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F9140DA5AD5D2BF58725848D005AD2BA Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PUBLIC TESTIMONY

INTERIM COMMITTEE  STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Oct 2, 2019      
Location Off-site



Public Testimony - Committee Discussion Only


07:15:02 PM  

Grantley Showalter, Center for Restorative Programs, discussed his role as a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) case manager. He told the committee that statistics collected by the courts show that the more involved an individual with a substance use disorder becomes with the criminal justice system, the greater the likelihood the inidividual will reoffend. He explained that individuals who have low level drug offenses who are diverted into the LEAD program have better outcomes.  The LEAD program provides wrap-around case management to help these individuals get to a stable position in their lives. He explained that the program focuses on reducing the stigma around substance use disorders, and helps offenders get through the barriers preventing them from receiving substance use disorder treatment. Mr. Showlater responded to committee questions about the LEAD program.

07:20:03 PM  

Javiel Maes, representing himself, discussed his experience as a person with a substance use disorder, the difficulty he has had finding housing, his idea for establishing a sober living home, and the difficulty many SLV residents face accessing reliable transportation.  Mr. Maes responded to committee questions.  Committee discussion followed about the effort it takes to remain sober and the trauma experienced by individuals with substance use disorders.

07:25:04 PM  
Candice Allen, Rio Grande Hospital, discussed the difficulty residents of the SLV have finding transportation to get to scheduled health care appointments.  She also discussed the benefit her community has realized as a result of the secure transportation pilot program created in SB 17-207.  This pilot program expanded the Colorado Crisis System by providing funding for communities to train drivers to transport people in mental health crisis to a mental health center or designated facility.  Ms. Allen pointed out that rural health care is about collaboration and using the resources within the community.   She discussed the need for housing in the SLV and suggested that many people who are homeless travel from home to home and sleep on couches.



Ms. Allen discussed the implementation of the Colorado ALTO Project and the Colorado CURE Initiative, which are Colorado Hospital Association initiatives.  These initiatives focus on reducing the administration of opioids in emergency rooms and developing guidelines targeted toward limiting opioid use, using alternatives to opioids for the treatment of pain, implementing harm reduction strategies, and improving the treatment and referral of patients with Opioid Use Disorder.  She expressed her desire that the state continue to fund programs important to hospitals in the SLV and to pay attention to the unintended consequences of legislation that may negatively impact rural hospitals.  



Committee discussion followed about legislation focusing on larger hospitals with higher profit margins and the cost drivers in these hospitals.
07:34:33 PM  

Zoila Gomez, representing herself, discussed need for healthy recreational opportunities for youth living in the SLV and her efforts to support youth to become healthy, productive members of the community.






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