parks
How a network of 12 mountain communities across the West is ‘moving the needle’ on mental health
By Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
As Colorado mountain communities grapple with mental and behavioral health issues, many are getting involved with a project to share data between resort areas across the Rocky Mountain West.
Despite picturesque surroundings and abundant recreation, mountain resort communities have long struggl...
Key takeaway There are now 12 mountain communities involved in the effort.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen 's involvement in this regional effort to track mental and behavioral health indicators is particularly noteworthy given the city's own struggles with these issues. The "paradise paradox" is especially relevant in Aspen, where the high cost of living and pressures of a resort economy can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection. By participating in the Katz-Amsterdam Foundation's survey, local mental health officials can tap into a broader dataset and identify trends that may be unique to Aspen or shared with other mountain resort communities. This information can inform the city's own mental health initiatives and help target resources more effectively, which is crucial given the limited availability of affordable healthcare options in the area. As Aspen continues to grapple with the challenges of providing mental health support to its residents, its participation in this regional effort may prove to be a valuable tool in addressing these complex issues.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As Colorado mountain communities grapple with mental and behavioral health issues, many are getting involved with a project to share data between resort areas across the Rocky Mountain West.
Despite picturesque surroundings and abundant recreation, mountain resort communities have long struggl...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Spencer Follow
rspencer@steamboatpilot.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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