Purpose

GCSAPP is a community coalition that promotes healthy youth and families in the Gunnison Valley by increasing protective factors and reducing risk factors.

The purpose of the GCSAPP is to provide youth and family engagement, education, healthy activities and multi-systems implementation services to youth and their families so they can stay connected with their family and community, make healthy choices, resiliently respond to stress in healthy ways and delay the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Mission

The mission of GCSAPP is to utilize evidence-based strategies and community mobilization to reduce substance use by youth in Gunnison so youth can become healthy, stable and productively involved in their communities.

GCSAPP’s unified definition of prevention

“Prevention is a process that promotes healthy youth, parents and communities. The GCSAPP coalition uses education, policy and programming informed by community data, needs and culture to promote protective factors and reduce risk factors”.

GCSAPP' Strategic Plan 2025-2030

GCSAPP 2025 Coalition Meetings

• Dates:  February 5th, March 5th (Crested Butte), April 2rd, June 4th, August  20th, October 8th, and December 10th.   
• Time: 12-1:30pm 
• Location: Ann Zugelder Building 

Coalition meetings are open to all community members. Lunch is provided. Spanish interpretation services provided. 

GCSAPP had a Sustainability Subcommittee that primarily supports with Choice Pass fundraising, a Positive Youth Development Subcommittee/Choice Pass Subcommittee, and a Media Campaigns Subcommittee. 

Email Emily Mirza, GCSAPP Program Manager, emirza@gunnisoncounty.org to be added to the distribution list, to join the coalition, or to join a subcommittee.

GCSAPP Youth Coalition 

GCSAPP youth group meets monthly in Gunnison and Crested Butte.  All 6th-12th grade youth are welcome to join. We work on efforts including youth events, Youth Wellness, and other identified areas/projects.  

Email Emily Mirza, GCSAPP Program Manager, emirza@gunnisoncounty.org  join or fill out the application.

Youth Coalition Application

Focus Areas:

• Choice Pass - celebrating youth for making healthy choices
• Sources of Strength - youth led suicide and bullying prevention
• Education on Toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Family Friendly Business Policies 
• Supporting healthy communities through substance free events 
• Parent and community education and training 
• Social media, radio, and newspaper messaging
• Marijuana and prescription drug drop boxes
• Vape Disposal 
• Life skills education with 4th-12th grade youth
• Supporting youth groups including GSAs, Cultural Leadership Groups, Youth Wellness, and Youth Coalition
• Youth Drivers Education  
• Positive Youth Development 
• Prosocial community events 

Parent and Community Education Series 

GCSAPP brings educational opportunities to our community for parents and trusted adults on anything and everything related to raising a young person. Connect with other likeminded parents and community members and learn how to support our teens. Education events are monthly from November to May. Join us for in person events and share a meal. We also over vents virtually. Learn more about what is being offered this year HERE!

Choice Pass

What is Choice Pass?

The Choice Pass is a program designed with one thing in mind: engage students in making healthy choices. The Choice Pass is offered annually to students in 6^th through 12^th grade. Once enrolled, students can participate in numerous healthy activities. Some Choice Pass perks include: discounted passes to CBMR, Gunnison Recreation Center, and skill based programs such as avalanche safety courses, backpacking, leaderships courses, and much more offered by our nearly 60 community business partners and sponsors throughout the Gunnison Valley. With so many community partnerships, Choice Pass assists students in making healthy choices.

Additionally, Choice Pass is a tool for parents to use when encouraging their youth to live a healthy and substance free lifestyle.

Email choicepass@gunnisoncounty.org or visit  www.choicepass.net for more info.

Learn more or sign up for Choice Pass here. 

Parent Resources

Parents: GCSAPP has your back! Transitioning from childhood to adolescence can be hard for parents and kids alike. It is imperative to continue to foster a strong relationship with your kid(s). GCSAPP is here to support the tough conversations that will help your child transition into the next phases of his or her life successfully. From our work in classrooms, Choice Pass, Parent Education Dinners, and this website, GCSAPP is here to support you.

GCSAPP Parent Guide

• GCSAPP Parent Guide (English) (PDF)
• GCSAPP Parent Guide (Spanish) (PDF)

Community Data & Presentation

GCSAPP, in conjunction with the Gunnison Watershed School District, collects Healthy Kids Colorado Survey information each year. We then compile the students self-reported data in order to direct our efforts based on specific needs. We have several presentations and various reports to share.

Get Involved!

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, summer work or an internship contact emirza@gunnisoncounty.org.