Proposed Ballot Issue No. 2. – Mental and Behavioral Health Sales and Use Tax Proposal
Proposal to impose for fifteen years an additional countywide sales and use tax of 0.15% for the purposes of unmet needs of youth, adults, families, unhoused individuals, and older adults in Boulder County with or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders by providing mental health crisis services; suicide presentation and intervention; mental health and substance use presentation, treatment, and recovery; treatment services for unhouses individuals; and assistance finding appropriate services through community-based organization, governmental entities, and other options; and a voter-approved revenue change.

This plan is poorly thought out.

• Substance use can be both a cause and a result of homelessness: Individuals may turn to substances to cope with the trauma, stress, and harsh realities of street life, or pre-existing addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and eviction, eventually resulting in homelessness.
• Without addressing addiction, achieving stable housing can be challenging: Many individuals struggling with substance use find it difficult to maintain stable housing, even when provided, if their addiction isn’t treated. It can lead to behaviors that violate housing agreements or make it difficult to adhere to the requirements of support programs.
• Limited engagement with services: Individuals actively using substances may not prioritize or engage consistently with services like healthcare, mental health support, or job training, which are essential for long-term stability and exiting homelessness.
• Increased risk of relapse and further health issues: Without addiction treatment, individuals remain vulnerable to relapse, overdose, and developing or worsening co-occurring physical and mental health issues associated with substance use, making it harder to break the cycle of homelessness. 

• Integrated services: Many experts and successful programs advocate for an integrated approach, addressing substance use disorder and homelessness simultaneously, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Housing First Model: Programs like Housing First offer permanent housing without prerequisites like sobriety, alongside access to supportive services, including addiction treatment. Studies have shown that Housing First can be effective in reducing homelessness and improving housing stability, particularly when individuals are also connected to needed services like mental health support.
• Harm reduction strategies: Approaches like supervised consumption sites, naloxone distribution, and managed alcohol programs aim to minimize the negative consequences of substance use while encouraging engagement in treatment when individuals are ready.
• Tailored and person-centered care: Recognizing that each individual’s needs and experiences are unique, treatment plans and support services should be customized and delivered with empathy and respect.