No waiting

October 12, 2017

“Is this likely to get better anytime soon?”

At a meeting in Eagle on Tuesday, a commissioner asked me whether her county should wait for the federal government to improve mental health care. Two days later, the President issued an executive order that jeopardizes coverage for mental health and substance use services and for Americans with preexisting conditions.

“Madam Chair,” I replied, “I’d say if you’re waiting for Washington to help, this will be a very long meeting.”

The good news: Eagle County isn’t waiting. The commissioners approved a ballot measure to boost funding for mental health care.

Your community can follow suit. Join our advocacy network to learn how.

Our state can become a national leader in the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. We can’t wait to make that happen.

– Andrew Romanoff