If you or someone you know is struggling with Substance Use, TMC is here to help 

We know there are many challenges folks faces living in moutain communties. It’s pretty common folks work really hard when town is busy, facing burnout, and then have period of little work due to the seasonal nature of mountain living. These difficultites, make worse by possible systemic barriers to care depending on your individual situation, can create a tragic combination for substance misuse; especially among youth and working-class adults. 

Substance use and misuse are often driven by interconnected factors. It is sometimes a response to trauma, chronic stress, and/or social inequities. In our community, where bilingual and culturally relevant mental health care remains scarce, people often cope with stress in the ways most accessible to them—sometimes through alcohol or other substances. For our youth, summer break can often mean less structure and more time in unsupervised settings.  For parents, Summer can bring the financial and emotional burden of balancing childcare, or lack thereof, and work. These pressures add up. 

Research shows that Latinos are less likely than their white neighbors and community members to receive substance use treatment, and when they do, the care is often not culturally competent. Language barriers, time restraints, stigmas, losing employment, housing instability and fear of legal consequences prevent many from seeking the help they need.  Thankfully, Tri-County Health Network has been able to expand their access to the Recovery Access Fund into San Miguel County. Delta, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel Recovery Access Fund – Tri-County Health Network  This fund aims to offer financial assistance for those in need of individual mental health counseling or therapy related to substance use issues and recovery.  This fund is a much-needed resource to help increase access to support for individuals struggling with recovery or substance use disorder. 

As we near the end of summer, we must center equity in our approach to substance use support and prevention. That means contributing by financially investing or volunteering for community-based programs that build resilience, educate families, and provide access to mental health care that affirms our values and lived experiences. It means listening to young people, partnering with trusted leaders, and addressing the root causes of stress—from housing insecurity to discrimination and wage gaps.  

Substance use is not a moral failing—it is a public health issue that is worse due to many factors, including lack of resources and inequities. Addressing this requires all of us, together, to create environments where we cultivate acceptance, promote healing and ensure access to compassionate, culturally responsive care for anyone who is affected.