FA58B5F1E8DF5AA9872589F1005BE252 Hearing Summary

Maisha Fields, Black Leaders Action Group, spoke about substance abuse in the black community. She went over data on what sources drugs are coming from into this population.

Lorez Meinhold, Caring for Denver Foundation, discussed changes across their funding areas of alternatives to jail, community centered solutions, and youth.

Ms. Meinhold spoke about the 5280 High School and other recovery programs available in the area. She discussed community themes including partnering with local organizations, supporting community care systems, fostering more options for care, and having staffers with lived experience.

Jessica Courtney, Mile High Behavioral Health, spoke about family support systems and having resources available so the family can recover as a whole. She highlighted the lack of support for adolescence dealing with substance abuse issues. Dr. Matthew Batliner, Denver Indian Health and Family Services, spoke about the substance issues they see while practicing. He spoke about substances with higher chance of exposure and the dangers of their use. Members of the panel answered questions from members of the committee.