Colorado: Governor Polis Cabinet Update

DENVER ~ Denver - After a 35-year career in behavioral health, Commissioner Dannette Smith has announced her retirement. This news was shared today by Governor Jared Polis, who thanked Commissioner Smith for her service to Colorado and her dedication to strengthening the state's behavioral health system.

During her time as Behavioral Health Commissioner, Smith has been a strong leader and has traveled across the state to listen to the needs and concerns of Coloradans regarding the behavioral health system. She played a crucial role in implementing the vision of the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to ensure that all Coloradans have access to quality behavioral health care services.

Governor Polis expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Smith's service and wished her luck in her future endeavors. In response, Commissioner Smith stated, "It has been an honor and pleasure to serve the people of Colorado. The BHA has made significant changes that have improved our state and increased access to mental health services for those who need it. I am confident that this work will continue under new leadership."

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One of Commissioner Smith's notable achievements during her tenure was overseeing the launch of a new model for behavioral health services in Colorado. This model includes Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs) and their regional networks of crisis, substance use, and mental health providers. These organizations provide care coordination services so that anyone in the state can easily access the care they need.

Prior to serving as Colorado's Behavioral Health Commissioner, Smith spent nearly five years as the Chief Executive Officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. During this time, she led five divisions focused on improving behavioral health services for adults and children. She also initiated efforts to explore Medicaid utilization as a payer for these services and oversaw the redesign of the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center system.

In addition, while working in Virginia Beach, Smith collaborated with law enforcement agencies to provide enhanced behavioral health services in jails and developed an initiative called "First Responders" to provide these services in the community during police service calls.

The search for a new Commissioner will begin soon, and more details will be shared in the coming days. Governor Polis and the state of Colorado are grateful for Commissioner Smith's contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.

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