5F13D15C6AE1252687258447005EFC6D Hearing Summary

Rochelle Galey, Office of Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Human Services, presented on SUD in the Division of Youth Services.  Ms. Galey referred to a powerpoint during her discussion (Attachment E).  She discussed youth with SUD who become involved with the Division of Youth Services.

Jagruti Shah, Office of Behavioral Health, Department of Human Services, discussed the jail-based behavioral services (JBBS) program.

Ms. Shah continued to discuss the JBBS program and noted that the program was evaluated in 2018.  The evaluation found that from 2011-2016, 21,423 inmates were screened for SUD.  The evaluation also identified gaps in SUD treatment across Colorado jails.

Cristen Bates, Department of Human Services, discussed recent funding increases in the JBSS program. The FY 2019-20 budget for the JBBS program is $18 million.

Representative Wilson asked about outcomes from the funding increase for the JBBS program and alcohol-specific treatment programs in jails.

Ms. Bates explained that the federal government has directed the states to prioritize federal funding for medicially assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders.  Representative Herod asked about marijuana charges for youth in the Division of Youth Services.

Ms. Shah discussed the LEAD program, and specifically the stakeholder committee that oversees the development of the program and the operational work group who staff cases.

Ms. Shah discussed the LEAD programs in Pueblo and Alamosa and their outcomes to date.  She described challenges in expanding the LEAD program, including harm reduction philosophy, decision maker buy-in, and community support.  Ms. Shah and Ms. Bates responded to committee questions.

Kellie Wasko, Department of Corrections (DOC), discussed treatment programs available in the DOC to inmates.  Ms. Wasko discussed MAT in prison and the implementation of DOC's vivitrol program.  In response to a question, Ms. Wasko discussed the availability of drugs, other than vivitrol, in prisons.