GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Mesa County Public Health launched a new Behavioral Health Division to better support the needs of locals.

MCPH said the goal of the new division is to address behavioral health in the same manner as public health issues.

“…Just looking at behavioral health as part of and coexisting with physical health. As we look at some of those things as a public health agency, behavioral health should be one of those as well,” said Jennifer Daniels, Behavioral Health Division Director.

Daniels has over 25 years of experience working as a licensed social worker, leading suicide prevention efforts, and mental health trainings.

She explained the division will work closely with the Behavioral Health Steering Committee.

“Where are the resources? Where are the services? Where are the gaps? How can we build better coordination between systems?” said Daniels.

The division will also focus on using data for planning and management of resources.

While the division is still new, Daniels said she’s eager to get started.

“I look forward to continuing to support the behavioral health, resources and services in our community, identifying gaps, and I really enjoy leaning into being a change agent,” she said.

While the Behavioral Health Division is still new and being developed, public health officials recommend signing up for health alerts on their website to stay up to date with the latest information.

To do so, visit here.

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