Vail Health Launches Biannual Survey to Assess Community’s Behavioral Health

Vail Health has initiated its biannual behavioral health survey, inviting residents and workers in Eagle County to share their insights. This survey, which is open until February 7, 2026, aims to evaluate the community’s behavioral health needs and shape future funding for health programs.

The anonymous survey, accessible to individuals aged 18 and older, seeks to gather data on a range of topics including community connections, quality of life, and health needs related to behavioral health and alcohol use. According to Dana Erpelding, Vail Health’s vice president of behavioral health operations, the survey is instrumental in understanding local perspectives. “The purpose of the survey is to evaluate behavioral health needs and perspectives of community members in Eagle County,” she stated.

This survey has been a staple for Vail Health since its inception in 2020, conducted in partnership with the Katz Amsterdam Foundation. This nonprofit organization, founded by Rob Katz and Elana Amsterdam, focuses on improving behavioral health resources in mountain communities. Erpelding noted, “It was really intended to be an investment in local mountain communities to help improve access to behavioral health resources.”

Survey’s Impact and Historical Context

The survey has evolved to provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of behavioral health, particularly during the pandemic. The first survey was conducted just before COVID-19, offering a unique perspective on community needs during a critical time. Data from past surveys informs Vail Health’s strategic decisions, enabling the organization to evaluate the effectiveness of local programs and compare interventions in Eagle County with those in other mountain communities.

In 2026, the survey will expand to include ten rural resort communities, allowing for broader comparisons and the sharing of successful strategies. “We’ve also been able to compare that data to other mountain communities, and where we’ve seen significant progress due to various programs that we’ve implemented…” Erpelding explained. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the overall behavioral health infrastructure across these regions.

Vail Health has committed to addressing behavioral health concerns by increasing its workforce, including therapists, psychiatrists, case managers, and school-based clinicians. The organization has focused on creating positive outcomes, which Erpelding describes as a trend they hope to continue with ongoing surveys.

Community Involvement and Future Goals

Vail Health aims to collect a minimum of 800 responses to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. “If people have a quick 10 minutes to spare, we’d love for them to log in and take the survey,” Erpelding encouraged. The feedback will help inform decisions on where to allocate funding effectively.

The Katz Amsterdam Foundation contributes around $500,000 annually to support behavioral health initiatives within Eagle County. This funding assists local partners, such as My Future Pathways and RECONNECTED, in their efforts to address 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 to help start nonprofits like RECONNECTED,” Erpelding noted.

Results from the current survey will be released in the spring or early summer of 2026, playing a crucial role in shaping behavioral health care in the region over the next two years. The ongoing commitment to these surveys underscores Vail Health’s dedication to improving the mental well-being of its community members through informed decision-making and strategic investment.

Community members can participate in the survey at VailHealthBH.org/Encuesta-Comunitaria, contributing to a healthier future for Eagle County.