All Episodes

September 2, 2024 28 mins

What does a successful system of care look like for the youth of Colorado? During this episode, Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet is an advocate for youth mental health motivated by her own experience of trying to find the necessary support for her son’s complex needs. Kicking off our conversation, she shares her own story of advocating for a struggling child and how it ignited her passion for youth mental health in Colorado. Led by the hope that other kids will not have to go through the same things as her son, she uses her position to bring about meaningful change in the legislature. Hear more about her efforts to create a neuropsychological facility, the neverending challenge of opening up more placement opportunities, and the root of the most significant obstacles limiting progress in this area. Senator Michaelson Jenet expands on the idea of a successful system of care, where it begins, and why there is such a sense of urgency around this topic. Join us for a realistic look at the realities faced by our youth and a hopeful look at what the future might hold. Thanks for listening!


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Introducing Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet.
  • Why she is passionate about the topic of youth mental health.
  • Volunteering at juvenile facilities in Colorado. 
  • The biggest challenges she faced while trying to meet her son’s needs.
  • Working in the legislature to create the necessary support for the youth of Colorado. 
  • Senator Michaelson Jenet’s thoughts on why it has been so difficult to create progress in this area.
  • How education about behavioral health has progressed. 
  • New opportunities that stem from reform efforts to ensure that young Medicaid recipients get what they need.
  • What a successful system of care means for youth and where it begins. 
  • The risks faced when a system is unsuccessful at responding to the needs of our youth.
  • How State leaders can ensure that stakeholder processes are done well.
  • Why there is a sense of urgency around this topic.
  • The model provided by New Jersey and how it is guiding decision-making in Colorado. 
  • How you can get involved in advocating for legislative change. 
  • What is behind Senator Michaelson Jenet’s belief that positive change is coming. 


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on Facebook

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on X

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on Instagram

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet Email

Colorado State Assembly

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

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

24/7 News: The Latest
Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.