Breaking the Stigma: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Mental Illness in Colorado

A recent discussion held by Colorado Sun Equity Reporter Tatiana Flowers with a panel of experts focused on the issue of mental illness falling through the cracks. The panel consisted of Sandra Sharp, Vice President of National Alliance on Mental Illness Denver; Frank Cornelia, Deputy Executive Director of Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council; Deborah Harrell, a Holistic Healing Practitioner; Vincent Atchity, President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado; and Chief Judge Susan Blanco of the 8th Judicial District of Colorado.

During the discussion, the panelists shared their insights on the challenges surrounding mental illness and proposed solutions to address the issues. Sandra Sharp from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Denver provided her expertise on the topic, while Frank Cornelia discussed the importance of mental healthcare in Colorado. Deborah Harrell, a Holistic Healing Practitioner, shared her perspective on mental illness, and Vincent Atchity, President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado, provided insights on the state’s mental health landscape. Chief Judge Susan Blanco also offered valuable insights from a judicial perspective.

The experts emphasized that addressing mental illness requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. They shared their knowledge and experiences to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and proposed ways to improve the mental health system in Colorado. The discussion highlighted that mental illness is complex and requires a multifaceted approach to address it effectively.

Overall, the panel discussion underscored the importance of addressing mental illness in a holistic manner that involves collaboration between different stakeholders such as healthcare providers, government officials, advocacy groups, and community organizations. The experts’ insights provided valuable information for policymakers and professionals working in this field to improve outcomes for individuals with mental illness in Colorado.