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