On September 13, 2024, Vail Symposium launched a new event series in partnership with the Vilar Performing Arts Center and Benj Gershman (of rockband O.A.R. and What Could Be Bad podcast) called Mountains & Minds: A Mental Health Summit to Strengthen Community.
Demand is increasing for mental and behavioral health services in Colorado’s mountain towns and across the country. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 5 adults in America experience mental illness every year. Even more concerning, over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
Mountains & Minds aims to elevate and destigmatize mental health conversations.
Benj Gershman presented in Vail in June 2024 on the CoLab Stage at the GoPro Mountain Games about his own mental health journey and his new podcast, What Could Be Bad. Subsequently, he learned about the mental health landscape in Eagle County and committed to making an impact here.
At the opening event, 80 people sat for dinner on the stage of the Vilar Performing Arts Center and each table was encouraged to discuss this critical topic. Powerful conversations ranged from personal experiences and the provider ecosystem to music and outdoor adventures that support a healthy mind. The audience heard from Adam Bornstein (NY Times bestselling author and co-founder with Arnold Schwarzenegger of The Pump (“the positive corner of the internet”) about nutrition and mental wellness — he also curated a delicious dinner created by Alpine + Antlers. He was joined in a panel discussion by Chef Robert Irvine (host of tv show Restaurant: Impossible and author of Overcoming Impossible) and Dr. Paige Baker-Braxton (psychologist, Vail Health Behavioral Health).
The next morning, Chef Robert Irvine hosted a group of Eagle County first responders (police, fire, paramedics), military personnel, and veterans for a breakfast and program about navigating trauma and maintaining mental health. Thanks to the Robert Irvine Foundation for supporting our community!
Mountains & Minds will continue this winter. We hope to magnify the momentum that is building in our community to lead the region and the country in behavioral health awareness, support, and resources. The announcement will be coming soon but until then, please follow Adam Bornstein’s advice: enjoy dessert!
Photography by JohnRyan Lockman.
