Please note: Portions of this newsletter have been cut and pasted from other newsletters. At times, the formatting from the original newsletter comes with the information we want to share, so you may notice some formatting inconsistencies that we haven’t determined how to easily remedy.

LWVLC Program Planning: Health Care Team Considerations

HC Team Priorities for 2026-2027 Program Planning – thanks to Suzanne for organizing.

Priorities submitted by HC Team

Ø Identify actions to support community partners in providing health care/behavioral health care services in Larimer County for all residents.

Ø Monitor Health Care related legislation and educate/advocate as needed, including any urgent Calls to Action. Educate Larimer County residents about major health care legislation and policies impacting them and advocate for increased accessibility and affordability for health care services. Monitor proposed Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) legislation and work with the LWVCO GVP Task Force and local GVP partners to follow legislation with support/advocacy.

Ø Support community partners in their efforts to disseminate accurate public health information and combat disinformation. Support and promote the work of community health care & behavioral health care providers and extend appreciation for their work

National, state, or local positions that support the actions identified above.

The LWVUS position is that a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost should be available to all US residents.
LWVCO supports policies and programs to increase efficient use of health care dollars and to provide universal access to primary health care for all Colorado residents regardless of income level.
The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that the proliferation of handguns and semi- automatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. The League supports strong federal measures to limit accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens. The League supports regulating firearms for consumer safety.

Additional item under consideration – thanks to Linda Mahan for sharing:

Given that the privatization of healthcare is one of our big concerns, a request to add our League's support for this update could logically come from the HC Team.

The PWM Privatization Update is a shortened version of the Vermont Privatization position (2023); it uses language from the Vermont text to clarify four elements of the national position (see 3. Highlights below) so state and local Leagues can advocate more effectively, confident that they are aligned with national League policy in addressing an accelerating trend: i.e., the siphoning of public funding (taxes) into corporate profits and away from critical services aimed “to preserve the common good, to protect national or local security or to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.” (from US Privatization position)

More background and rationale on the update study that the LWV of Port Washington- Manhasset, NY did is found here:

https://lwvofpwm.org/concurrence-privatization-update/

Meetings, Events and Action

1. Reproductive Justice Task Force meets January 8 at 530pm – 645pm. Register from LWVCO calendar.

2. Colorado Consumer Health Initiative participates in Legislative Preview Event on January 12 at 4-6pm. Information and registration, including virtual participation at:

https://copolicy.org/event/2026-legislative-preview/?emci=f89b3782-40e0-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&emdi=92367f2a-45e0-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&ceid=5593429

3. Health District of Northern Larimer County: Executive Director finalist candidates present to the Board of Directors January 13 at 5-630pm. In person at 120 Bristlecone Drive in Fort Collins or virtually at https://www.healthdistrict.org/board-meeting-schedule

View the finalists here: https://www.healthdistrict.org/news/executive-director-finalists?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExc2xGT0d6UThGZDR5TDNLbnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5HE-pVlxBfaqb7trTKxreFk7kF2nC7jYo1tEiT3XTu_jwnQYfQ83LLpOZ8Tg_aem_CLt_pmk59tAfPX6fMmXp_A

Contact Anna Fuller if you’re able to attend and observe

4. Board of Health meeting January 15, 2026 at 6pm. Details will provided at this site a day or two prior to the meeting https://www.larimer.gov/boards/board-health/meetings#/list/. Contact Anna Fuller if you’re able to attend and observe.

5. Health District of Northern Larimer County on January 23, 530pm. Details will be provided at this site a day or two prior to the meeting https://www.healthdistrict.org/board-meeting-schedule Contact Anna Fuller if you’re able to attend and observe.

6. LWVCO Health Care Task Force meets January 22 at 630pm. No meeting topic is available at this time. Check our local calendar or the LWVCO calendar for information.

7. Gun Violence Prevention Task force meets January 28 at 530pm. No meeting topic is available at this time. Check our local calendar or the LWVCO calendar for information.

8. CCHI will be holding its 18th annual Health Care Day of Action March 12th, 2026! Join Colorado Consumer Health Initiative for a day of learning, advocacy, and meeting with legislators, no experience needed. Their team and partners will guide you in engaging directly with Colorado’s legislative process. Mark your calendar and be part of shaping the future of health care in Colorado, registration will open soon!

Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Private Equity taking over healthcare

See proposal for US Concurrence Privatization Update at https://lwvofpwm.org/concurrence-privatization-update/

Murray pushes to halt federal pilot adding AI to Medicare approvals

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/murray-pushes-to-halt-federal-pilot-adding-ai-to-medicare-approvals/

News

Colorado Health Access Survey 2025 – from the Colorado Health Institute

https://www.coloradohealthinstitute.org/research/colorado-health-access-survey-2025

Health Department News, from the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment Newsletters

Ø Healthier Together: Larimer County’s Public Health Podcast Coming Soon!

In January, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment will officially launch Healthier Together: Larimer County’s Public Health Podcast.

Designed with our community in mind, this podcast will help our team connect with the community in a more accessible and human way. By meeting people where they are, we hope to make public health information easier to engage with. The podcast will let us break down complex topics in a friendly, conversational format, share the expertise from within our department, and highlight the important work of our community partners.

Starting in January, listeners can expect a handful of short mini-episodes each month, along with one or two longer conversations that take them behind the scenes of public health in Larimer County. Staff will share their “field notes,” provide updates, answer questions, and help showcase the depth and heart of the work happening across LCDHE. In 2026, Healthier Together will be available wherever you listen to podcasts. We want to hear from you! We would greatly value your input to help guide the development of our new podcast. Please take a moment to share your thoughts using this form.

Ø Breathe Easy! LCDHE Develops Nicotine Awareness and Tobacco Prevention Program

The Nicotine Awareness & Tobacco Prevention Team at LCDHE partners with the Colorado State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) and local community organizations to support a healthier, tobacco-free future in Larimer County. Their work focuses on:

· Preventing tobacco and nicotine use among children and youth

· Supporting youth and adults who want to quit

· Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke

The team centers their efforts on the needs of the Larimer County community through prevention education, quit resources, policy guidance, and ongoing community collaboration. This fall, the team developed and launched “Breathe Easy”, a nicotine and tobacco prevention education program. With an emphasis on the prevention of vaping, the materials are available for school districts and community organizations. There are lessons, slide sets, fund activities, and resources for elementary, middle and high school grade levels. Check it out here.

Ø The Health in All Policies Approach

At LCDHE, we recognize that health is shaped by more than medical care, it’s influenced by the environments where people live, work, learn, and play. That’s why our agency uses a Health in All Policies approach, which means considering the health impact of decisions across all sectors, from transportation and housing to education and the economy. We follow both local and state measures to ensure public health is at the forefront of policy decisions. To support this work, we have a dedicated Health in All Policies Coordinator, Kimberly Baker, who helps build cross-sector partnerships, promote health equity, bring data to inform decisions, strengthen trust and collaboration so that we can serve as a proactive partner in providing opportunities for good health.

LCDHE accomplishes this work by participating as a voting member in the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials’ Policy Committee and as an active member of the Colorado Public Health Association’s Policy Committee. In the previous legislative session, we were stakeholders on multiple bills impacting food safety inspection updates, septic system replacement, cottage food act changes, public health funding, and rural pharmacy access.

Ø Supporting Women, Infants, and Children: The Impact of the WIC Program in Larimer County

Every month, nearly 4,300 Larimer County residents count on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for essential nutrition and support. Through partnerships with 21 local retail food stores, WIC helps families access healthy foods right in their own neighborhoods, fueling both community health and our local economy. Each year, more than $3 million in nutritious foods are purchased with WIC benefits at Larimer County grocery stores, supporting local businesses and workers while helping families put fresh, healthy meals on the table.

Behind these numbers is a dedicated team of WIC professionals who go above and beyond to support families, helping new moms with breastfeeding, ensuring infants and young children get the nutrients they need, and guiding parents through periods of growth and change. WIC enrollment has grown by 32% since 2022, and their compassion, expertise, and commitment have ensured that the growing needs in our community are being met. This month, and every month, we thank our WIC staff for their incredible impact in building a healthier, stronger Larimer County.

Ø Respiratory Virus Season Update

Influenza activity and acute respiratory illness activity has started to increase in Larimer County, with the county currently having moderate activity levels for both conditions. Additionally, we have had our first reported outbreaks of influenza this season in schools and long-term care facilities. Influenza activity is increasing statewide, and Colorado is one of two jurisdictions nationwide with high levels of influenza activity. COVID-19 and RSV levels remain minimal in our county.

NEW Larimer County Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard Now Available

We are excited to announce that we are launching a new Respiratory Virus Data Dashboard, available at www.larimer.gov/illness-trends. The dashboard provides viewers with clear, reliable, and timely information about the respiratory viruses currently circulating in Larimer County, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. By centralizing local information together in one easy-to-use place, the dashboard helps residents, healthcare providers, and community organizations make informed decisions to protect themselves and others. Healthcare partners may also use the dashboard to track trends that can help with planning, resource needs, and enhance patient education.

LCDHE encourages everyone to take simple, proactive steps to stay healthy this season, including:

· Getting recommended vaccinations

· Staying home when sick

· Washing hands frequently

· Taking added precautions if you are at higher risk for severe illness.

To view the dashboard and explore the latest local respiratory virus data, visit larimer.gov/illness-trends. To learn more about how to protect yourself this respiratory virus season, visit larimer.gov/stayhealthy.

Ø The Health Department on Vaccines

Ø A Message from our Medical Director, Dr. Paul Mayer

You may have seen that the CDC recently revised wording on their website to say that “studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.” That change is understandably concerning for those who work in public health, because it undermines trust and may contribute to confusion or fear among parents, caregivers, and the broader community.

In public health, we remain committed to relying on science. While the CDC’s language suggests uncertainty, the broad base of high-quality studies continues to show no credible evidence that vaccines cause autism.

Recently, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) released this statement, which I echo:

The nation’s local health departments play a critical role in educating their community members, answering questions, and providing access to vaccines for those who choose to protect themselves and their loved ones from unnecessary illness or suffering. These critical conversations must be based on scientific evidence, which shows no causal link between vaccines and autism. Efforts to misrepresent the evidence or distort public understanding without new evidence can cause real harm and further complicate the work of local public health to keep their communities safe and healthy.

Please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for current vaccine information and recommendations. Their statement on vaccines:

Colorado remains committed to protecting the health of our residents by following scientific evidence and public health best practices. Regardless of developments at the federal level, our vaccine recommendations and disease-prevention strategies are grounded in data, transparency, and expert guidance to ensure Coloradans continue to have access to safe and effective prevention tools.

Expanding Behavioral Health Care Workforce with new CSU Center – from the Reporter Herald https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=1d567da7-7b8a-4c25-857d-0176ce4ebd46&appcode=REP439&eguid=616cd77a-2a02-4425-9299-0907de4b1c80&pnum=48#

Rethinking Addiction and Recovery Conference hosted by Larimer County: https://www.larimer.gov/behavioralhealth/spotlights/rethinking-addiction-and-recovery-conference-larimer-county

SummitStone new Chief Operating Officer – from SummitStone Newsletter

We're thrilled to welcome Dan Peck as our new Chief Operating Officer! Dan brings over 30 years of leadership in behavioral health and a deep commitment to our mission. As a licensed clinical social worker, Dan has spent his career expanding access to care—at CPC Integrated Health in New Jersey, where he served thousands annually, and for over a decade at Swanson Center in Indiana, where he cut client wait times by 97% and boosted satisfaction scores by 33%. "I was drawn to SummitStone because of its deep commitment to hope, recovery, and community," Dan says. "I look forward to strengthening trust and expanding access so we can make a real difference in the lives we serve." Dan is a problem-solver who meets people where they are and believes in the power of teamwork. We can't wait to see the positive impact his leadership brings to our team and community.

Methadone Treatment Census Surpasses 10,000 – From the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration Newsletter

Colorado has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against opioid use disorder (OUD) and the overdose crisis: The state's methadone treatment census has officially surpassed 10,000 enrollees for the first time in history, up from 6,200 just five years ago. This substantial growth is a direct reflection of both enormous community need and successful efforts to expand treatment access across the state. We now have 50 Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), doubling in five years, primarily driven by key factors like sustained state and federal funding (including Medicaid, State Opioid Response funding, etc.), federal and state regulatory reform, a dedicated and innovative provider network, and community buy-in.

While most growth occurred in urban communities, this treatment expansion is now reaching areas previously underserved or not served at all, with OTPs moving into rural and frontier counties like Moffat, Montrose, Garfield, Summit, and La Plata. This intentional strategy to ease treatment restrictions on take-home medication and allowing for telemedicine, supported by a community-informed rule change process for OTPs, is vital as untreated OUD remains disproportionately high in those areas.

Although methadone is just one part of the solution, with buprenorphine-based care making up the majority of OUD medication provided in Colorado, this milestone is critical. Access to these medications, alongside strong interagency coordination and advocacy, is having a measurable impact: Colorado's drug overdose deaths are now at a four-year low. With an estimated 119,000 people in Colorado still living with OUD, this progress confirms we are on the right track, and the work to expand access and normalize treatment must continue.

Colorado Mental Health Line 988 – from the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration Newsletter

BHA and the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is a resource for all people in Colorado, and we are proud to share that it is saving lives and providing crucial support every day. Below are testimonials from a few of the many people who have used 988 Colorado and wanted to share about their experience. We hope it demonstrates the immediate, compassionate, and essential nature of this service, especially to those facing challenges during the holidays.

"I reach out to 988 because of my mental health. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with being surrounded by toxic family. I appreciate having someone to talk to about it. I had been feeling extremely insecure and incredibly bad about myself. My feelings were validated by the counselor. They asked questions to see if I was in any danger. Although I wasn’t, I was able to greatly reflect on how I was feeling. Words of encouragement were needed, and I’m glad to have received them in a timely manner."

"THANK YOU!!! Thank you so much for this service, I don't know how I could have or would have gotten through those 40 minutes on my own this afternoon. I'm so grateful I called." - Emily, Sun, Sep 14

"I used this number for help for my son and talked to the sweetest woman. I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do to admit addiction, and she helped me and was so sweet. Thank God for 988! My son has been clean for 32 days today."

News from Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council

CBHC's 2026 Policy Platform: Protecting the Programs and Services People Need to Thrive

As Colorado faces a structural budget shortfall and new federal cuts under H.R. 1, CBHC's 2026 Policy Platform is strategically focused on one core mission: Protecting the behavioral health safety net—the programs and services that keep Coloradans healthy, stable, and connected to care.

Amid fiscal constraints, our top priority is protecting what works and preventing erosion of coverage and access. This includes reaffirming commitment to the priority behavioral health populations—those with the most intensive and complex care needs, many of whom are covered by Medicaid or are uninsured. Funding for these populations must be protected and strengthened.

Our 2026 priorities are centered on stability, partnership, and access, aiming for a behavioral health system that is predictable, accountable, and equitable across every community. With that, our priority areas for the upcoming year and foreseeable future include:

1. Improve Client Experience by Streamlining Systems and Strengthening Care Coordination. A fragmented system creates confusion and adds cost. CBHC is focused on simplifying processes, reducing redundancy, and ensuring clients can move seamlessly between levels of care.

2. Preserve Access to Critical Safety-Net Programs and Services. As budgets tighten, protecting Colorado's safety-net programs is essential for individuals who rely on public systems of care. Our priorities aim to stabilize funding and preserve necessary infrastructure while strengthening accountability across the behavioral-health continuum.

3. Protecting Health Coverage for Eligible Populations. Coverage continuity is the foundation of access. CBHC supports policies that keep Coloradans insured, reduce administrative churn, and ensure that new federal and state eligibility requirements do not create barriers for those most in need of behavioral health services.

As Colorado confronts economic constraints and rising demand, CBHC’s priorities remain rooted in stability, partnership, and compassion. By protecting programs that work, improving coordination across systems, and keeping care within reach for those who need it most, the state can sustain a behavioral-health system that supports the wellbeing of all Coloradans.

Gun Safety – extracted from SummitStone Newsletter

The Larimer County Juvenile Gun Safety Coalition has released a new public service announcement encouraging parents to ask about firearm storage before playdates. With 1 in 4 Larimer County students reporting they could access a loaded gun without adult permission, this simple conversation can save lives. The campaign has united all local law enforcement agencies and school districts in a shared commitment to youth safety.

At SummitStone Health Partners, we understand that mental wellbeing includes creating safe environments for our youth. This initiative directly connects to our work in crisis prevention and supporting families through difficult conversations. When we address risk factors like unsecured firearms, we strengthen the foundation of behavioral health in our community and provide pathways to recovery, renewal and respect that are central to our approach to care.

Learn more at: https://www.larimer.gov/cja/juvenile-gun-safety

Legislation/Ordinances/Executive Actions/SCOTUS Decisions

CCBHC Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate – from the Colorado Behavioral Health Council Newsletter

On December 9, the bipartisan legislation Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act (S.3402) was introduced in the U.S. Senate, marking an important step toward expanding nationwide access to care through Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). The bill was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

If enacted, the legislation would strengthen the sustainability of the CCBHC model, support workforce development, and help reduce strain on emergency departments, law enforcement, and other community partners by expanding access to coordinated, community-based behavioral health care.

For Colorado providers and the people and communities they serve, this represents an important step toward long-term sustainability and expanded access to coordinated, community-based care.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

· Establishing a sustainable Medicaid payment option through the CCBHC prospective payment system (PPS), allowing states to expand evidence-based services, strengthen the workforce, and ensure more predictable funding while maintaining state flexibility.

· Advancing integrated care by allowing CCBHCs the option to provide additional services, including primary care.

· Recognizing CCBHCs as a Medicare provider type reimbursed through a PPS, improving access for older adults and dually eligible individuals and supporting clinics as they expand service capacity.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has developed a one-pager with additional details on the bill. We encourage you to contact your members of Congress to express support for this legislation and the CCBHC model.

CBHC will continue to monitor the bill’s progress and keep stakeholders informed as it moves forward.

Colorado Health Initiative Local Ballot Measure Tracker for Colorado – thanks to June for sharing.

https://coloradohealth.org/local-ballot-measure-tracker

Notes from Meetings Observed or Attended

Notes from the Larimer County Health Department December meeting – thanks to Donna for attending and submitting an observer report.

Ø Changes to environmental health inspection fee schedule passed by board: 0 fees collected for land use events in past, fees to be collected in 2026

o 75-80% recovery of cost to agency to perform inspection is standard nationally

o Website will reflect 2026 fees, software will be updated, will work with Planning Board. Planning Board supportive.

o Redimix cited as example where environmental import work was performed and extensive, no fees were charged

o Environmental review is mandated service to be performed by Board of Health

o Fees will continue to be re-evaluated annually

Ø Director’s Report

Ø Breathe Easy Training: Curriculum for tobacco education, to pilot in spring with 5-10 PSD teachers

Ø Perinatal Opioid Misuse grant, $259,000 for 3 years, nurse led, dedicated support for pregnant and postpartum persons, not partners

Ø High Wind/Power Outage Event, food safety issues after power outage, education about what to throw out, LCDHE’s role: to coordinate, backup generators at Long term health care, dialysis centers, generator safety, collaboration with home health providers re oxygen

Ø Podcast Healthier Together to begin January 2026, goal is to build public trust, educate

Resources

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