What sets Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics apart from other emergency
medical service departments?
Their service area is 4,400 square miles - the largest response zone in
the State of Colorado. A typical Fire or Emergency Medical Services District
is 100 - 400 sq. mi.
The 24/7 professional staff respond to calls for help related to acute
injuries and illnesses, as well as backcountry rescues.
The team has individuals certified in swift water rescue, ice rescue, avalanche
rescue, wildland firefighting, HAZMAT, emergency planning and rope rescue.
They are the only emergency medical service in the state cleared to transport
and administer blood on ambulances; many personnel are flight paramedic
certified; and the paramedics have specialized training to intubate and
place patients on ventilators on scene before arriving at the hospital.
They closely partner with the Crested Butte Fire Protection District Paramedics
serving Crested Butte and the north end of the Gunnison Valley on mutual
aid emergencies, a regular occurrence during peak summer and winter seasons.
They provide transfers to Gunnison Valley Hospital, as well as critical
care interfacility transports (IFTs) to hospitals in Montrose, Grand Junction
and Denver.
They deliver some of the best service in the State of Colorado within the
critical care scope of practice and were honored as Colorado’s EMS
Ambulance Service of the Year and Physician Excellence in EMS in 2020.
How will the capital campaign be managed?
Jenny Birnie, Executive Director, Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, will
work with the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Board of Directors and
Jason Amrich, CEO, Gunnison Valley Health, to manage and execute the capital campaign.
How are Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics funded and what is their annual budget?
Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics are not tax funded like fire and police
departments. They are funded by Gunnison Valley Health and insurance reimbursements.
The annual operating budget is $1.6 million, but this does not include
capital expenditures such as a new building.
Why not remodel the existing building?
The existing building and location are inadequate for remodel or expansion.
The aged existing station is a steel prefab modular shell originally built
for housing fewer and smaller ambulances, far less equipment, and a small
fraction of the current staff. Additionally, the current location is too
small to allow for needed expansion and also has entrance and egress issues
for the ambulances that negatively impact response time and pose safety
issues for the emergency responders and the public.
What will be the positive impacts of the new building?
A larger, updated station on the Gunnison Valley Health campus will:
Improve patient response time to 911 calls -saving lives
Improve patient safety, satisfaction rates and outcomes
Expand services, including training for the community
Support the safety, health and well-being of the responders
Improve accessibility to and visibility of the Emergency Medical Services
Department
Help our rural community to recruit and retain health professionals
Why a capital campaign?
Community members of the Gunnison Valley are the ones most likely to benefit
from the improved services that will be made possible by a new building.
As health care costs continue to rise, while reimbursement dollars shrink,
health care providers must raise the money needed to operate and be able
to serve their community over the long term. Also, the capital campaign
will broaden the fundraising potential of the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation
by cultivating long-term donor relationships in the community.
Who is being asked to support the campaign?
The focus of the campaign is to partner with Gunnison Valley full-time
and part-time residents, while also pursuing funding opportunities with
local government, private foundations and businesses.
I live in Crested Butte. Why would I support this campaign?
Supporting Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics benefits everyone in the Gunnison
Valley - even if your home is in Crested Butte, Mt. Crested Butte, CB
South or anywhere north of Round Mountain. Download this
document to find out some of the reasons why you need to support this campaign.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation is an IRS designated nonprofit
501(c)(3) organization. Gifts and donations are tax deductible in accordance
with state and federal regulations. In addition, individuals who pay Colorado
State Income Tax are eligible for an Enterprise Zone tax credit on their
Colorado return. Donations of $100 or more earn a 25% tax credit.
Why $12 million?
The goal of the capital campaign is currently set at $12 million. The goal
is intended to cover the following projected expenses:
Architect fees for the new building
Contractor fees and building construction costs
Furniture, fixtures and equipment for the building
Campaign fundraising and marketing costs
What are the plans for donor recognition and naming opportunities?
There are multiple spaces in the new station available for naming rights.
In addition, individuals and businesses will be publicly thanked and recognized
on a donor thank you wall.
