PACT

PACT Kick Off Website Banner

What is the PACT program?

PACT stands for Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams, a collaborative community program between law enforcement and mental health professionals. The co-responder team jointly responds to calls where substance abuse and/or mental health challenges may exist in the community and other at-risk populations. 


Who makes up the PACT team?

  • A co-responder, who is a mental health counselor. 
  • Local police officers and deputies from Aspen Police Department, Snowmass Village Police Department, and Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office. 
  • A case manager and a peer support specialist. 
  • Our community mental health partner, Mind Springs Health. 


How does the PACT program work?

  1. On scene, the mental health co-responder works with officers and deputies to coordinate access to resources and provide necessary support. 

  2. For clients who meet certain criteria, a full-time case manager follows up after the co-response to support individuals and discuss next steps.  

  3. Some clients also meet with a full-time peer support specialist who utilizes lived experiences that help model moving through mental health challenges. 

What are PACT’s goals?

  • To de-criminalize mental illness by reducing incarcerations of low-level offenders with mental illness. 
  • To de-stigmatize mental illness, making it easier for people to seek and receive treatment and encouraging positive conversations around mental wellness. 
  • To decrease emergency room visits for mental health care. 
  • To reduce repeat police calls for individuals in need of community-based services and mental health support. 


PACT in the Media

Aspen Times - Aspen keeps eyes on mental health collaboration, conversation in 2022

Aspen Times - Community policing with compassion in the Roaring Fork Valley

Aspen Daily News - Jenny Lyons Mental Health Program Administrator Interview

Breaking down stigmas and stereotypes: Snowmass, Aspen public safety officials work to better address mental health within their departments, communities...

Pilot program aims to get assistance for low-level offenders

PACT program on Grassroots TV

Photos of the PACT Team

PACT Team Members at 2021 Co-R Conference PACT at the 2021 Co-R Conference 

From left to right: Jenny Lyons, Megan Verros, and Officer Jerez and Rockwell 


PACT Kick-Off Photo

At the PACT Launch Party June 28, 2019

From left to right: Jose Saez, Karen Koenneman, Suzuho Shimasaki, Katie Hundertmark, Jordana Sabella, Lara Xaiz, & Lance Nabers


PACT Skiing Photo

PACT & Aspen Strong joined together to raise mental health awareness and host approximately 60 people at last winter’s Uphill Social, a hike/ski up to the Cliffhouse at Buttermilk!

From left to right: Andrew Shewmaker, Alex Durant, Jeff Hembury, Lindsay Maisch, Jess Beaulieu, Lori Maloy, Nan Sundeen, and Schuyler Clay.

Program Partner Logos: Mind Springs Health, Apsen Police Department, Pitkin County Public Health, Sn

Contact: Jenny Lyons, Mental Health Program Administrator: jenny.lyons@pitkincounty.com  or 970.309.2677