Episode 105 | Part Two: Vincent Atchity, Ph.D., President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado

ChangeMakers with Katie Goar

In this continuation of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Dr. Vincent Atchity, President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado, delves deeper into the complex relationship between mental health, housing, and criminal justice. Dr. Atchity discusses the "Care Not Cuffs" initiative, emphasizing the need for a shift from over-criminalization to a more supportive, health-focused approach. He explores the concept of "Housing First" and its importance in addressing homelessness, while also touching on the challenges faced by various demographics, including families, youth, and the elderly. The conversation covers recent legal decisions affecting homeless encampments, potential changes in housing access policies, and the need for a more comprehensive national housing strategy. Dr. Atchity concludes by sharing success stories that demonstrate the positive impact of combining proper mental health support with housing stability, highlighting the potential for reducing reliance on crisis interventions and improving overall community well-being.