Governor Jared Polis has set aside $450 million in federal coronavirus relief aid to improve behavioral health care in the state. But that money can’t fix a broken system unless there are enough workers. After decades of low pay, Colorado’s 17 regional community health centers have 1,092 job vacancies, a dire shortage that has left therapists overburdened with patients — and patients waiting weeks or even months for appointments. A task force responsible for recommending ways to spend the $450 million has focused much of its time on the workforce crisis. Reporter Jennifer Brown explains the shortage. 

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<p>Governor Jared Polis has set aside $450 million in federal coronavirus relief aid to improve behavioral health care in the state. But that money can&rsquo;t fix a broken system unless there are enough workers. After decades of low pay, Colorado&rsquo;s 17 regional community health centers have 1,092 job vacancies, a dire shortage that has left therapists overburdened with patients &mdash; and patients waiting weeks or even months for appointments. A task force responsible for recommending ways to spend the $450 million has focused much of its time on the workforce crisis. Reporter Jennifer Brown explains the shortage.&nbsp;</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Welcome to The Colorado Sun's daily podcast, The Daily Sun-Up. Every day we’re sharing an in-depth look at one of our top stories, followed by a quick summary of important things happening in our state. For more visit us at https://coloradosun.com/.

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