“Mental Health in Crisis: A Community Conversation on Compassion, Action, and Hope”
Durango, CO — A powerful and timely community event will take place on Thursday, May 15, at 6:00 p.m., when La Plata County Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton delivers a keynote address focused on the mental health crisis affecting communities across Colorado and the nation. Hosted by Writers on the Range, the event will occur at the Fort Lewis College – Center for Innovation, 835 Main Avenue, on the second floor of the Main Mall in Durango. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
This community gathering— “Mental Health in Crisis: A Community Conversation on Compassion, Action, and Hope”—will provide a space for honest conversation, real stories, and information on innovative responses already making a difference. Commissioner Porter-Norton will share regional data, personal experiences, and insights from her public leadership and behavioral health advocacy work, highlighting opportunities for attendees to engage, support, and take action.
Event Details:
· WHAT: Keynote by Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton
· WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m)
· WHERE: Fort Lewis College – Center for Innovation, 835 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81122
· WHO:
o Keynote Speaker: Marsha Porter-Norton, La Plata County Commissioner
o Introduction by: David Marston, Publisher, Writers on the Range
o Hosted by: Writers on the Range
Why It Matters:
As mental health emergencies surge in rural and urban areas alike, this event brings the issue to the forefront, offering awareness, hope, tools, and examples of what’s working locally and regionally. Commissioner Porter-Norton will address the role of leadership, the power of reducing stigma, and the urgent need for collaboration across sectors, communities, and families.
Topics will include:
· Regional mental health trends and personal stories from Southwest Colorado
· The impact of upcoming potential Medicaid reductions on behavioral health services
· Community-led solutions, such as walk-in crisis clinics and mental health co-responder programs
· How to support someone in crisis—even when the system feels broken
· The importance of self-care, connection, and compassion
An audience engagement segment and Q&A will follow the keynote.
Visuals & Interviews:
· Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton will be available for interviews before or after the event.
· Resource tables, take-home materials, and contact information for support services will be provided.
About Marsha Porter-Norton:
Marsha Porter-Norton is a second term La Plata County Commissioner and a native of Lewis, CO. With a background in social work and over 20 years as a nonprofit leader and facilitator, she brings both professional and personal passion to the work of improving community well-being. Marsha is a founding member of the SouthWEST Opioid Response District (SWORD), works closely with tribal governments, and is an ex-officio member of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. Her advocacy spans affordable housing, water, wildfire mitigation, and behavioral health. One of her earliest roles was with the Mental Health Association of Colorado (now Mental Health Colorado), and today, she remains a leading voice for reducing stigma and expanding access to care.
Writers on the Range supports independent journalism in the West by collaborating with regional essayists and thought leaders. We provide editorial content to publications at no cost, covering economic, cultural, and legislative issues related to natural resources and public lands. For more information, visit www.writersontherange.org or contact David Marston at [email protected].