Monica Duran

What counties do you represent? If this is a statewide office, please put statewide.

Jefferson County

Have you or someone you loved ever experienced a mental health and/or substance use condition?

Yes

Question #1: Colorado, like the rest of the nation, is facing a youth mental health crisis. Do you support school policies and funding that increase the availability of mental health services and supports in schools and early childhood settings?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #1?

It is so critical to support our youth when it comes to mental health and removing the stigma associated with it. I will always be an advocate for making sure our youth have the services and support that they need.

Question #2: Do you believe mental health and substance use are serious issues your constituents are experiencing that deserve legislative attention and action? Please explain.

Yes I do. As we have seen Colorado has had issues when it comes to fentanyl, alcohol abuse, and other substance use issues. We have also seen the increased need for mental health services. Just this past June, a 22 year old male was having a mental health crisis in Clear Creek County and called 911 during his mental health crisis to ask for assistance. When police arrived they were not trained or prepared for his mental state and they used force which ultimately resulted in his tragic death. I know that there needs to be further legislation that increase awareness, services, accessibility, and affordability in these areas.

Question #3: Extreme risk protection orders, also known as red flag laws, allow law enforcement to temporarily remove weapons from individuals at significant risk to themselves or others. Colorado has a red flag law. Do you support extreme risk protection orders?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #3?

I think this protects the firearm owner themself and others that they may harm

Question #4: Overdose deaths are at an all-time high nationally and in Colorado. Many believe increasing criminal penalties for people who use drugs is the answer. Do you support increased criminal penalties for people who use drugs? *
(Please note that we are asking about personal use, not distribution)*

Would you like to explain your response to question #4?

Question # 5: As a follow up question, did you support legislation in the 2022 session that drastically increased the criminal penalty for possession of any substance over 1g if that substance contains any amount of fentanyl?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #5?

Question #6: Do you believe the State should invest more funding for mental health and substance use? If yes, please explain where you would want additional funding to be directed. If no, please explain why.

Yes I do think the State should invest more funding for mental health and substance use especially in our current social climate. I think this funding should be directed towards accessibility and affordability.

Question #7: People needing care, supports, and services for their mental health and substance use often experience discrimination as a result of their health condition. Would you support legislation that would protect people needing care, supports, and services for their mental health and substance use conditions from discriminatory practices?

Yes

Would you like to explain your response to question #7?

Question #8: For too long the state’s criminal justice system has acted as a substitute for a comprehensive mental health care system. Would you support policies that would disentangle mental health from the criminal justice system and promote the expansion of programs like Denver’s STAR program?

Yes