SummitNews: September 2025

SummitStone Celebrates Two Major Awards

Instead of hiring security guards, we carefully selected team members who are experts at calming tense situations and helping people feel supported during difficult moments. 

The Safety Support team has made a big difference already. Our staff feel more confident in their work, and we can now help more people who might otherwise end up in emergency rooms or the justice system. Local police departments are also sending more people our way because they trust our ability to help. This award recognizes SummitStone’s commitment to finding creative solutions that support healing for everyone in our community. 

We’re also proud to announce that our Board Chair, Carolyn Reed, has been recognized with the Outstanding Board Member Award for 2025. As a small business owner and community leader, Carolyn has guided SummitStone through important changes this past year. Under her leadership, the board hired a new CEO, updated important policies, and created better ways to track our progress. Her work connecting schools with mental health services has helped many young people and families get the support they need. Carolyn’s dedication to making sure everyone feels welcome and valued has strengthened not just SummitStone, but our entire Northern Colorado community. 

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New Adolescent Unit Opens at Longview

SummitStone is adding a new adolescent unit at Longview! This space offers overnight care for youth ages 12-17 who need support during mental health crises or while recovering from substance use. The unit has helpful features like a sensory room, sun room, and outdoor areas . Dr. Lesley Brooks, executive director of the acute care facility at Longview, shares, “It is only eight beds, but it is eight more than we’ve had in this community, and eight more spaces where our kids can heal.” For now, youth referred by Larimer County Department of Human Services can use this service, with a plan to open it to all community youth later in 2025. 

Learn more at: larimer.gov/behavioralhealth/larimer-county-celebrates-new-adolescent-unit-at-Longview

Colorado Medicaid Changes: Updates for Providers and Clients

The Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy & Financing has released important information about upcoming changes to Colorado PEAK, Colorado’s Medicaid program. Recent federal legislation and state budget challenges will affect how services are delivered across Colorado. Whether you’re a healthcare provider working with Medicaid clients or someone who receives services through Colorado PEAK, these changes will impact you. For providers, understanding these policy shifts is essential for supporting clients through transitions and maintaining quality care. For clients and families, knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety about your healthcare coverage. Watch the State’s detailed explanation here:

Colorado LIFTS: A New Way to Connect with Behavioral Health Services

Finding mental health and substance use support just got easier for everyone in Colorado! The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) recently launched Colorado LIFTS (Linking Individuals and Families To Services). 

This new system connects people with mental health, substance use, and crisis services no matter where they live in Colorado or if they have insurance. Colorado LIFTS offers low-cost or free care to those without insurance or with limited coverage. 

We’re excited about this new resource that breaks down barriers and opens doors for all community members seeking support. Everyone deserves accessible care that respects their unique journey and meets them exactly where they are. 

To learn more about Colorado LIFTS and find services in your region, visit ownpath.co and enter your zip code. 

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