Routt County is well-served by Mind Springs Health in Steamboat Springs. And it’s reassuring that Mind Springs broke ground in September 2017 on its new state-of-the-art West Springs Hospital in Grand Junction and a ribbon-cutting for the new facility was held last week. Yet, the local community very much needs private beds where people who are experiencing mental health issues – including people exhibiting suicidal tendencies – can be safe and secure.

President and CEO of Mind Springs Health Sharon Raggio said last year that the need for the regional facility in Grand Junction is urgent, and it will certainly save lives.

Now, UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, with the support of $150,000 from its community foundation of the same name, has begun building two safe rooms toward the rear of its emergency department. Steamboat Today reported this week the rooms are due for completion in February.

Read more at Steamboat Today.