This month, the City of Colorado Springs celebrates the one-year anniversary of Pikes Peak Rising, a mental health movement born out of collaboration, prevention, and the shared belief that well-being is a community responsibility.
“Pikes Peak Rising has grown into something far bigger than any single initiative,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “It represents a culture shift of tackling the challenge of mental health as a village, and one where we prioritize social connection, treat the issue with dignity, and take action together. We are proving that a city can lead not just with strategy, but with heart. And we look forward to the next year of amazing community efforts to address our collective mental health in Colorado Springs.”
“I can’t believe it has already been one year of Pikes Peak Rising and I am proud of how much we have accomplished helping individuals and families in our community,” said First Lady Abbey Mobolade, a nurse educator and longtime advocate for mental health, “And we have so much more planned over the next year. Pikes Peak Rising is about creating everyday access to support where people live, work, and gather.”
Since its launch in July 2024, Pikes Peak Rising has united dozens of partners across sectors from neighborhood leaders and nonprofit advocates to local businesses and military personnel.
Through a new partnership between the Colorado Springs Police Department and the statewide 988 Mental Health Hotline, individuals in need of non-emergency care can now be transferred directly to licensed practitioners, expanding access and easing the burden on emergency responders. Over the past year, the City also trained more than 200 supervisors and managers in suicide prevention, becoming the first and largest U.S. city to achieve H.O.P.E. Bronze Certification.
Through the 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings initiative, residents across all 77 neighborhoods have also engaged in hundreds of local gatherings, block parties, cleanups, park meetups, and public safety events designed to reduce isolation and foster connection. This momentum has been matched in the business community, where the Pikes Peak Rising Business Collective continues to grow, offering employers tools and training to support their teams’ mental health.
The initiative also partnered with El Paso County Public Health to launch the Pikes Peak Rising 360° online portal, the first in the state of Colorado, offering around-the-clock access to tools and expert resources for families, workers, and young people navigating stress, anxiety, or emotional strain.
As the initiative enters its second year, Pikes Peak Rising is preparing to launch new campaigns focused on workplace wellness, community resilience, and sector-specific outreach — including support for the restaurant industry and military families. Its central message remains unchanged: mental health care starts with connection, and healing begins when communities rise together.
To learn more or access mental health resources, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/PikesPeakRising.