TORRINGTON, Wyo. (May 29, 2025) - Banner Torrington Community Hospital is marking Mental Health Awareness Month by highlighting its innovative community partnerships that have transformed mental health care delivery in Goshen County.
Ingrid Long, chief executive officer of Banner Torrington Community Hospital, noticed an increasing number of patients arriving at the emergency room in mental health crisis over recent years. Recognizing that the process for seeking help was complicated, Long was determined to find a better solution.
"These people are in the worst time of their lives, this should be simple," said Long. "We needed to ask ourselves: How can we serve our mission and make this easier?"
With a longstanding passion for mental health awareness and treatment, Long reached out to the community for collaboration. Today, the hospital has established partnerships with local law enforcement, the school district, the county attorney, the mayor, the community mental health center and other stakeholders.
"Before these partnerships, everyone worked in their own silo," Long explained. "Now, we hold quarterly meetings to streamline processes. Our goal is to help people before they reach crisis by identifying potential needs earlier and connecting them with community resources."
Melanie Wolfe, associate director of behavioral health services at Community Hospital, emphasizes the importance of early intervention.
"Learning happens when we're not in crisis,” she said. “If we start to notice we are not feeling as well mentally, it’s best to get intervention when symptoms start versus when we are in crisis."
The impact of these partnerships has been significant. Previously, emergency room wait times for behavioral health patients could be lengthy, creating challenges for both staff and patients. Now, the average length of stay has been substantially reduced.
The collaborative approach extends to youth mental health as well. The hospital partners with the school district to provide comprehensive care for juveniles, incorporating support from parents, teachers, counselors and hospital staff.
"I really tried to put myself in the patient's shoes," said Long. "Goshen County has many people who want to help. We have numerous counselors inside and outside the Banner network, plus online resources."
Long emphasizes that mental health care should be viewed as an essential component of overall health.
"We as a community need to advocate that mental health care is health care and is part of your whole well-being,” Long said. “This is just as important as your diabetes medication."
Banner Health has also implemented a mental health program across its system, providing staff with access to free mental health services. Long believes more employees are utilizing these resources as awareness grows.
"We keep talking about it, inside and outside the hospital walls," said Long. "We keep re-educating because we need to break the stigma."
Banner Torrington Community Hospital welcomes additional community partners to join their quarterly meetings.
Long added, "Different voices around the table have made us successful, and we'd love to include more.”
About Torrington Community Hospital
Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyo., is operated by Banner Health, one of the nation's largest nonprofit health care systems with 33 hospitals in six states including Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Community Hospital offers obstetrics, general surgery, oncology, inpatient and outpatient diagnostics, rehabilitation services, community wellness and emergency care. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/torrington.
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Banner Torrington Community Hospital staff recently recognized the Torrington Police Department for its collaboration and partnership. Pictured from left to right: Officer Stephen Easton; Ingrid Long, TCH CEO; Keely Leo, TCH executive assistant; Levi Keener, TCH director of clinical operations; and Officer Patrick Connelly.
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