Letter from Board President Greg Daly

I have had the privilege of serving on the SpeakUp ReachOut Board of Directors since its inception 15 years ago. Currently, I hold the position of board president, leading alongside a diverse and passionate group of individuals. Together, we work tirelessly to advance the mission of SpeakUp ReachOut, which is dedicated to preventing suicide in Eagle County through training, awareness, and hope. Over my tenure, I have observed a prevailing sense of hopelessness within our community, which fuels our organization's ongoing efforts to illuminate those moments of darkness with rays of hope.

In the past four years, there has been a notable evolution in the approach of first responders towards individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Previously, our response in Eagle County was largely dictated by the resources available at the time. Calls routed through the Vail Public Safety Communications (Dispatch) center, often initiated by the individual in distress or concerned loved ones, conveyed an urgent message: someone's life was in jeopardy due to suicidal ideation or attempts. Law enforcement would promptly mobilize to the scene, providing immediate assistance and ensuring safety. Typically, individuals were then transported, sometimes in handcuffs for safety reasons, to a designated facility for evaluation and potential treatment. Often, these facilities were 2-or-more hours away.

However, through concerted community collaboration, our response methodology has undergone a profound transformation. Recognizing the discomfort inherent in treating behavioral health crises as criminal matter, there was a collective impetus for change. Presently, our response prioritizes compassionate care and medical attention, particularly for cases involving injuries or substance-related concerns. For instances not requiring immediate medical intervention, we engage crisis clinicians from Your Hope Center, supported by Eagle County Community Paramedics when available. This collaborative approach facilitates on-site assessments and the development of tailored safety plans, significantly reducing the need for involuntary commitments (M1s) by over 70%.

Looking ahead to 2025, the opening of an inpatient behavioral health facility in Edwards by Vail Health marks a monumental stride for our community. The Precourt Healing Center will offer access to high-caliber professional care locally, removing the need for individuals to seek treatment in distant locales. It underscores our community's unwavering commitment to providing compassionate and effective mental health support.

Greg Daly

President of the Board, SpeakUp ReachOut