Brianna Buentello (D)
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Do you support school policies and funding that increase the availability of mental health services in schools and early childhood settings?
- Yes: As a special education teacher I see everyday how over-stretched the already thin mental health resources are for my students. Having more of these resources is a moral imperative and ultimately allows educators to do their jobs more effectively.
Do you support additional funding for follow-up care for individuals after a suicide attempt or overdose?
- Yes: Colorado’s suicide epidemic goes largely unnoticed because it is most severe in the rural corners of our state. In those areas, emergency services are often one of the only forms of mental health care that exist. Expanding follow-up services in Colorado ultimately relieves first-responders of a significant burden and helps protect our citizens.
Do you support extreme risk protection orders?
- Yes: I do support extreme risk protection orders. In my own town of Pueblo, Law Enforcement is already over-extended and underfunded. A red flag law would give officers an important tool to protect themselves and their communities from individuals experiencing a mental-health crisis.
Do you support strengthening laws and transparency requirements compelling insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders that is equal to the coverage provided for a physical illness?
- Yes: If untreated, mental-health issues can incur a cost equal to that of a physical illness through self-harm or harm to one’s community. I strongly support strengthening coverage and treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Do you support strengthening requirements that insurance companies have enough mental health and substance use professionals to guarantee their members have a choice of provider?
- Yes: Trust between a healthcare provider and a patient is vital regardless of the type of service provided. Patients seeking mental healthcare have a right to choose a provider with which they have the ultimate trust.
Do you support requirements that hospitals and other providers report information on treatment availability to help individuals, hospitals and law enforcement locate available treatment for people in crisis?
- Yes: A mental-health crisis does not wait for the opportune moment. To ensure that a vulnerable individual receives care in a timely fashion is to both protect them and their communities.
Do you support providing state funds to expand capacity for mental health and substance use treatment in underserved areas of the state?
- Yes: One of my major reasons for running is to ensure that all corners of our state have adequate healthcare coverage. I rue the opportunity to work with my colleagues to expand capacity for mental health and substance use treatment in the underserved areas of Colorado.
Do you support additional state investments in affordable housing with supportive services for people with mental health or substance use disorders?
- Yes: I believe that mental health and homelessness do go hand in hand and that all members of our community deserve some access to mental health or substance abuse services.
