift in seasons symbolize transitions—some welcome, some challenging. Just as we adjust to these natural shifts, we often experience changes both within and outside of our control.

At Jefferson Center, we are experiencing these changes both internally and externally. From the search for my successor as President & CEO to witnessing and navigating significant changes at the federal level that impact the future of mental health care in our country.

There has never been a time more important than now, for all of us to activate our voices and engage to reinforce the critical importance of behavioral health. With nearly one in four Americans experiencing a mental health condition, we feel the universal impact mental health and substance use challenges can have on individuals, families and communities. We all have a story to tell, and our stories often tie directly to whether behavioral healthcare is available when we or our loved ones need help.

The current mental health landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, and we believe that now, more than ever, we must use our voices to ensure behavioral health care is a priority for all.
Millions of Americans continue to face barriers when seeking mental health care, from provider shortages to financial constraints. With decreased funding and investment in Medicaid and behavioral health grants, these barriers to care will increase. Despite the growing recognition of mental health as a crucial component of overall well-being, significant gaps persist in accessibility, funding, and legislative support. That’s why we are actively working at the local and federal level to ensure every individual has access to the care they need.

A key area of focus is Medicaid funding. Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health services in the U.S., with more than 1.3 million Coloradans currently enrolled. We have seen in the past how devastating these changes and cuts to Medicaid can be, especially for the most vulnerable people we serve, including children, individuals with disabilities, and those facing economic hardships.

Throughout this period of change, Jefferson Center remains committed to our mission of ensuring mental health is accessible to everyone in our communities, staying responsive to the needs of the people we serve, and finding hope together. These values have been the core of Jefferson Center for nearly 67 years, and will continue to be our foundation for years to come.