Community Invited to Provide Input on Mental Health in Gunnison County

On March 23, Gunnison Valley Health, the Gunnison County Community Health Coalition and CB State of Mind will host Mental Health Matters: A Community Conversation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gunnison Arts Center. The discussion will focus on mental health in the community and be an opportunity to share input on availability of services and support.

Gunnison Valley Health’s Foundation Executive Director and Community Well-Being Liaison, Jenny Birnie, said that this important conversation is a continuation of a dialogue that began in November.

“We initially hosted Mental Health Matters in Crested Butte in November of 2021,” Birnie said. “We had a large turnout and received an incredible amount of insight and feedback from a diverse group of community members. Their experiences, perspectives and ideas were invaluable so we thought it was imperative that we offer the same opportunity in Gunnison.”

Mental Health Matters: A Community Conversation will focus on three main topics:

• The state of mental health and substance abuse in our community.
• What should be done to effectively reduce the stigma of mental health?
• What steps should be taken to unveil a stigma reduction campaign?

Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided and the format will be a facilitated conversation that allows for everyone to share their thoughts and provide input in a safe and respectful space.

“Conversation surrounding behavioral health can often be difficult and emotional for those whose lives have been touched by mental health and substance use issues,” Birnie said. “I was moved by the personal experiences shared at the event in Crested Butte. Hearing firsthand how this impacts individuals and their loved ones is critical to the success of any behavioral health initiative.”

The feedback garnered at the Mental Health Matters events will be utilized with the recent Behavioral Health Needs Assessment by the Community Health Coalition as they continue to plan initiatives and services in Gunnison County that support everyone’s health and well-being.

If you have questions about the Mental Health Matters event, contact Jenny Birnie at jbirnie@gvh-colorado.org or 970-642-8400.