GCSO: Reflecting on 2024 and working with Aspen Hope Center
Crisis intervention, stabilization, and recovery help available 24/7
GCSO PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2025
Aspen Hope Center serves the Roaring Fork Valley in many ways. One area, important to law enforcement, is in crisis response. The Aspen Hope Center works in partnership with law enforcement and EMS. They are available for crisis intervention, stabilization and recovery operating a 24-hour “HopeLine” that is answered locally by experienced and licensed clinicians.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Patrol Commander Osborne reflects on 2024. Our patrol deputies responded to over 24,000 calls for service averaging just over 65 calls per day. Some of these calls were with individuals reported to be struggling with a mental health crisis. We understand while each call for service is important, with its own set of issues and urgency; we also understand that a response centered solely on Law Enforcement can be limited in its effectiveness. When outside assistance is necessary, our trained Deputies do not hesitate to reach out to others for their expertise and assistance.
“As these programs started to develop statewide, I didn’t think it was possible to provide such specific and qualified support in rural Colorado,” Sheriff Lou Vallario stated. “I am very pleased to say that Aspen Hope has shown me that it is not only possible, but a reality. They have become a very valuable partner in public safety.”
“The sheriff’s office is proud to be partners with the Aspen Hope Center. The Hope Center’s team of trained clinicians collaborate directly with Sheriff’s Office Deputies to co-respond and work through these mental health crisis calls for service,” Commander Osborne added. “The integration of clinicians to these calls provides specialized expertise in assessing and de-escalating situations, consideration of appropriate interventions, and facilitation of mental health resources to individuals in need. Throughout our partnership with the Aspen Hope Center, the Sheriff’s Office has observed numerous examples of successful resolutions through the implementation of this response model.”
The GCSO would like to thank the Aspen Hope Center for their support to our organization and for their commitment and dedication to the community residents of Garfield County.