The Redside Foundation is extending mental health resources to river, hunting, and wilderness guides operating across Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado, according to reporting by idahocapitalsun.com. The Idaho-based nonprofit addresses a critical gap in care for outdoor professionals who work in remote areas with limited access to traditional healthcare.
Shannon Walton, the foundation’s executive director, highlighted the severity of the crisis in these regions. She noted that the areas served have some of the highest suicide rates in the lower 48 states, alongside significant substance abuse issues and widespread firearm access.
“There’s a lot going on underneath that – the loneliness, depression, thoughts of suicide and high levels of substance abuse,” Walton told the Idaho Capital Sun.
The foundation was established in 2010 following the death of guide Telly Evans. Its name references a rapid on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, known for its sockeye salmon runs. The Middle Fork is considered one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the contiguous United States and a premier destination for guided trips.
Kami Bakken, a river guide who lives in Jackson Hole with a seasonal home in McCall, relies on these services. He leads groups of up to 24 people downriver for weeks at a time, often working continuously for three months or more. The isolation and physical demands of the job can take a toll on mental well-being.
“I don’t know if I would be here without Redside,” Bakken told the Idaho Capital Sun.
Beyond counseling, the foundation provides practical support including healthcare access, financial planning, and housing assistance. These services aim to stabilize the lives of guides who often face seasonal income fluctuations and transient living conditions.
For Idahoans concerned about community health resources, local organizations are also addressing broader needs. The Eastern Idaho Food Bank is highlighting resources for struggling families during Hunger Action Month, as noted in recent coverage by Bannock County News. Additionally, the state has seen increased support for veterans through initiatives like the Idaho Honor Flight, which launched its first trip to Washington D.C.