Peer Credentialing Requirements Peer Professionals, we hear your concerns about credentialing in Colorado, so let’s talk about it. (Updated April 10, 2026) What the rule actually says: To bill Medicaid, Peer Support Professionals must either: ✔️ Be certified ✔️ OR be in the process of becoming certified In the Process […]
Continue ReadingHow to Testify at a Public Legislative Hearing in Colorado
About Testifying So you’ve been asked to testify at a legislative hearing at the General Assembly. We’re sure you have a lot of questions! We have a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for testimony, how to listen in to a hearing, and more. Why Should I Testify? Testimony […]
Continue ReadingCPFS Update: New Harm Reduction Domain Starting in 2027
What’s Changing? COPA oversees the Colorado Peer Recovery credential (CPFS), which follows standards set by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC). ICRC sets the minimum requirements for this credential. They have updated their standards to require 6 hours of Harm Reduction training. To stay in line with the ICRC standards, […]
Continue ReadingCOPA’s 2026 Legislative Scorecard
COPA’s 2026 Legislative Scorecard Want to see the full 2026 Legislative Scorecard? Check it out! Our Policy Priorities Systemic Investment Priorities COPA seeks funding principles that align to meet the SUD service needs of Coloradans across the continuum of care. We seek a transformative and trauma-informed system that can deliver […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Rande Gaier on Culinary, Hospitality Industry’s Mental Health
Impact Story: Rande Gaier on Culinary, Hospitality Industry’s Mental Health Looking at the Full Picture Every organization has that person who keeps the cogs turning behind the scenes. For Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness (CHOW), that person is Rande Gaier. Typically, Gaier, the Operations Manager, would be busy with a […]
Continue ReadingDelayed E-mails Due to Microsoft Migration
We are currently migrating from Gmail to Microsoft and are experiencing delayed e-mails. We should be finished by April 30th. If you contact a COPA staff member via e-mail between now and April 30th, and do not receive a response by May 1, please resend the e-mail once the migration […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Heather Thompson on Veterans and Community Resources
Impact Story: Heather Thompson on Veterans and Community Resources Eager for Change Back when Heather Thompson was just a young adult, she met someone who would unknowingly change the trajectory of her life. Walking down the sidewalk in Thompson’s neighborhood was a woman carrying a duffel bag, weeping. “I went […]
Continue ReadingCPFS/CCPS Recertification Notice
Attention CPFS/CCPS Recertification Applicants We are updating the recertification application for both CPFS/CCPS on March 31, 2026. This may affect your recertification. Please read the section that matches your expiration date: If your credential expires before March 31, 2026 If your credential expires after March 31, 2026, but before July […]
Continue ReadingTrump SAMHSA Funding Cuts: Info & Updates
Trump SAMHSA Funding Cuts UPDATE: Cuts Reversed (January 15, 2026) Due to the fierce pushback from behavioral health advocates across the country, the SAMHSA grants have been reinstated. Thank you to everyone who moved quickly to voice their opposition to these cuts – you made a difference! Read More CEO […]
Continue ReadingImpact Story: Jamie Davis on Mothers and Families In SUD
Impact Story: Jamie Davis on Mothers and Families In Recovery Lived Experience in a New Light After meeting Jamie Davis five years ago through mutual friends, Racquel Garcia, founder of HardBeauty, tried convincing Davis to become a peer recovery coach. Even though Garcia saw her potential, Davis didn’t see herself […]
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