High Country Peer Support Coalition was born out of a need to connect established Peer Support Teams in the mountain region. Mountain folks understand mountain folks and through the peer teams, we can now help out our neighbors when we are needed.
Mission
To strengthen the resilience and well-being of first responders by connecting established peer support teams across counties, ensuring rapid, compassionate, and professional support during times of critical stress and crisis.
Our Model
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Regional Coalition: 11 counties collaborate under one unified network.
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Mutual Aid Deployment: When one county’s first responders are impacted by a critical incident, neighboring county peer support teams are activated to respond.
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Neutral & Trusted: Responders from outside the impacted agency reduce stigma and encourage open conversations.
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Clinician Integration: Licensed mental health professionals are available to provide additional support, debriefings, and referrals.
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Shared Training & Standards: All peers trained to consistent protocols (ICISF, CISM, suicide awareness, resilience).
Why It Matters
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Critical Incidents Don’t Respect County Lines: Fires, accidents, law enforcement shootings, and mass casualty events impact responders across jurisdictions.
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Rapid Response = Greater Impact: Timely peer support reduces trauma, stress injury, and long-term burnout.
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Community Trust: Healthy responders build safer, stronger communities.
How It Works
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Incident Occurs → Agency notifies Coalition Coordinator.
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non emergency number
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Emergency number - This is a paging system. The RP can leave a message here with situation details and the on-call coordinator will respond 0-5 minutes for further information.
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Activation → Coordinator will contact the Lead Peer Coordinator and Peer support teams from neighboring counties are deployed within 0-24 hours.
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On-Site Support → Peers provide one-on-one and group support; clinicians available as needed.
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Follow-Up → Continued check-ins and referrals for long-term wellness.
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Benefits
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Shared Resources → No county carries the burden alone.
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Consistency → Standardized training ensures high-quality, professional support.
Stronger Together → Coalition model strengthens regional resilience and builds trust across first responder communities.