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    MHFA3 - Strengthening Mental Health First Aid in Colorado: Strategic Advocacy and Policy Initiatives

    Sunday, May 4, 2025
    10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
    Location: 103A
    NASW CCB ACCME NY-SW NY-MHC NADAAC NBCC
    Explore the role of public policy and advocacy in expanding MHFA programming, focusing on recent legislative successes in Colorado. Attendees will learn how strategic policy initiatives and collaborative efforts can enhance MHFA accessibility and impact. Key topics include the passage of Senate Bill 2024-007, which allocated $250,000 to support MHFA services statewide, and the Colorado Behavioral Health Council’s (CBHC) advocacy efforts since 2014. Discussion will cover legislative advocacy, strategic partnerships, funding, sustainability, and policy implementation. This session will provide actionable insights for implementing and advocating for MHFA programs, empowering attendees to lead similar initiatives in their communities.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Analyze legislation and key advocacy strategies, understanding how these approaches can be adapted to other regions and contexts.
    • Identify effective methods for building strategic partnerships with policymakers and stakeholders and formulate a plan for engaging with local and state-level advocates to support the expansion of MHFA programs.
    • Demonstrate techniques for securing and managing funding through legislative channels, including how to leverage policy advancements for long-term program sustainability and growth.