El Paso County and Colorado Springs officials have launched a pioneering digital platform aimed at enhancing residents’ access to mental and behavioral health resources. The initiative, Pikes Peak Rising 360, was unveiled on Wednesday and promises 24/7 access to a comprehensive library of resources on various topics, including anxiety, stress, and grief.
Susan Wheelan, Executive Director of County Public Health, announced the launch of Pikes Peak Rising 360 at the Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center, located at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The platform is designed to be confidential, anonymous, and accessible on all digital devices, supporting both English and Spanish speakers.
“This platform allows users to take mental health assessments and explore thousands of resources, including books, podcasts, and articles, all vetted by mental health professionals,” Wheelan explained to an audience of about 50 attendees.
Wheelan highlighted the importance of the platform, noting that “three out of four people struggling with their mental health initially are not interested in therapy or medication. They just want to know what to do. The ability to access timely health care resources is a key factor in positive outcomes.”
Pikes Peak Rising 360 is part of a broader initiative called Pikes Peak Rising, which is a regional mental health program aiming to boost awareness and connect residents with existing resources. The initiative includes the GRIT (Greater Resilience Information Toolkit) program developed by the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience at UCCS and Colorado Springs’ 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings project.
Abbey Mobolade, a nurse educator and former critical care nurse, joined Wheelan and other officials, including her husband, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, to introduce the revamped program. “People are having a hard time finding resources,” said Abbey Mobolade. She worked alongside Wheelan for months, assessing the status of mental health care across the region to create Pikes Peak Rising, which integrates over 40 existing organizations.
Mobolade shared that Pikes Peak Rising is partly inspired by her personal experience navigating the mental health landscape. The initiative aims to be dynamic and fluid, with plans to expand resources and reach beyond the Pikes Peak region.
The branding of Pikes Peak Rising and Pikes Peak Rising 360, including their names, logos, and colors, is designed to symbolize strength and resilience. “The logos are inspired by a phoenix rising over the mountains, representing each person’s individual mental health journey, while the bright yellow and orange colors symbolize warmth and hope,” Mobolade explained.
Pikes Peak Rising is also a part of Colorado Springs’ 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This plan calls on city leaders to “increase access and awareness, foster collaborative partnerships, and strengthen social support systems to improve well-being in the Pikes Peak Region.”
The initiative marks a significant step towards addressing mental health needs in the region, offering a new, accessible way for residents to find the support and resources they need.
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