Access to Alcohol and Other Drugs
 
According to self reported data from Gunnison County 6-12 graders, 52% feel it would be "easy" or "sort of easy" to get beer, wine or liquor. That percentage jumps to 86% for seniors.  Additionally, in focus groups we have done with high school students we are regularly told how easy it is for teens to get not only alcohol, but marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs. Because of this issue of easy access GCSAPP has begun to work on a campaign to address the issue of easy access to alcohol and other drugs. 
 

Gunnison participated in the National RX Drugs Take Back Day on September 25, 2010 and collected 81 pounds of old and unused medications.

Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is rapidly increasing.  In Gunnison County 22% of high school students have reported taking someone else's prescription drugs. Nationally, abuse of others' prescriptions is now ranked second after marijuana use by teens. Pain relievers such as OxyContin and Vicodin are the most commonly abused prescription drugs by teens. Nationally, 47% of teens reported getting prescription drugs from friends for free while another 10% took them from family members.

News and links about prescription drug abuse: 

A Wave of Addiction and Crime: Medicine Cabinet to Blame NYT 9/23/10

Painkillers such as Percocet Can Push Everyday People into Risky Addiction Washington Post 8/24/10

FDA Looks to Curb Abuse of Cough Medicine. ABC News 8/31/10

The New Drug Crisis: Addiction by Prescription. Time Magazine 9/13/10

DEA National Take Back Day.

PrescriptionDrugAbuse.org

Social Host Ordinance

These are local ordinances that make it illegal for adults to knowingly host parties for underage youth with alcohol available.  On June 8, 2010 the Gunnison City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that will impose fines and potential jail time for adults who knowingly host parties for underage youth.   Additionally, violators will have to pay a $50 surcharge to Safe Ride. On February 7, 2011 the Town of Crested Butte also passed a Social Host Ordinance.GCSAPP will also work with Mt. Crested Butte and Gunnison County to introduce similar language in these additional local jurisdictions.
 
Links for Social Host Ordinance:
 

 
Other Activities to Reduce Access

  • GCSAPP also has a social marketing campaign to make adults in the community aware of their liability if they serve minors other than their own kids.  Colorado state law imposes jail time, fines and loss of license if an adult provides minors with alcohol.  They can also face civil charges from families if the minor is involved in an accident after getting alcohol from the adult. In the City of Gunnison adults can now be cited with the Social Host Ordinance.
  • We've placed posters in all area liquor stores with messages reminding adults not to serve minors.  The campaign was called: "FREE BEER! That is what your kids may think if you aren't keeping track of your liquor."
  • We are also working with the Gunnison High School Student Leadership Class on developing a brochure for college students and adults with information on the liability and consequences of serving or purchasing for minors.
  • The Tobacco Steering Committee held a retailers lunch in November 2010 to educate and work with retailers on reducing access to tobacco products by youth.