Breaking Barriers to Mental Health Care: A Community-Driven Solution This Mental Health Awareness Month

When María, a mother of three, began feeling overwhelmed by sadness and stress, she thought she had no options. Without health insurance, limited income, and no way to travel to a therapist’s office, she did what so many in our community do—she kept it to herself. “I didn’t want to be a burden,” María said. “I didn’t think anyone could help.”

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing stories like María’s to shine a light on the invisible struggles many of our neighbors face—and to celebrate a new, hopeful path forward. Today, María is one of the first participants in a free mental health program launched by the MIRA Program (Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance), with funding from The Colorado Trust. The initiative offers free, culturally responsive therapy to Eagle County residents who are uninsured and face barriers to care.

“We designed this program to meet people where they are—literally and culturally,” said Orlando Ortiz, MIRA Program Manager. “We know from our community needs assessment that cost, transportation, and lack of awareness are keeping people from getting the help they deserve. This program removes those barriers.”

And the need is undeniable. According to the 2024 MIRA Community Needs Assessment:

• 57% of residents said they didn’t know what mental health services were available.
• 71% reported that no one in their household accessed mental health care in the past year.
• Top barriers included lack of information, financial constraints, and transportation challenges.

This program is designed to address those obstacles head-on by:

• Offering six free therapy sessions, with the possibility of extension
• Providing services in Spanish and English
• Hosting appointments in trusted, accessible locations such as the MIRA Bus and partner sites
• Ensuring confidential, compassionate, and culturally responsive care

This marks a major step toward mental health equity in Eagle County, especially for Spanish-speaking and uninsured residents who have historically had limited access to emotional support. Unlike other services that require insurance, transportation, or navigating complex systems, this program prioritizes accessibility and trust. Sessions are offered in familiar community spaces—like the MIRA Bus—eliminating the need to travel long distances or enter clinical settings that may feel intimidating. All services are delivered in the preferred language of the participant by providers who understand their lived experiences.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Orlando emphasized. “We want our community to know: you are not alone, and you don’t have to go through this by yourself.”

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrate not only the courage of individuals like María, but also the power of community-driven solutions. The MIRA team and Eagle Valley Community Foundation extend heartfelt thanks to The Colorado Trust for making this initiative possible.

Together, we’re proving that with the right support, healing is within reach—for everyone.