STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative has received a $200,000 grant to expand access to behavioral health services, strengthen prevention efforts and improve community-wide data systems.

The funding is provided by The Katz Amsterdam Foundation and Trust and its co-founder Rob Katz, chairperson and chief executive officer of Vail. He has pledged more than $3 million to improve mental health and substance use services in 11 mountain communities.

“Mental health and substance use challenges are significant nationwide, but mountain communities often face unique barriers like geography and provider shortages,” said Katz. “These grants reflect our belief that everyone—regardless of race, background or location—deserves access to mental and behavioral health care.”

The $200,000 grant that Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative received will:

• Strengthen the community data systems through a Shared Measurement Framework, enabling MWBI to gather resident-driven insights and align strategic action with community needs. (Take the survey at prcsurvey.com/begin/BlaineCounty2026.)

Launch MWBI’s Well-Being Ambassador Program, which will train trusted community members, including Spanish speakers, to connect neighbors with resources, support and opportunities for social connection.

Expand behavioral health services for children, youth, and families, including bilingual counseling, case management, peer support and culturally responsive care navigation through The Advocates ($17,000).

• Enhance substance use treatment and recovery supports—including scholarships, group counseling, expanded sober-living options, and other evidence-based recovery services through Carbonate Recovery Center and Men’s Second Chance Living ($56,000).

Strengthen community-based prevention and improve access to mental health services for Spanish-speaking residents through The Hunger Coalition ($33,000).

• Sustain weekly Spanish-language peer-support groups offered by NAMI WRV ($16,000).

“We are deeply grateful for the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust’s investment in Blaine County,” said Jenna Vagias, executive director of the Mental Well-Being Initiative. “This support allows us to expand culturally responsive services, strengthen community connection and ensure that people across our valley—especially those historically underserved—can access the care they need.”

Katz and his late wife Elana Amsterdam have contributed nearly $30 million through the Katz Amsterdam Foundation and Trust to support community-driven initiatives that strengthen mountain communities. More than $22 million of that has expanded access to mental and behavioral health care and reinforced local systems of supports.

Other communities receiving support are Jackson, Tahoe Truckee, Aspen, Vail, Steamboat, Telluride, Gunnison, Crested Butte, Big Sky and Park City.

Blaine County’s Mental Well-Being Initiative began in 2023 as a community conversation sparked by the investment of St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation in response to a growing need for improved mental health resources. It now involves more than 50 partners across local government, healthcare, education, nonprofits, businesses, and faith organizations.