Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the ASPEN FAQ Page!

We understand that you may have questions, and we’re here to provide you with answers and guidance. 

This FAQ page is designed to address common queries and provide you with the information you need to make the most of ASPEN’s services and offerings. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a first responder, a student, or anyone else interested in ASPEN, you’ll find valuable insights and solutions right here. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for personalized assistance.

Clarification of Terms:

  • ASPEN – Online resource directory and mental health screening tool. (multiple development grants)
  • Aspen Network Inc. – The nonprofit organization formed in 2023 to create a sustainable organization to support ASPEN maintenance and expansion. (Jefferson Foundation Transformation Grant)

ASPEN History and 501C3 Formation:

To create a sustainable organization and to support program maintenance and expansion.
Now ASPEN tools are available to more youth and adults who need it. ASPEN Network Inc., a non-profit/501c3 was formed, opening more funding streams and the ability to expand.

ASPEN Network Inc. was formed in 2023. The virtual tools ASPEN provides were developed through generous grant funding under the Jefferson County Health Department between 2018 and 2023.

While the ASPEN program was still under the Jefferson County Health Department, in 2022 the Jefferson Foundation awarded dedicated funds to plan for sustainability and expansion of ASPEN services. The award included funds to pay full time staff to maintain ASPEN activities and research sustainability options, pay consulting and attorney fees to develop legal documents and promote marketing materials to use with parents and students for schools fully implementing ASPEN. The Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) Board of Directors in August of 2023 voted to move ASPEN assets to the ASPEN Network Inc. non-profit to enable expansion beyond Jefferson County and opportunities for additional funding.

Community Resource Directory and General Questions:

ASPEN requests location permissions each time the user accesses certain features, like the resource directory.


In the case of ASPEN’s mobile-friendly resource directory the location service is used only to help users quickly find resources near them. The user can choose to grant permission for location information.


ASPEN does not store location information through the resource directory from these requests. If a user denies the location service request or simply doesn’t use the feature, no location information is accessed at all.

School and Youth Related Questions:

Your student’s information in ASPEN can only be viewed by the student, and appropriate school staff such as an assigned school counselor. In the event a student completes a questionnaire after hours and there is an elevated risk a 24/7 counselor may have limited access to the student and parent/guardian contact information to contact the family.

ASPEN does not single out any children or groups of students to provide access. When a school is using ASPEN, school staff may reach out to families about the program.

Yes, you can withdraw consent for your student to participate in the ASPEN program at any time by going to the parent/guardian agreement and checking the “I do NOT give permission box or by contacting info@aspennetworkinc.org. If you remove consent your student will not be able to gain access again unless you comply.

Because ASPEN does not store records of specific student care or treatment, information is not stored to be “sealed” or “unsealed” for a court. Student screening responses fall under the participating school’s student records policy and FERPA. 

Access to minor’s screening responses is limited strictly to the counselors or personnel assigned to that minor’s specific school or organization, except in emergency situations that require more intensive care. Parents may receive a PDF summary of these screening responses if requested or recommended. 

Have more questions?