Youth Mental Health: A Colorado guest opinion argues the state’s youth mental health crisis needs prevention in schools plus faster access to therapy where kids already are, citing high rates of sadness/hopelessness among middle and high schoolers and suicide as a leading cause of death. Medicaid Fraud: Two Jefferson County men were indicted on allegations they defrauded Colorado Medicaid of about $12 million through a business billing for glasses that patients say they didn’t receive. Police Oversight: Denver’s independent monitor says the city’s police oversight office isn’t getting enough information to review a new education-based discipline program, raising questions about whether the rollout followed city rules. Health & Safety in the Air: Wildfire smoke is worsening air quality in western Colorado, prompting health advisories, while a Vail-area mountain bike event was postponed due to unhealthy conditions. Care Access & Research: A COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study was published after being blocked from a CDC report, estimating lower hospitalization and urgent-care risk for adults. Local Health Infrastructure: UCHealth expanded Highlands Ranch Hospital with a large addition, aiming to grow capacity. Animal Health: A kitten was rescued from a storm drain in Colorado Springs and is recovering after treatment for an upper respiratory infection. Public Health Preparedness: The Red Cross urged Coloradans to plan for severe weather, including tornadoes, ahead of an active week.