Speak Our Minds

How do we create systems that actually learn from the people they serve? In this eye-opening episode, we explore how Learning Health Networks (LHNs) are transforming the landscape of youth mental healthcare through connection, data, and collaboration.

Jason and Heidi sit down with two national leaders in the field—Dr. Dan Hyman and Dr. Peter Margolis—to unpack the promise of LHNs in improving Medicaid-funded care. From breaking down traditional silos to uniting families, providers, and policymakers, this episode offers a clear roadmap for what’s possible when we treat healthcare like a...

In this eye-opening episode of the Nobody’s Perfect podcast, host Jason Hopcus and co-host Heidi Baskfield of Speak Our Minds are joined by pediatric mental health expert Dr. Sandy Fritsch to explore the deep systemic failures preventing children from receiving the mental health care they’re entitled to through EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment).

Despite federal mandates, countless kids across the country are still slipping through the cracks.

Together, they unpack:

In this episode hosts, Jason Hopcus and Heidi Baskfield  join policy powerhouse Jocelyn Guyer to break down one of the most powerful—but least understood—tools in youth mental health: the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.

We unpack:

Whether you're a par...

In Episode 2 of our special 6-part series on youth mental health, we sit down with Aimee Ossman, Vice President of Policy at the Children’s Hospital Association, to explore how Medicaid—often misunderstood and undervalued—is actually one of the most powerful tools we have to support young people’s well-being.

This episode unpacks what Medicaid really is (hint: not just "insurance for poor kids"), how it ensures access to essential mental health care for nearly 40 million children, and what’s at stake if we don’t protect and improve this lifeline.

Y...

The Biggest Story You’ve Never Heard — Medicaid, EPSDT & the Mental Health of Our Youth
In this kickoff episode, hosts Jason Hopcus and Heidi Baskfield pull back the curtain on one of the most powerful — and overlooked — tools for supporting youth mental health: Medicaid’s EPSDT benefit. Why is it so critical? Why don’t more people know about it? And how can it be the key to transforming care for millions of kids? This is the start of a bold 6-part journey to uncover the promise, the problems, and the possibilities behind a benefit every child on Med...

Addressing Colorado’s challenges in the children’s system of care and mental health requires innovative thinking and strategic partnerships at the government level. Joining Heidi Baskfield on the Speak Our Minds podcast today is Dr. K. Ron-Li Liaw, Colorado’s first Mental Health-In-Chief for Children’s Hospital Colorado and is also the Division Director of Child and Adolescent Youth Mental Health at the University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry. In this episode, Dr. Ron-Li Liaw shares how her groundbreaking role is shaping the design and delivery of mental health care in Colorado. She discusses key steps to create las...

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state’s first Cabinet-level agency focused exclusively on serving and supporting at-risk children and families. Today, Heidi welcomes Christine Beyer, Commissioner of the NJ DCF, to the podcast. Together with its partners, the NJ DCF works to increase kinship placements, strengthen family connections, prevent maltreatment, and promote family stability. They strive to integrate consumer voices in every program, foster accountability, maximize federal support, provide an inclusive system of care for youth, and prioritize both staff safety and professional satisfaction. Join the conversation as Christine shares insights into her ro...

How can a state transform its approach to youth mental health in the face of bureaucratic challenges? In this episode of Speak Our Minds, we spotlight the passionate advocacy of Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a fourth-generation Coloradan who has lived in Weld County for over 35 years. From her roots as a county commissioner to her current role in the state senate, Senator Kirkmeyer’s journey is fueled by a deep commitment to improving mental health care for her state's most vulnerable citizens: its youth. She shares her pivotal role in championing Senate Bill 59 and House Bill 1038, both designed to overhaul th...

We continue our fight for youth mental health and are excited to welcome two special guests to the podcast today: Te’Andis Elliot; a community engagement specialist in youth outreach, and Quatisha Bailey (known as Q); the Executive Director of the independent health and wellness consulting firm, Qs with Q. Join the conversation as we discuss their work in supporting youth mental health, explore common struggles faced by teens, and examine the impact of social pressures and the intersection of sexual abuse and mental health. We also highlight the importance of intentionally providing Black males with time, tools, and su...

This week, we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to address a critical issue: Proposition KK and the rising incidence of domestic violence in the state of Colorado, with many cases tragically ending in fatalities. Joining us are Majority Leader Monica Duran and Elizabeth Newman from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA). Representative Duran shares her personal journey through a life-defining experience with domestic violence, while Elizabeth provides insights into her role at CCASA, the work they do, and their mission. We also examine the impact of domestic violence on children and delve into the data behind this alarming...

All too often, discussions about system reform and the youth mental health crisis tend to overlook the specific needs and experiences of Native and Indigenous communities. Today’s episode of Speak Our Minds features Dr. Terri Bissonette, Gnoozhekaaning Anishinaabe, a seasoned educator, independent consultant, and the former Founder and School Leader of the American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD). Terri shares her insights into the unique needs of Native American students, highlighting the profound impact of intergenerational trauma on their mental health. She also delves into how we can design and reform systems to better support and uplift Native an...

What’s the most significant barrier facing youth and families when it comes to mental health care? Today, Dr. Benjamin Miller, a leading expert in mental health and adjunct faculty at Stanford School of Medicine, joins us to unpack the pressing challenges and opportunities in reforming the youth mental health system. Drawing on his extensive experience, Dr. Miller sheds light on key issues, such as the ongoing struggle for access to care, the complexities of navigating fragmented systems, and the importance of equity in mental health services. He also delves into the vital role of schools and communities in de...

There is still a long way to go to solve the children and youth mental health crisis in Colorado. But there are many hardworking people creating solutions across our state. One such person is the Director of Human Services for Weld County, Jamie Ulrich, and she joins us today to share her journey to direct service, day-to-day problem-solving work, and insights on what is most needed in our state. Unpacking what children and youth are struggling with most, Jamie highlights the need to establish better lower levels of care and step-down placements. She also gets into the weeds with...

What can a landmark lawsuit from Massachusetts teach us about improving mental health care for youth in Colorado? Joining us today to unpack this question is Dr. David Keller, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Clinical Strategy and Transformation at Children's Hospital Colorado, and co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). A key figure in pediatric healthcare, Dr. Keller is also an expert on the Rosie D. v. Romney lawsuit: the foundational Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) case that...

What does a successful system of care look like for the youth of Colorado? During this episode, Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet is an advocate for youth mental health motivated by her own experience of trying to find the necessary support for her son’s complex needs. Kicking off our conversation, she shares her own story of advocating for a struggling child and how it ignited her passion for youth mental health in Colorado. Led by the hope that other kids will not have to go through the same things as her son, she uses her position to bring about me...

When you’re first seeking care for your child, how do you know what to ask for? During this episode, we are joined by someone who has navigated many challenging circumstances in her personal fight for youth mental health. Kristin Stark is a mother supporting her daughter, Cecilia, as she navigates a wide variety of needs. Speaking to her really helps us bring to life the reasons behind the lawsuit and the need for mental health support. Kristin shares some of the challenges and trauma she and her daughter faced before meeting an advocate who advised her to get a...

Welcome to Speak Our Minds: The Fight for Youth Mental Health, a podcast that delves into the inspiring journeys of youth mental health advocates who took a stand to transform the system. Together with your host and seasoned public affairs expert, Heidi Baskfield, we’ll explore the landmark class-action lawsuit that held the state of Colorado accountable for failing to provide essential youth mental health services. In each episode, we’ll unpack the intricacies of the lawsuit, guiding you through the legal battles and the monumental settlement that set the foundation for a functioning mental health system. Today, we are...