FEATURED CASE STUDY

Situation

The United States is experiencing a dire mental health crisis, one that’s been steadily growing for more than two decades, and Colorado is unfortunately, one of the most troubled states in this regard. 

In 2019, 1,287 Coloradans lost their lives to suicide – the highest number in Colorado’s history at that time, and the number has continued to rise. According to Mental Health America’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report, Colorado has a higher prevalence of mental health issues and lower rates of access to care, ranking Colorado 47 out of 51 (including District of Columbia). 

In 2022 the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) hired AIM to understand the type and level of mental health and substance use services most needed in Denver and to quantify the specific kinds and amount of care needed to close those gaps.

Approach

AIM assembled an expert team to provide research design, statistical analysis, and engagement management expertise alongside a behavioral health advisor and a team of focus group and interview professionals to capture the personal stories and experiences from hundreds of Denver community members and dozens of behavioral health service providers over the course of ten months. The extended AIM team worked closely with DDPHE project sponsors to ensure that Denver’s diverse community voices were heard in the project’s development and implementation. 

Outcomes

AIM’s work will impact hundreds of thousands of people in Denver by helping local human service agencies confidently respond to important behavioral health needs more strategically and by normalizing the importance of talking about and receiving care for mental health and substance use issues across Denver. Because of AIM’s work, Denver now has the best data and insights to date about the magnitude of mental health and substance use treatment needs in Denver. 

AIM’s comprehensive report details seven prioritized recommendation areas that cover both early action and longer-term, systems-level changes that are urgently needed. 

Most importantly, the report provides Denver-specific insights on just how many people seeking behavioral health care are going without, the details around financial, convenience and stigma related barriers deterring their care, and where to focus resources to address the largest gaps in access seen with some high-priority subgroups. 

Securing these new data allowed AIM to assist DDPHE in quantifying the number of additional providers needed city-wide, the need for care delivered in patients’ spoken language, gaps in case management assistance, and the dire need for community outreach and education for reducing stigma.

See a CBS News Story about the campaign