Author: tjones@cpcqc.org

IMPACT BH Expands to Support Improved Maternal and Infant Behavioral Health Outcomes Across Colorado

In 2022, CPCQC and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration launched the IMprove Perinatal Access, Coordination, and Treatment for Behavioral Health (IMPACT BH) program to help Colorado communities strengthen and integrate local perinatal behavioral health systems. The program addresses longstanding gaps in identification, referral, and access to care for pregnant and postpartum women—particularly in rural Colorado.

From the outset, IMPACT BH was grounded in a clear understanding: investing in perinatal behavioral health is foundational to healthy families, strong communities, and improved maternal outcomes. When perinatal women receive timely, appropriate behavioral health support, the benefits extend beyond the mother—strengthening the mother–infant dyad, supporting infant development, and creating positive ripple effects across families and communities.

Since its launch, IMPACT BH has supported perinatal system-building efforts in eight counties across Colorado’s Western Slope and I-70 corridor. These early investments have strengthened local partnerships, expanded navigation services, and built more coordinated pathways to care for perinatal women and families.

Why This Work Remains Critical

New and emerging data continue to underscore the urgency of this work:

• Approximately one in three births in Colorado involves a mother with a diagnosed mental health condition—most commonly depression or anxiety.
• Nearly two-thirds of perinatal women in Colorado with a mental health diagnosis do not receive services during or after pregnancy.
• Suicide and unintentional overdose were the leading causes of maternal mortality in Colorado between 2016 and 2020
• Rural, Black, and Native perinatal women in Colorado face increased risk for severe maternal morbidity (SMM)

Partnering to Expand IMPACT BH to New Communities 

CPCQC is proud to announce the continued expansion of IMPACT BH in partnership with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. Beginning July 1, 2026, the program aims to support three to five additional communities through the 12-month collective impact program.

IMPACT BH will continue offering grant funding to expand local perinatal navigation services, helping ensure pregnant and postpartum women—and their infants— access vital supports. Funding may support peer support providers, community health workers, doulas, home visitors, and other trusted community-based roles that help families successfully connect to care.

Beginning in FY27, learning collaboratives will serve as a core strategy of IMPACT BH. These collaboratives will convene local clinical providers, community-based organizations, public health agencies, and other partners to strengthen local perinatal behavioral health systems. Participating communities will focus on improving identification, referral, and care for perinatal mental health and substance use needs, supported by targeted quality improvement coaching.

Apply Now to Join the IMPACT BH Community 

CPCQC will accept Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested communities from Monday, February 2nd through Friday, March 6th. Interested communities must submit a single collective EOI to be considered for the next program cycle, beginning on July 1, 2026. 

To learn more and apply, please review the IMPACT BH Expression of Interest below:

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Monday, May 21, 2025

Contact: Aly Boral, CPCQC Integrated Care Program Manager, aboral@cpcqc.org 

IMproving Perinatal Access, Coordination, and Treatment Behavioral Health (IMPACT BH) Program to Enhance Perinatal Behavioral Health Services in New Counties

The Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC) is proud to announce the launch of the IMPACT BH program in new counties beginning July 1, 2025. 

Behavioral health plays a central role in perinatal health. Unintentional overdose and suicide accounted for 39% of pregnancy-associated deaths in Colorado from 2016 to 2020, according to the Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC). In response, CPCQC launched the IMprove Perinatal Access, Coordination, and Treatment for Behavioral Health (IMPACT BH) program in partnership with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration to serve the 1 in 5 people who are affected by perinatal mental health conditions (PMHCs). 

IMprove Perinatal Access, Coordination, and Treatment: Behavioral Health (IMPACT BH) helps communities strengthen and integrate their local perinatal behavioral health services. The program: enhances a diversity of local perinatal navigation and peer support services; provides perinatal mental health and substance use training to local healthcare providers; and helps integrate local perinatal behavioral health services through improved coordination, communication, and trust. Collectively, IMPACT BH counties work to ensure that no local mother, infant, or family falls through the cracks. 

“CPCQC is excited to introduce the IMPACT BH program to new counties” says Kylie Hibshman, Director of Integrated Behavioral Health at CPCQC. ”Together with our partners, we’re working to ensure that perinatal people access safe, effective, and respectful care from conception through one year postpartum.”