Vail Health has initiated its biannual behavioral health survey, inviting community members in Eagle County to share their insights and experiences. This survey aims to evaluate the state of behavioral health in the region, guiding Vail Health’s allocation of funds towards relevant programs. The survey is open until February 7, 2026, and anyone aged 18 or older residing or working in Eagle County is encouraged to participate.
According to Dana Erpelding, vice president of behavioral health operations at Vail Health, “The purpose of the survey is to evaluate behavioral health needs and perspectives of community members in Eagle County.” The anonymous survey also includes similar options for residents of Summit County and eight other mountain resort communities. Participants will address various topics, including community connections, quality of life, and health needs related to behavioral health and alcohol use.
This survey has been conducted every two years since 2020 in collaboration with the Katz Amsterdam Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving behavioral health and substance abuse resources in mountain communities. Erpelding noted that the initiative aims to enhance access to behavioral health resources, emphasizing that “the data is local and stays local.” This ensures that the results support organizations not affiliated with Vail Resorts in their efforts to strengthen local behavioral health infrastructure.
The foundation developed the survey questions, maintaining consistency across iterations to effectively measure changes in community responses over time. The first survey took place just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for a unique examination of behavioral health needs both before and during the crisis. This data helps local programs assess their effectiveness and compare interventions with those in other mountain communities.
In 2026, the survey will expand to include ten rural resort communities, providing broader data for comparison. Erpelding highlighted the value of this comparative analysis, stating that successful initiatives in Eagle County can be shared with other communities facing similar challenges. “We’ve been able to share those lessons learned or those types of programs with other mountain communities that are still struggling,” she explained.
The survey results will also play a critical role in determining how Vail Health allocates its behavioral health funding. In recent years, the organization has focused on enhancing positive behavioral health outcomes through the addition of therapists, psychiatrists, case managers, and school-based clinicians. “We’ve seen some real positive trends,” Erpelding added, expressing optimism that continued assessments will lead to further improvements.
The Katz Amsterdam Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 annually to promote behavioral health initiatives in Eagle County. Vail Health utilizes these funds to support local partners like My Future Pathways and RECONNECTED, which aim to fill gaps in substance use programs, particularly concerning alcohol use. “Seeing that survey data and seeing that need in the community has helped us invest dollars,” Erpelding stated.
Organizers are aiming to gather at least 800 responses to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. The survey, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, is available in both English and Spanish. Erpelding encourages community members to participate, stating, “The more data we have, the better informed our decisions are on where we invest community dollars.”
The results of the survey are expected to be released in spring or early summer 2026, providing valuable insights for shaping the future of behavioral health care in Eagle County. Community members can access the survey online at VailHealthBH.org/Encuesta-Comunitaria. All responses will be recorded anonymously, ensuring confidentiality while contributing to the ongoing improvement of mental wellbeing in the region.
