“The importance of the Community Health Needs Assessment cannot be
understated. We are constantly looking for ways to increase access and
provide the services people need locally. Hearing from the community helps
us to direct our resources to the areas that will have the greatest impact.”
Jason Amrich, Gunnison Valley Health CEO
The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) provides a comprehensive
look at the most pressing health challenges facing Gunnison County. Through
community input, data analysis, and regional collaboration, the assessment
identifies key gaps in services and opportunities to better align resources
with community needs.
The assessment identified four priority areas impacting the health and
well-being of local residents: specialty care, preventive care, behavioral
health, and housing. Many residents continue to travel outside the county
for specialty services, often due to limited awareness or availability
of local options. Preventive care gaps persist, particularly in cancer
screenings, driven by cost, insurance barriers, and access challenges.
Behavioral health remains a critical concern, with elevated suicide rates
and substance use highlighting the need for expanded, integrated services
and early intervention. Additionally, housing instability emerged as a
significant social determinant of health, with rising home costs and wage
disparities placing increased strain on individuals and families across
the community.
“The importance of the Community Health Needs Assessment cannot be
understated. We are constantly looking for ways to increase access and
provide the services people need locally. Hearing from the community helps
us to direct our resources to the areas that will have the greatest impact.”
