Morgan Medlock, MD, Colorado's inaugural chief of the state's behavioral health administration, has left the position after serving just 15 months, according to an April 17 report from the Colorado Sun.
Gov. Jared Polis announced April 17 that human services director Michelle Barnes would take over the position in the interim effective immediately. Ms. Barnes will lead the administration while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement takes place .
Dr. Medlock first took the position in January 2022 and was tasked with leading the new administration, which was founded as part of a $450 million investment in behavioral health using federal COVID-19 relief funds. Since its founding, the administration has invested more than $150 million in services.