Understanding the Crisis
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Like the rest of the country, the Pikes Peak region is facing a mental health crisis. Local experts cite stress, depression, isolation, and loneliness as just some of the factors affecting individuals across all demographics.
Pikes Peak Rising
In response to this troubling trend, dozens of city and county organizations have banded together to make help more readily available. Enter “Pikes Peak Rising.”
“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,” the Colorado Springs city website reads.
Community Collaboration
“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.”
Connecting Neighbors
One way Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s office is battling this crisis is through a new initiative meant to connect neighbor with neighbor. The 1,000 Neighborhood Challenge calls on residents to host 1,000 gatherings to connect with their neighbors as a way to address social isolation and loneliness.
Insights from Officials
In part two of our two-part interview with city officials, Joe Hollmann with the City of Colorado Springs Communications Office explained how these gatherings help address the growing mental health crisis.
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