Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Fall 2008)
TOPIC: Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership Receives Award
 
The Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership of Larimer County received the 2008 Community Partnership Program Excellence Award, presented by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

The Health District of Northern Larimer County provides staffing and coordination for the award-winning program, which was recognized for improving the quality of life for local residents.

“The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership is an example of the character and compassion of Fort Collins,” city manager Darin Atteberry says. “The success of this program is truly a result of the partnership between so many different organizations to address mental health and substance abuse issues.”

The partnership began in 1999 as a collaborative effort to restructure how mental health and substance abuse services are delivered in the community. It focuses on the needs of Larimer County residents affected by addictive disorders and mental illness.

“Living with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder is extremely difficult for people,” says Jill Golke, Health District employee and partnership program manager. “People do recover from these illnesses when given access to care, support and appropriate treatment. The Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Partnership is committed to creating a system of services that provides the best opportunities for recovery.”

To date, 35 organizations have joined in the partnership, including the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, the Health District, consumer advocates, hospital systems, schools, the faith community, Colorado State University, the criminal justice system, housing agencies, private therapists, mental health and substance abuse service agencies, state offices and cognitive disability service providers.