What can a landmark lawsuit from Massachusetts teach us about improving mental health care for youth in Colorado? Joining us today to unpack this question is Dr. David Keller, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Clinical Strategy and Transformation at Children's Hospital Colorado, and co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). A key figure in pediatric healthcare, Dr. Keller is also an expert on the Rosie D. v. Romney lawsuit: the foundational Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) case that has influenced similar legal actions across the country. In today's episode, Dr. Keller discusses the lessons from Rosie D. and how they apply to Colorado's ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive mental health care system for our youth. He shares insights from his experience with the case, emphasizing the importance of engaging the primary care community and the value of broad stakeholder involvement in driving systemic change. We also explore the practical steps needed to implement these changes in Colorado, from policy adjustments to community engagement strategies. Whether you're a concerned parent, mental health professional, or advocate, this episode offers a deep dive into the legal battles and the hopeful path forward for Colorado's youth!
 
 
Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. David Keller's background and his leading roles in pediatric healthcare.
• An overview of the Rosie D. v. Romney lawsuit and its outcomes.
• The transformative impact of the Rosie D. lawsuit on youth mental health services.
• Lessons from the Rosie D. case and their application to Colorado's mental health system.
• Why broad stakeholder engagement in building effective mental health systems is essential.
• The critical role of primary care in preventing severe mental health crises in children.
• Designing a system and implementing a plan that fully supports primary care.
• Current challenges and opportunities in Colorado's youth mental health care systems.
• Details about the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program.
• Dr. Keller’s thoughts on I Matter and the allocation of resources for these types of programs.
• Lessons from Massachusetts' experience that could guide Colorado's efforts.
• Insights for concerned parents, mental health professionals, and advocates.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. David Keller

Dr. David Keller on LinkedIn

Rosie D. and Me blog

CoPPCAP | Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program

I Matter.
Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield