Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service.
The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.
Year established as a nonprofit: 1974
What does your organization do for Ouray County?
The all-volunteer Ouray Mountain Rescue Team provides rescue services for Ouray County and mutual aid for surrounding counties. If the ambulance can’t get to the patient, we get the patient to the ambulance. In 2024, we rescued Jeepers, hikers, canyoneers, a climber on the Via Ferrata and searched for missing hunters.
What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?
It was a busy summer in Ouray. We had 34 rescues from late May to late October. We helped with two fatalities and utilized a medical helicopter six times, with all but one used for vehicle accidents. The vast majority of our patients were visitors to our community. We take pride in helping people on their worst day.
What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?
We are working on wildfire mitigation to protect our rescue barn in Ouray. We are also planning for upcoming training and equipment purchases for the next rescue season.
Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.
We love our amazing supporters. Whether you purchase a shirt, send a donation, purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card, or attend one of our educational events, we are grateful.
To send a donation by mail, send a check to P.O. Box 220, Ouray, CO 81427.
To make an online donation, visit ouraymountainrescue.com.
To set up a legacy or recurring gift, including from donor-advised funds or appreciated stock or real estate, contact jenny@ouraymountainrescue.com.
Thank you to Jenny Hart and the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team’s website for this information.
