Denver’s Wellness Winnie program adding vehicles, services

and appropriate for people that are wanting those services.” bringing the people to us, we are coming to the people.”

BY NATALIE KERR SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e demand for behavioral health services is massively outpacing supply, to the tune of more than 40% of Denver residents not being able to receive care, despite attempting to obtain it, according to a 2023 report from the Denver O ce for Public Health and Environment.

It’s a situation caused by myriad factors — overworked sta , nancial barriers for patients and complicated, time-consuming processes that block people from ultimately receiving treatment.

“ ere’s just not enough behavioral health services for folks to access,” said Kalyn Horst, administrator for DPHE Substance Use and Prevention. “And of those that exist, they may not be o ered in a way that feels culturally competent, and approachable