Jeanne Rohner

Jeanne Rohner recently retired from her position as President and CEO of Mental Health America of Colorado (MHAC) after twelve years. Graduating from Regis University with a B.S. in Business Administration (with an emphasis in Psychology and Communications), Jeanne  worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Her many accomplishments are testimony to her dedication and skill, and have enhanced the quality of mental health care throughout Colorado.

Before coming to MHAC in 1998, Jeanne worked at Pikes Peak Mental Health Center in Colorado Springs for over 12 years. She was both Vice President of the Center and Executive Director of the Foundation.

Jeanne is motivated by the belief that people with mental health conditions and substance abuse issues can recover and reach their highest potential if appropriate health care is available to them. WE CAN! of Colorado, a statewide consumer empowerment organization, and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, are two programs, particularly close to Jeanne’s heart, that have made this belief a reality for many consumers. Jeanne’s commitment and leadership have also manifested themselves in numerous other state-wide collaborations aimed at improving mental health care that have involved the business community, the state government, mental health treatment providers, and consumers.

The Colorado Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit, chaired by Jeanne, was one such collaboration. 140 organizations worked together to collect and publish data describing the alarming effects of under-funding on mental health care and substance abuse treatment systems in Colorado. As a result of this collaboration, MHAC is now leading efforts to develop Triage Crisis Centers in the Denver Metro area. These centers will provide appropriate urgent mental health care for the 2.6 million people who reside in the seven counties of Metro Denver, will also be a source of referral for longer-term treatment options. The project is supported by 19 hospitals, five community mental health centers, three Behavioral Health Organizations and 23 law enforcement agencies.

Under Jeanne’s leadership, MHAC also spearheaded bi-partisan efforts to ensure the passage of Senate Bill 36. This bill increased the number of major mental health conditions that must now be covered by large-group insurance policies from six to fifteen, including all drug and alcohol related treatment. This landmark legislation has brought Jeanne’s vision of recovery and good health within the grasp of many thousands of Coloradoans.

Jeanne has served on a number of boards and committees including:

• the Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention 
• the Colorado Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council where she served as chair for four years
• the Colorado Prevention Partnership Advisory Council
• the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado Board of Directors
• the Mental Health Ombuds Program of Colorado where she served as Vice President

In 2003, Jeanne received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rocky Mountain Council of Community Mental Health Centers (eight states are represented in this council).

In 2005, Jeanne received the Arapahoe House, Marcella C. Rapp Community Partner Award, for distinguished leadership and collaboration.

In 2008, Jeanne was honored by the Jefferson Center for Mental Health at their 50th anniversary celebration.

In March 2009, Jeanne received the Human Services Professional of the Year from the National Association of Social Workers – Colorado Chapter.

In May 2009, Jeanne was honored by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado

Jeanne, who lives in the Evergreen area, is married to Donald Rohner and between them they have eight children and nine grandchildren, who are the light of her life. Her personal happiness is grounded in the accomplishments of her family and her hope that they are all successful, happy and content. Her hobbies include skiing, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful nature of Colorado.