Marcie Mitchell is the Executive Director of Aspire, a local organization that provides medical services and education to expectant Archuleta County mothers and new parents.  According to the organization’s website, aspirepagosa.org, Aspire (formerly operated under the name Thrive) is the d/b/a of Pagosa Crisis Pregnancy Center, Inc, a not-for-profit corporation located at 608 S. 8th Street in downtown Pagosa Springs.
 
Marcie explained that Aspire is a “pro-family” organization, but not political.  It provides counselling to pregnant women regarding options, but does not refer for abortions.  It is dedicated to supporting infant health and development physically, socially and emotionally with a variety of services provided to expectant mothers and families through early childhood.  Among its services are pregnancy testing and ultrasound examinations, prenatal care, education, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
 
In 2018, Aspire provided a total of 3000 services to 278 local individuals, Marcie related, and provided care and assistance in more than 70% of community pregnancies.   40% of its clients are self-pay, but many require financial help she said, in view of the high local incidence of low-pay employment. 
 
In addition to testing, prenatal care such as dietary support and medical examinations, education in childbirth, finances and parenthood, and support with supplies including vitamins, diapers and wipes are provided.
 
Aspire’s mission, Marcie reported, responds to the wide-spread problems nationally of pre-term birth and low birth-weight.  6% of births in Archuleta County fall short of desired benchmarks in both categories, she added, but these numbers are actually better than national averages.
 
The Aspire staff consists of volunteers, other than herself, Marcie said.  Visit its website to make donations.  As examples, she cited some values: $50 buys diapers and wipes for seven clients, $60 funds a childhood education class, and $100 pays for an ultrasound exam.
 
The organization hosts an annual fund-raising banquet, this year set for August 22 at Centerpoint Church.  The speaker will be a young mother who became pregnant as a 16-year old drug user, but then turned her life around.