Northern Colorado, which includes the neighboring counties of Larimer and Weld, is a microcosm of some of Colorado’s greatest health challenges. Regional data from the 2023 Colorado Health Access Survey shed light on some of these issues — the mental health crisis, housing instability, and transportation issues. Each county’s approach to these issues reflects the distinct needs of its demographic populations. At the same time, they have banded together to create shared solutions for this interdependent region.
Within this region, nearly 40% of the northern Colorado population crosses county borders between Larimer and Weld for work, school, recreation, and child care on any given day. As a result, policies or programs implemented in one county impact the other. In fact, major systems, like the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs), organizations responsible for administering Colorado’s Medicaid program within a specific geographic region, and the Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs), regional organizations supporting the state’s Behavioral Health Administration, have shifted to align services in Larimer and Weld counties.
At the same time, these two counties have distinct demographics that require unique approaches to best serve their communities. For example, Larimer and Weld County differed in terms of racial and ethnic composition and by education levels.
These differences highlight the need for local approaches that address specific needs, such as language access, cultural considerations, and other community-specific factors. Three areas that demonstrate the need for both shared strategies and customized solutions include behavioral health care, housing, and transportation.
Northern Coloradans communities have pursued innovative ways to address the behavioral health crisis.
Overall, 28.6% of residents in Weld County and 27.6% in Larimer County reported poor mental health (defined by the Colorado Health Access Survey as eight or more days of poor mental health in the past month). The number of people reporting poor mental health in the region has trended upward over the past decade.