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Larimer panel recommends $3M in behavioral-health impact grants; commissioners approve $200,000 increase
Summary
Larimer County's behavioral health department recommended and the board approved funding for 42 Impact Fund grants totaling $3.0 million, including a $200,000 allocation increase to fully fund the slate; the grants are financed from the voter-approved 0.25% behavioral-health sales and use tax and focus on targeted gaps across the county.
The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners approved 3-0 on Tuesday the behavioral health department’s recommendation to award 42 Impact Fund grants totaling $3,000,000, including an additional $200,000 allocation to fully fund the panel’s slate. The grants are funded from the county’s 0.25% sales and use tax approved by voters in 2018 to expand behavioral-health services.
Jessica Plummer, program manager for Behavioral Health Services, told the board the department received 70 applications requesting roughly $5.2 million. After review by four advisory groups — the Behavioral Health Policy Council, a technical advisory committee, a consumer advisory committee and a subject-matter expert grant review committee — staff recommended 42 awards to address targeted gaps, responsive needs and programs that leverage matching funds.
Plummer said 89% of the recommended portfolio is focused on targeted project areas identified by advisory bodies; the slate includes five new grantees, seven new programs, 15 continuations and a pilot renewal track for long‑running grantees. The county will also present an honorary Gary Darling Award for standout work at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice; the recommended recipient will pilot a justice-forward addictions counseling program with an organizational match.
Commissioners praised the vetting process and community participation. Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally, the board’s behavioral-health-policy-council chair, noted broad stakeholder involvement and outreach to rural parts of the county; Commissioner Kristen Stevens and Commissioner John Kefalas commended staff for process improvements and the policy council’s unanimous endorsement.
The motion to approve the awards and to increase the allocation from the previously approved $2,800,000 to $3,000,000 was made by Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally and passed 3-0. Behavioral Health Services staff said they will return in October with more details about the Gary Darling Award recipient and project outcomes.
