Carrie Warren-Gully, Board Member – AllHealth Foundation; and Arapahoe County Commissioner since 2020
Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully traces her passion for working on mental health issues to her father, a psychiatrist, who, along with her mother, instilled in her the belief that one should “count your blessings and make your blessings count.”
“I love serving on the board for AllHealth Network and working on the important issues around mental health and behavioral health,” says the Englewood native. “I served on the school board when the Arapahoe High School shooting occurred, and two of our sons were at the school that day. We have seen a continued increase in youth needs for mental health support. Covid has added an entire level of need, and in Arapahoe County, youth suicide has increased.”
In her role as a county commissioner, she recognizes that the need for youth mental health care has reached a crisis level, so she is diligently working at the state level to ensure there are resources available for the state’s most vulnerable children and their families.
“Not everyone can put food on their table or a roof over their heads, and for those of us who can, it is our obligation to this community to give of our many blessings so that others can be uplifted and find their path towards success,” she says.
Warren-Gully earned her undergraduate biology and political science degree from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado-Denver. She and her husband of 34 years raised their three sons in Centennial.
“I have started and run two businesses, worked in the non-profit world, and served on the School Board in Littleton Public Schools,” she says. “When we are not serving the community, my family and I love to re-charge and explore this beautiful state.”
Now she is pleased that AllHealth recognizes the needs of Arapahoe County and has added 40 staff positions to serve the under-served in the Littleton area.
“I am hopeful that these 40 positions will allow us to be proactive in serving the needs of our clients. Can we help a young person BEFORE they reach crisis level? Can we provide ongoing services for individuals with chronic mental illness in a prolonged way that keeps them from cycling through emergency rooms and/or our detention center? Can we join with many of our other non-profits in the community to provide “wrap-around services” for families and individuals so they can stabilize and find their best path forward?”
Arapahoe County is growing and will be the most populous county in the state by 2030. She says that with that growth comes challenges, including an increase in case loads across all services, including WIC, food assistance, senior services, Medicaid, and housing assistance.
“We are not, however, seeing an increase in resources to keep up with that growth,” she says. “This is why I am so proud of all our providers in Arapahoe County, including AllHealth. They see these changes coming and are trying to prepare for them.”
What inspires you?
My Mom
Who is your hero?
The late U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?
I meet so many interesting people every day. I have no way of picking just one. I love meeting an interesting person at least once a day.
What is something a lot of people don’t know about you?
I started a Bed and Breakfast in my grandma’s old house in a small town in Kansas soon after college. It’s a long story……ask me about it someday.
What is one of your top priorities right now?
Increasing funding for mental health and affordable housing in Arapahoe County
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to cook and entertain my family and friends for “fancy” dinners. Travel and spending time in the beautiful Colorado outdoors.
What would you like to be remembered for?
That I cared about helping other people regardless of their background or situation.
What or who has changed your life?
My oldest sister had a developmental disability, and through her love and the love of our family, I learned that everyone is unique and has their own path — keep your heart open to understanding everyone’s journey.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always put family first.
What is your motto?
Work hard, stay humble and be kind
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