Responding to a tremendous need for mental health services impacting our communities, Mind Springs Health is undertaking a $17.75 million capital campaign to dramatically expand West Springs Hospital, its psychiatric hospital in Grand Junction and the only psychiatric hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City. The current 32-bed facility cannot accommodate the growing demand for available beds, and patient accommodations fall far short of today’s requirements and standards.

On average, there are between 8-12 people on the waitlist for admission. The hospital staff must assess who is in the least safe environment to wait as they make difficult, often painful, choices. Some days there are more than 20 people waiting – children, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

These are people we all know. They have no choice but to wait. This creates suffering and a devastating ripple effect throughout communities. When people are turned away or face long waits:

• They are often forced to languish in primary care hospitals, emergency rooms and county jails and do not receive appropriate treatment; and
• Individuals are often transported far away from their families and support networks to get help.

Everyone feels the intense weight of this problem. Our partners in primary health care, social services, law enforcement and the criminal justice system feel the strain, both emotionally and financially. We know when people do receive the treatment they need, their lives are saved.

The expanded hospital addresses the lack of available space and the need to create a state-of-the-art healing environment. The facility capacity will increase to 64 beds, with a special wing dedicated to the intensive care of children and adolescents. While serving all ages, there has been a drastic increase in the need for resources to treat our young people.

Plans call for a $34 million facility. Mind Springs Health must secure $17.75 million in philanthropic contributions toward the overall goal in order to break ground in summer 2017. Your investment in this much needed community hospital will:

• Positively change the trajectory of a person’s life;
• Build one of the most forward-thinking psychiatric hospitals in the country; and
• Transform rural and resort-area Colorado mental health care.

The critical need to complete this project is being recognized across the Western Slope, in mountain communities, and the state. Numerous foundations, hospitals, and generous individuals have made substantial investments, or pledged support, with foundation leadership stating that the construction of this hospital is of critical importance to the overall health and vitality of Colorado. Over $13.25 million has been raised to date, leaving under $4.5 million left to raise to ensure that this hospital is built to save lives.

About Mind Springs Health:

In its over 44-year history, Mind Springs Health has always existed to respond to community needs and save lives. Mind Springs Health has grown into a recognized leader in providing exceptional mental health and substance use disorder treatment within its comprehensive and unique continuum of care.

What began as “Colorado West” in 1972 in Granby, has grown to reach 10 counties in Northwest Colorado including Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Mesa, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit. Today, Mind Springs Health stands as fiscally sound, the largest and most comprehensive mental health and addiction services organization on the western slope.

Please direct questions and expressions of interest to:

Shiara Hickey Caubarreaux
Development Officer
970-812-6073
SHickey@MindSpringsFoundation.org