Tri-County Health Network sponsored a survey to gauge quality of life, community engagement, and behavioral health needs.
Over 600 residents of San Miguel County and the West End of Montrose County (collectively called the West Mountain Region) completed the 42-question survey! With questions ranging from community life to mental health to housing security, the results of this survey will help local organizations understand where the greatest needs exist, identify ways to strengthen the services and community connections that improve quality of life, and seek funding to address these areas of need. Community members filled out the survey online and over the phone during the winter months of 2023-2024. The following results were weighted to accurately represent our population.
For more information about the collection process, demographics, and the analysis method, CLICK HERE.
West Mountain Region
Telluride, Mountain Village, West End San Miguel County, and West End Montrose County (Ophir, Placerville, Norwood, Redvale, Naturita, Nucla, Bedrock, Paradox).
Key findings are shared below. Click here to see the full results.
KEY FINDINGS
Community Life & Social Determinants
Survey results show a high level of engagement in the community and a perception that the West Mountain Region is a good place to live. In general, higher-income households and White residents tend to be more engaged. 17.4% of community members consider their housing situation unstable and 18.4% report feeling food insecurity.
Social Support
4 out of 10 adults reported feeling lonely, lacking companionship, feeling left out, and/or feeling isolated from others.
Mental Health
While many residents believe our community is sympathetic to those with mental health concerns, fewer feel it is easy to openly discuss issues related to mental health. A high number of poor mental health days (three or more days per month during which mental health is not good) were reported. Many community members are aware of resources, however, Hispanic residents and adults aged 40-64 are less likely to seek services. Access to services still appears to be a barrier due to cost, insurance access, lack of availability, and others.
Substance Use
Alcohol is strongly associated with social life in our community, with 8 out of 10 respondents (higher among White respondents) agreeing it is important to most people’s social lives. Binge drinking rates are higher than the national average with 40% of residents engaging in excessive drinking. Additionally, the impact of substance use is felt across the region with 75% of survey answerers stating their own life has been negatively affected by someone’s substance use (either their own or someone close to them).
Questions? Thoughts? Email us at info@tchnetwork.org.