The Aspen Ideas Health conference has a new series of discussions that focus on local issues.
It kicks off with a look at the Roaring Fork Valley’s affordable housing crisis and its potential impacts on residents’ health.
The other two discussions will explore the emotional toll of climate change and how to support the mental health of first responders.
Pitkin County’s health department partnered with the Aspen Institute on the series. County commissioner Greg Poschman says the Institute brought in national experts from organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Alliance for Climate Education for the panels.
They’ll be joined by locals like Jackie Skramstad from Mind Springs Health and Rick Balentine from the Aspen Fire Protection District.
"We have the local experts, who are no slouches, I might add," said Poschman. "I think it’s going to make it very exciting for the community."
This marks the first time that the Ideas Festival has turned its lens on the Roaring Fork Valley.
The series is open to the public and takes place at the Pitkin County library Saturday and Sunday.
