About GCSAPP

Coalition Group ShotThe Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention (GCSAPP) is a project currently funded through a 5 year federal Drug Free Communities Grant which is funded by the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In the summer of 2006 the project started through a state Colorado Prevention Partners grant. At that time a coalition of residents, professionals, and youth was formed to work on impacting community level change throughout the valley. The group went through the SPF-SIG coalition building process which included planning through assessment, building capacity, planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability.

The coalition is a strong group representing varied interests in the valley including County Commissioners, Gunnison Watershed School District, Gunnison and Crested Butte Police Departments, Department of Health and Human Services, District and Municipal Courts, Mental Health Center, Western State College, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Gunnison Country Partners, Gunnison Area Restorative Practices, and many interested citizens and youth.

All of the GCSAPP efforts to reduce and prevent substance abuse are based in current research and evidence-based practices.

Executive Committee

  • At Large - Rob Whiting-City of Gunnison Police Department
  • At Large- Scott Cantril - Director of Student Health & Wellness (WSCU)
  • At Large- Margaret Wacker- Gunnison County Public Health
  • At Large Jen Oberling - Parent Champion
  • Kari Commerford - Director of Juvenile Services
  • Betty Sue Gurk - Prevention Specialist II - Clinical
  • Emily Mirza - Youth Programming Coordinator
  • John Powell - Data and Communications Coordinator