Pitkin County Public Health is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month by launching a comprehensive campaign to increase awareness of local mental health resources and reduce stigma. Throughout May, the county is conducting a community-wide communications effort designed to encourage conversations about emotional well-being and substance use support.
The campaign features videos highlighting mental health organizations across the Roaring Fork Valley, with details about the services each provides. Many services are offered free or at reduced cost. Public Health Director Jordana Sabella emphasized the county’s commitment to expanding access to mental health care, noting that both the 2018-2022 Regional Public Health Improvement Plan and the 2023-2027 Pitkin County Public Health Improvement Plan name access to mental health care as a key community priority.
Data from a 2023 Community Mental Health Assessment identified significant barriers to care, including financial challenges, lack of awareness of existing resources, and stigma associated with seeking professional support. To address these challenges, the county developed its 2025 Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, which addresses behavioral health across the continuum of care and aims to reduce access barriers. A behavioral health facilitator was hired in April 2026 to begin implementing the plan.
The county’s long-term vision is to create a local behavioral health system that is more connected, inclusive, and effective. Information about available services can be found at pitkinmentalhealth.com.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/local-news-in-brief-may-12/article_f37084dc-cd80-4107-acff-c0562920216a.html