Colorado tightens health policy on disease, addiction, and youth tobacco

Colorado officials are rolling out a series of public health measures, from warning Denver metro residents about potential measles exposure linked to an out-of-state traveler to reshaping funding and regulation. State lawmakers are proposing higher taxes on alcohol and marijuana to help pay for a new Aurora psychiatric hospital, aiming to expand mental health capacity. At the local level, Aurora’s City Council has moved forward with and unanimously approved a tobacco retail licensing system to curb youth access to nicotine products. Together, these actions highlight a coordinated effort to address infectious disease, addiction, and mental health through stronger oversight and targeted funding.