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 2023 Coalition Meetings

• Dates: January 11th, February 1st, April 5th, June 7th, August 16th, October 4th, and December 6th.   
• Time: 12pm - 1:30pm 
• Location: Gunnison Public Library
  • 1/11 will be held at the Gunnison Courthouse  

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

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 or call 970-641-7612 to join. 

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
• Social and emotional education with 6th-12th grade youth
• Supporting youth groups including GSAs, Cultural Leadership Groups, Youth Wellness, and Youth Coalition
• Youth Drivers Education  
• Positive Youth Development 

Educational Community Events

Being solution oriented, GCSAPP seeks to bring educational opportunities to our community on topics and issues negatively impacting our community. Connect with other solution oriented community members while learning new skills to enhance our lives and experiences in the Gunnison Valley by attending one of our events. Education events are monthly. 

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, and much more offered by our nearly 40 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 for more info.

What does it take to become a Choice Pass holder?

All students have to do is make a choice to commit to a healthy and substance free lifestyle.

There is NO cost to enroll in the Choice Pass.

*Parents must attend a Choice Pass sign-up night. We know families are busy; that's why we offer six sign-up nights: one in Crested Butte, two in Gunnison (one in English and one in Spanish), one in Lake City and two virtual. You can attend the one most convenient to you. Sign-up nights are held in September and October each year. Unfortunately, if you miss sign-ups your child is not eligible until the following school year. Make sure to keep an eye out in local newspapers, our website, emails, school news letters, and audibly from KBUT.

By simply enrolling, students gain access to local business discounts (around 40 throughout the Gunnison Valley!) and Choice Pass community events.

Once enrolled, students have a selection of opportunities to enjoy- the highlight being a discounted pass at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Learn more or signup 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.