El Paso County Public Health
By Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health
Every January, many of us make New Year’s resolutions, promising ourselves we’ll stick to them this year. While many of us will stick to those resolutions, many find it difficult. This could be for numerous reasons; we made too big of a goal for ourselves, which then feels overwhelming, or we made too many goals, making it difficult to see them through. Of course, these are two of the easiest ways to see goals be unsuccessful; however, other reasons may impact why we can or can’t achieve our New Year’s resolutions — mainly our mental health and well-being.
Mental health and well-being have been identified as one of the leading health issues in El Paso County by El Paso County Public Health’s (EPCPH) Community Health Assessment (CHA), which was published earlier this year. A CHA is a report statutorily required every five years, and requires local public health agencies to identify key health needs and issues through local data and analysis. The CHA outlined how mental health impacts our communities. To help address the identified needs, EPCPH launched an innovative new digital behavioral health platform to increase access to early intervention behavioral health resources. The platform, known as Pikes Peak Rising 360, offers an easily accessible one-stop shop for self-help resources. There are hundreds of topics to choose from, including topics related to holidays and significant life events.
This online behavioral health platform supports regional efforts to enhance the mental health and well-being of all El Paso County residents. Throughout 2025, use this resource to help yourself and others. It’s confidential, anonymous, available 24/7 and helps individuals learn new skills. It can also help you gain a greater understanding of your own mental health by taking one of the mental health assessments, watching videos, listening to podcasts and finding relevant information through apps, books, articles and more.
El Paso County Public Health understands this topic is difficult for many, and many are uncomfortable reaching out for help — we strive to break down barriers and make finding information easy and accessible. During 2025, challenge yourself and others to become the best version of yourself, whether that’s through New Year’s resolutions or by being proactive with your health.
Cheers to you and yours during the new year! If you or a loved one is in mental crisis, reach out to the Colorado Crisis Services Hotline at:
• 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255
- If you or a loved one is in mental crisis, reach out to the Colorado Crisis Services Hotline at:
- 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Pikes Peak Rising 360: https://pikespeakrising360.crediblemind.com/
•Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
