Young has served in the Legislature since 2019 and represents House District 50, which includes Greeley, Evans and Garden City. She is a member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee. In this Q&A, she talks with State of Reform about her ambitious legislation and why Colorado needs mental health reform.
Eli Kirshbaum: What have you seen from your perspective in the Education Committee pertaining to health policy, if anything? Is there any notable crossover between education and health policy that you’ve noticed? Rep. Mary Young: “Well, it depends on what committee it’s assigned to … I know that you’re going to ask me about the Behavioral Health Administration .. that’s a very good example of a very comprehensive bill that includes addressing behavioral health needs, both mental health and substance abuse, and overall prevention and wellness that intersects with the world of school. So I think that’s a good example of trying to have a broader conversation [about] addressing mental health needs everywhere.