DIRECT YOUR GIFT
Please join us in meeting rising health and human needs in the Roaring Fork Valley. You can make an unrestricted gift, which allows AVMF greater flexibility in addressing its needs, or you can direct your support to a specific area.
Links to Community Resources
Mental Health
Mental health and substance abuse are the most significant health issues plaguing the Roaring Fork Valley. While the need for mental health care is tremendous, the ability for patients and their families to access the care they need is limited. AVMF is responding to this increasing need by examining the mental health care system, reducing barriers to mental health care, and creating new opportunities for people to access high quality mental health care.
Aspen Hope Center and HOPELINE Now Open
call 970/925-5858
24/7 crisis intervention and referral service
click here for more information
Mental Health Needs Assessment
AVMF contracted with the University of Colorado Denver Depression Center to conduct a formal assessment of the mental health needs in Pitkin County and surrounding areas to identify gaps in service and recommend ways to improve mental health service delivery. A Steering Committee of local agencies, practitioners and community members guides the process. CLICK HERE to read the executive summary of the report.
Contact – Kris Marsh, kmarsh@avmfaspen.org, 970/544-1298
Divided Self: Crisis in Paradise Part 2
Friday, June 12, 8am – 12pm at the Hotel Jerome
A community conference on mental health challenges, treatments and resources.
Now available to view anytime online at www.grassrootstv.org, click on 'Video on Demand'.
Contact – Arna Einarsdottir, aeinarsdottir@avmfaspen.org, 970/544-7371
Mental Health Directory
In response to the need expressed by local mental health care providers, AVMF and Dr. Clare Sanger compiled a directory of mental health resources available in our community. The directory is now available to all health care providers and referral agencies.In 2009, AVMF is working with Roaring Fork Leadership to make the directory an interactive online resource, www.rfmentalhealth.org.
Contact – Arna Einarsdottir, aeinarsdottir@avmfaspen.org, 970/544-7371
Suicide Prevention/QPR Training
Presenters from the University of Colorado Denver Depression Center came to Aspen to train Pitkin County’s first responders in suicide prevention. First responders, including police, sheriffs, fire fighters, paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers, are often on the front lines confronting suicide in our community. First responders themselves have a very high rate of suicide, because of the disturbing situations they respond to.
QPR – question, persuade, refer – teaches people a system to respond to suicide concerns. If you are concerned about someone:
- Question – ask if they are thinking about suicide
- Persuade – listen and convince them to get help
- Refer – find mental health resources and connect immediately
Suicide Prevention Resources:
- 1-800-SUICIDE
- 1-800-273-TALK
- Aspen Counseling Center Emergency Pager - 970/928-2282
- Aspen Valley Hospital – 970/544-1120
- Valley View Hospital Emergency Room – 970/945-6535
- 911
Contact – Kris Marsh, kmarsh@avmfaspen.org, 970/544-1298
Scholarships for Mental Health Care Providers
AVMF provides full scholarships to local mental health and health care providers at the Annual University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine Psychiatry Conference. The theme of the 2009 conference is “The Modern Treatments of Depression”. The interactive, skill-building conference will focus on teaching attendees up-to-date psychotherapeutic, psychopharmacologic, and alternative medical skills that have demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of patients with depression.Follow this link for more information.
To apply for a conference scholarship - AVMF Application for Scholarship (PDF)
AVMF also provides scholarships to mental health care workers through the Health Care Professionals Scholarship Program.
Contact – Arna Einarsdottir, aeinarsdottir@avmfaspen.org, 970/544-7371
Mental Health Services
The Aspen Valley Medical Foundation is pleased to announce the arrival in our community of Dr. Jonathan D. Birnkrant, MD, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist as well as a Pediatrician and Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Birnkrant comes to the Roaring Fork Valley with an impressive Ivy League education and training as well as an extensive background in treating children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Birnkrant has a private practice and has also agreed to provide services to the community by seeing patients with financial needs through the Aspen Valley Medical Foundation’s Medical Assistance Program.
