Pikes Peak Rising

The Pikes Peak Region, like many places in the United States, is facing a mental health crisis. Stress, depression, isolation, loneliness, and even suicide affect us, our community, and those we love. Pikes Peak Rising is a collaborative effort of over 40 different organizations representing business, behavioral health, primary care, education, suicide prevention, substance use disorder, older adults, military, faith, LGBTQ+, youth, and mental health areas, as well as organizations serving diverse demographics.

Together, the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County Public Health, and numerous community partners are working together to connect people to the help they need, build a more resilient community, and become the leading city on mental health and wellness in the United States.

Pikes Peak Rising Focuses on 3 Goals

Goal #1: Education and awareness

Launch an evidenced-based resiliency strategy campaign to raise awareness about current Mental Health Providers and resources.
Support Mental Health Providers with attendance and speaking engagements by city leaders on the importance of mental health/messaging around the City’s campaign to promote engagement and reduce stigma.
Launch a Communications Plan about the City of Colorado Springs/Regional Mental Health and Wellness Plan so residents and stakeholders can be aware, track progress, and participate

Hands gather in the middle for a team effort

Goal #2: Collaborative partnerships

Collaborate with El Paso County Public Health to promote and elevate efforts around the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Emphasize their focus on Overcoming Barriers to Care and Suicide Prevention,
Activate a Legislative Briefing Team to collaborate with local, state and federal policy makers to support legislation and policies and testifying on efforts that promote mental health.
Pilot the Behavioral Health 360 Program in the state of Colorado, a portal directing people to self-care, assessment, and access, This will provide access to on-demand assessments and resources for El Paso County, in addition to linking users to care when needed.
Work with local and regional providers as well as our local military communities to improve access to care and reduce suicide among service members, veterans and their families.

A family sits in a park smiling at the camera

Goal #3: Social support systems

Launch “1000 Neighborhood Gatherings” to address isolation through 1000 neighborhood gatherings with next steps towards increased community, safety, and resiliency.
Form Workplace Wellness coalitions of local employers to challenge the business community around the question, “How we are leading the way in making Colorado Springs the premier workplace wellness community?”
Support Community Events and Programs addressing Mental Health in the community by promoting and having City leaders and staff participate.
Partner with Lyda Hill for Human Resilience (Dr. Chip Benight) for building community resilience towards becoming the first GRIT City in the United States by training 25,000 GRIT Coaches in 5 years.

Pikes Peak Rising 360

The Behavioral Health 360 platform is a free online platform from El Paso County Public Health that promotes mental health awareness and community engagement, fostering preventive measures, early intervention, self-care and screening. The first-of-its-kind public platform brings together expert-rated and vetted information all in one easy-to-use place.

GRIT (Greater Resilience Information Toolkit)

The GRIT program strengthens individual resiliency and equips trainees to “coach” others in their social groups. It was developed out of the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

GRIT is grounded in the science of empowerment — but is not meant to replace professional help.

1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative

The City of Colorado Springs, in partnership with several community partners, is challenging residents to host 1,000 neighborhood gatherings this summer to encourage neighbors to connect with one another to address social isolation and loneliness. We can all play a part to make a positive impact on mental health – right where you live, on your own block, in your own neighborhood.

Volunteer Opportunities

Research shows that volunteering offers significant health benefits, including improved mental and physical health, providing a sense of purpose and connecting people in community. When people volunteer, stress is reduced, physical health is improved and rates of depression are lowered, especially for people 65 and older. Whether you volunteer to fulfill responsibilities, meet new people, gain experience or improve the lives of your fellow residents, our City has opportunities for you.

Along with the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County Public Health and UCCS, other collaborators on Pikes Peak Rising include:

988 Colorado Mental Health Line

The 988 Colorado Mental Health Line (988) is the easy-to-remember number that allows anyone with emotional, mental health, or substance use concerns to be immediately connected with a trained specialist. 988 offers free, immediate, confidential human support 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling, with an emotional, mental health or substance use concern, call or text 988 or visit 988Colorado.com to live chat.

“Everyone is on a journey, and sometimes that means you or someone next to you needs help from time to time. I know I do! I want you to know that you are not alone. The collaboration of Pikes Peak Rising is to establish a dynamic, local place to share resources, tools, and help - in a way that makes sense for you! No matter your trials or situation, hope is always here. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we too can grab on to hope and look to the light. Together, we can rise.”

- Abbey Mobolade, nurse educator, mother of three young children and wife of Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade

"Public Health's goal is to promote mental well-being, working collaboratively to highlight the importance of connecting people to credible resources to positively impact quality of life while increasing resilience to navigate life's ups and downs. We appreciate the multidisciplinary organizations who are part of this collective effort—and look forward to building additional partnerships across all El Paso County municipalities—to provide a new online resource to connect people to self-help through curated, evidence-based resources."

-Susan Wheelan, MBA, Executive Director of El Paso County Public Health

"When mental health crises are not addressed as a community, the ripple effects include higher crime rates, stretched hospital resources, deteriorating parks, and escalating community costs, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of all residents. I'm proud to support PIkes Peak Rising and thankful to the dozens of community partners that are collaborating on this important initiative."

Mental Health is All of Us.