MJ Jorgensen, (they, them, theirs) is a person in long-term recovery and the Director of Addiction Response for the North Colorado Health Alliance. In this work they organize Northern Colorado regional networks of organizations and individuals around the Prevention, Treatment and Recovery continuum of substance use care. Previously, they worked as the Manager of MHSU Alliance and SUD Transformation and the Community Impact Team for the Health District of Northern Larimer County. Prior to working with NCHA and the Health District, MJ worked at the Northern Colorado Health Network in their HIV Prevention Services Programs, specifically in syringe access programming, overdose prevention & naloxone distribution, LGBTQIA+ diversity work and sexual health programming. It was while doing this work, in addition to their lived experience and recovery that they found their passion for changing systems in a way that reduces harm and improves health outcomes for the individuals involved in them.

MJ is a dedicated strategist, relationship builder and educator. MJ works to catalyze regional networks of organizations and individuals around the Harm Reduction, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery continuums of substance use care. They have worked to develop sector specific strategies and programs that engage partnerships in healthcare, behavioral health, education, and the criminal justice systems to improve access and outcomes. MJ works heavily in community organizing, program planning and change management strategies to make systemic, organizational, and programmatic improvements. MJ has their Masters in Public Health, is a Certified Health Education Specialist and has also completed the National Diversity Council’s Certified Diversity Professional Certification Program. MJ is also a leader in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health Leaders program, which focuses on advancing a culture of health through equity, diversity, and inclusion.