Paradise Paradox Panel Questions
WOW! What an incredible night as hundreds of Summit County locals gathered to watch the Paradise Paradox in order to raise awareness about the mountain town mental health crisis. Something that all of us know all too well…
Thank you to all of our community partners for being a part of our wellness fair, to the Town of Silverthorne @silverthornecolorado and @arapahoe_basin for helping put on such a wonderful night and all the panel members listed below. This night wouldn’t have been as successful without everyone’s contributions!
Kellyn Ender – Building Hope Summit County
Alan Henceroth – Arapahoe Basin
Darla Whinston – Licenced Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Drew Mikita – Licenced Therapist
Chris Lindley – Vail Health
While the panel did their best to answer as many questions as possible, we wanted to followup with some additional answers to the questions we did not get to at the event.
Q: It looks like there’s been some amazing changes in improving access to mental health in Eagle County. What changes have been made here in Summit?
A: Our priority remains increasing access to mental healthcare, education and stigma reduction. Here are a few of the mental health resources you can access in Summit County: –Mental Health Navigation –Mental Health Trainings –SMART Team – Paragon Behavioral Health Connections Mobile Crisis Response has also expanded their services to Summit County and can be dispatched through Colorado Crisis Services. Paragon also offers intensive In home Services, Crisis Stabilization, and more, filling a much needed gap in the higher level of care that has been missing in Summit County previously. –Vail Health Behavioral Health now serves Summit County residents. Summit Community Care Clinic has resources for youth and families within the school setting – School Based Health allows youth access to care without leaving the school day. The Summit Wellness Hub is available to serve Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Medication Assisted Therapy needs for the community. Building Hope Summit also has a Scholarship program which offers access to 12 free therapy sessions to those who live or work in Summit County. Summit and Eagle County have worked together to approach our communities as a region – partnering to ensure that residents and workers in both communities have the access to care that is needed regionally. The approach and partnership has been to collaborate across the pass so that treatment is more accessible between our mountain towns rather than having to relocate or travel to the front range or Grand Junction, as has been the case in the past.
Q: I’m concerned about monolingual Spanish speakers without insurance that need help in Summit beyond the sessions allotted to them by Building Hope. How can we assure they are receiving long term care for serious mental health concerns, including children who need to be seen in person?
A: The Vail Health Behavioral Health Frisco Health Center is focusing on recruiting more bilingual providers and financial aid is available to the community. Summit Community Care Clinic also has bilingual therapists and offers discounted therapy within the School Based Health Centers for children and families within the School District. Insurance, documentation, or ability to pay are not a requirement to use SBHC. Building Hope’s Care Team can help you navigate your options once your scholarship has ended. Email us at info@buildinghopesummit.org or call 970.485.6271 to get connected to our Care Team.
Q: What local programs are available for individuals in the community with substance abuse problems?
A: Recovery Resources is our local Social Withdrawal Management service and The Summit Wellness Hub – through Mile High Behavioral Healthcare and Front Range Clinic – offer specific behavioral health services for Substance Use and Medication Assisted Treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs are also available in Summit. Head to our resource page for a full list of substance abuse programs and support groups. Also be sure to check out the Booze Less Summit campaign, which is all about moderating your drinking and exploring alternatives to alcohol.
Q: What is Vail Resorts doing for mental health?
A: All Vail Resorts employees are guaranteed access to six free and confidential sessions per year, including an additional six sessions for their roommates or dependents. Employees have options for therapy including: in-person, phone, video or text message therapy, and are able to participate in an online intake process that makes it easier and faster to get matched to a provider that meets your needs. Vail Resort’s provider network includes local Summit County therapists, and providers that specialize in working with specific populations. No pre-approval is needed to match with these providers. Vail Resorts also offers 24/7 peer base virtual support groups tailored to bring individuals together who share similar struggles. If you are a Vail Resorts employee, contact HR for more information about mental health support offered.
Q: I am aware of bilingual resources. Is there specific resources our Immigrant population needs and how can we address them?
A: Mountain Dreamers is an immigrant advocacy nonprofit basin in Frisco with grass-roots advocacy and resources for immigrants and their families. Learn more about Mountain Dreamers here.
Thanks again for everyone who joined in on this important conversation in Summit County. We are firm believers in the healing power of connections with people and being present in real life, allowing vulnerability and change in your life, and working hard to be the best version of yourself. Practice compassion for yourself and remember living in paradise paradox is the reality for many. You are not alone.
