What is the GCSAPP?

The GCSAPP is a project funded through a 4 year state grant that identified Gunnison County as one of 14 counties in the state at highest risk for substance abuse.

In the summer of 2006, a coalition of 25 residents, professionals and youth was formed to work on impacting community level change throughout the Valley. All of the GCSAPP efforts to reduce and prevention substance abuse are based in current research and evidence-based practices.

This working group has engaged in extensive surveying and research throughout and from those results, developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan which currently guides the coalition’s efforts.

Members of the working group include the following community groups: County Commissioners, Crested Butte Marshall’s Office, Gunnison District Court, Gunnison High School students, Gunnison School District, Gunnison Police Department, Gunnison Office of Public Health, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Health and Human Services, Juvenile Diversion, Lake Preschool, Mental Health Center of Gunnison, Municipal Court, Multicultural Office Partners, Restorative Justice, Social Justice Committee, St. Peter’s Church, Union Congregational Church, Western State College. The group also includes citizens interested in the prevention of underage drinking in Gunnison County.

Some highlights of the GCSAPP’s work include:

• "Now is the Time" Campaign- We launched a social marketing campaign targeting parents of 5th to 8th graders. This campaign encourages parents to talk with their children about drugs and alcohol now.

• Hired a School District Prevention Liaison- This is a collaborative funding effort to hire a District Prevention Liaison Officer to coordinate prevention efforts throughout the schools.

• Supporting Prevention in Higher Education- We are supporting prevention efforts being implemented at Western State College including efforts to educate students on liability issues associated with serving alcohol to minors.

• Engaging the Multi-Cultural Community- We schedule regular meetings with multicultural representatives and outreach efforts such as a Gran Cena to share information on substance use in the community.

• Training Opportunities- We are partnering with local law enforcement to provide TIPS training. TIPS is an alcohol education program that has been proven to reduce high risk drinking behavior. This training is being offered to high school and college students as well as bartenders and servers in local establishments.

• "Know your liability"- We provide information and education for adults on the liability associated with providing alcohol to minors.

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